Shock valves pipeline construction
A shock valve is an important safety and protection component in hydraulic systems and protects pipes, components and consumers from pressure peaks. These peaks are often caused by rapid load changes, abrupt stopping of hydraulic cylinders or the use of heavy tools. The shock valve opens at a defined pressure and dissipates excess energy in a controlled manner, thereby preventing damage and increasing the service life of the entire system. In the LöSi® web shop, you will find shock valves for pipeline construction in various pressure ranges, connection variants and designs, suitable for mobile and industrial hydraulic applications.
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What is a Shock Valve in Hydraulics?
A shock valve is the "airbag" for your hydraulic system. Technically, it is a special pressure relief valve, which, however, does not regulate the working pressure, but specifically intercepts pressure peaks.
These peaks often arise in milliseconds due to external forces (e.g., when a snowplow hits a curb) or through the abrupt stopping of heavy loads (mass inertia). The shock valve opens lightning-fast, diverts the excess oil (often into the opposite line), and closes again immediately. It acts as secondary protection directly at the consumer to prevent hoses and seals from bursting.
Advantages of Our Shock Valves
Why is the normal pressure relief valve at the pump not sufficient? Because it is too far away and often too sluggish. Shock valves are located close to the action.
Technical added value for your machine safety:
- Extremely Fast Reaction: Direct-acting valves open in a fraction of a second to dissipate the destructive energy of the pressure wave.
- Component Protection: Prevents mechanical damage to cylinder rods, motor housings, and burst lines.
- Cross-Over Circuit: Many of our models are designed as double shock valves. They divert the oil in case of overload directly from Port A to B (and vice versa), which prevents cavitation (vacuum formation).
- Robustness: Housings made of cast steel or galvanized steel for tough outdoor use.
Typical Areas of Application
A shock valve is indispensable in all applications where "raw forces" act on the hydraulics from the outside:
- Forestry: Wood grapples or cranes striking tree trunks.
- Construction Machinery: Slewing gears of excavators (braking the rotary motion) or travel drives (protection during abrupt stops).
- Municipal Technology: Snowplows ("trip safety" upon obstacle contact).
- Agricultural Technology: Hydraulic top links and reversible plows.
Selection Criteria & Technical Data
The wrong setting renders the valve useless. It must be set "harder" than the main pressure relief valve.
Pay attention to these parameters:
- Setting Pressure: The opening pressure of the shock valve should be approx. 20-30 bar higher than the maximum system pressure of the pump so that it remains tight during normal operation.
- Design: Do you need a line mounting housing (inline) or a flangeable valve (e.g., directly on the hydraulic motor)?
- Function: Single-acting (only one side protected) or double-acting (cross-over relief valve) for cylinders/motors working in both directions?
- Flow: The valve must be able to divert the displaced oil quantity fast enough during a shock.
Select & Order Shock Valve Now
Avoid expensive repairs caused by pressure surges. Discover our range of robust shock and anti-cavitation valves for pipeline construction.
Use our filters by pressure range and connection thread. Select your safety component now and order durability directly online!
