Flow Control Valves
A flow control valve is a precise hydraulic valve that keeps the flow of hydraulic oil constant or adjusts it specifically, regardless of load pressure fluctuations. This enables controlled speed of hydraulic cylinders and motors – a crucial factor for safe and repeatable motion sequences. Flow control valves are indispensable in industrial plants, mobile machines, lifting and conveyor systems, and wherever precise motion control and process stability are required. In the LöSi® web shop, you will find high-quality flow control valves in various designs and connection sizes.
What is a Flow Control Valve?
A flow control valve is the "cruise control" of your hydraulics. Unlike simple throttle valves, whose flow rate drops as pressure increases, the flow control valve keeps the volume flow (and thus the speed) constant – completely independent of the load.
This is made possible by an integrated pressure compensator. It automatically adjusts the opening cross-section to the current pressure conditions. Regardless of whether your forklift is empty or lifting a ton: The lowering speed remains exactly the same. This makes these valves indispensable for precisely controlled movement sequences in automation and mobile hydraulics.
Advantages of Our Flow Control Valves
Rely on process reliability. Where simple throttles fail, our valves ensure smooth movement.
Technical added value at a glance:
- Load Independence: Constant cylinder or motor speed, even with fluctuating working pressure (pressure compensation).
- Energy Efficiency (with 3-way valves): Excess oil is not simply throttled (heat) but can be used for other consumers or diverted pressureless to the tank.
- Fine Adjustment: The flow rate can be adjusted precisely and reproducibly via rotary knobs with a scale.
- Integrated Return: Many models have a check valve (bypass) to allow the free return flow of the oil (e.g., fast retraction of the cylinder).
Typical Areas of Application
Flow control valves are mandatory wherever speed must not be a matter of luck:
- Conveyor Technology: Conveyor belts must run just as fast when loaded as when unloaded.
- Agricultural Technology: Salt spreaders or fertilizer spreaders require constant speeds of the spreader discs for an even spreading pattern.
- Lifting Equipment: Work platforms must not suddenly sag when load is taken up.
- Machine Tools: Constant feed during drilling or milling.
Selection Criteria & Technical Data
Choosing the wrong valve can lead to overheating of the oil.
Decide based on these parameters:
- Design (2-Way vs. 3-Way):
- 2-Way: Installed in the line. Excess must flow off via the pressure relief valve (Caution: Heat generation!).
- 3-Way: Has a third port (tank/forwarding). Excess flows off. More efficient, but must not be mounted in the return line.
- Control Range: Select the range (e.g., 0-60 l/min) so that your desired value is easily adjustable.
- Connection Type: Subplate mounting (CETOP) for control blocks or pipe installation (threaded BSP/Metric)?
- Excess Flow: For 3-way valves: Should the excess flow be usable under pressure (for a second consumer)?
Select & Order Flow Control Valve Now
Bring precision to your oil flow. Discover our range of pressure-compensated valves for every flow rate.
Use our filters for 2-way/3-way and connection size. Inform yourself now and order constant speed!
