Hydraulic Cartridge Valves

Hydraulic Cartridge Valve Ultimate FQA Guide

A Brief Introduction of hydraulic cartridge valve

The implementation of a hydraulic power system covers aerospace, marine, automotive, mining, and even agriculture, just to name a few.

But without cartridge valves, your hydraulic power unit will not function properly. So even though it has a minute size, hydraulic cartridge valves play a wide range of important roles in any hydraulic powered unit.

So what is a hydraulic cartridge valve anyway?

This guide will help you understand the basic pieces of information about a hydraulic cartridge valve. Not only that, but you will also have the chance to know other components in connection with cartridge valves. We are also going to talk about other valves that are used in a hydraulic system.

Knowing this will help you have a proper judgment as to what cartridge valve you should apply in your hydraulic system.

So let us begin.

What is a Hydraulic Cartridge Valve?

The Basics of a Hydraulic Cartridge Valve

Hydraulic cartridge solenoid valve

As we already have discussed in the introduction, a hydraulic cartridge valve has a vital role in making a hydraulic power system fully operational.

The hydraulic cartridge solenoid valve mounted in a manifold

Hydraulic cartridge valves are mostly found intact or screwed in the cavities of drilled manifolds. Though, it can also be inserted into the singular body of machine elements.

The small compact size of hydraulic cartridge valves will allow quick maneuvers of hydraulic liquids over various passageways of a hydraulic system.

Common Parts of a Hydraulic Cartridge Valve

The internal moving parts of the hydraulic valve mostly consist of:

• a seal or a cover plate,
• a control orifice
• pilot area
• biasing or closing spring
• a cone or valve poppet
• pilot passage
• bushing or sleeve

How do Hydraulic Cartridge Valves work?

 Primary Function of a Hydraulic Cartridge Valve

The application of your cartridge valve depends on what cartridge valve you are using.

But the primary function of a hydraulic cartridge valve is to regulate the opening of the fluid passageway.

Another responsibility of a hydraulic cartridge valve is to pressurize, direct, and control the flow of the hydraulic fluid.

You can even utilize hydraulic cartridge valves to have a leak-free hydraulic system.

Now that you know the basics of a hydraulic cartridge valve such as its definition and primary function, it is time you know the types and designs of a hydraulic cartridge valve.

Why is that important? you may ask.

Knowing the various types of hydraulic cartridge valves will help you identify the specific valve that your application needs.

What are the Different Types and Designs of Hydraulic Cartridge Valve

There are multiple available variations of hydraulic cartridge valve designs. However, these designs have a common format.

For intense, most designs have unidirectional ports which refer to ports A and B. As the fluid enters either port A or port B, it will push the holding poppet making it open.

You see, hydraulic cartridge valves that have this format can be easily utilized in any type of hydraulic unit.

However, after the cartridge valve is screwed into a cavity of a component, it will function like most of the common valves.

The majority of common cartridge valves depend on the physical energy forces that come from their internal parts. Such as the force from friction, pressure, and the force made by the spring.

The term slip-in cartridge valves, 2/2-way valves, and cartridge logic valves are not actually different types of hydraulic valves but can rather refer to a single type of cartridge valve.

But slip-in cartridge valves and screw-in cartridge valves have a few differences.

When you say screw-in cartridge valves, you are referring to valves that are used to help conventional systems that can be easily maintained. These valves can either be in single bodies or inserted into a device.

While the slip-in cartridge valves, on the other hand, are not entirely a general name. This term can be applied limited to a 2-way valve, pilot check valves, or bi-directional valve.

Now you are going to know the different types of cartridge valves including :

• shuttle valves
• solenoid valves
• Flow-control
• counterbalance or load-control valves
• check valves
• pressure relief valves or pressure-reducing valves
• sequence valves

Cartridge Shuttle Valves

A cartridge shuttle valve is a type of hydraulic cartridge valve that allows hydraulic liquid to flow from two distinct sources.

Most cartridge shuttle valves are designed with a ball or a seat as well as a g1 8 mounting thread.

As the fluid creates pressure when entering either end of the tube, it pushes the ball inside making it move to the other end opening. This will prevent fluid backflow from both sources.

ball-type cartridge shuttle valves

You can use a cartridge shuttle valve in various types of applications such as for heavy-duty vehicles, hydraulic winch brake systems, safety instrumented system control, and also for compressor systems.

Cartridge Solenoid Valve

 The most commonly used type of cartridge valve is the solenoid valve.

The use of cartridge solenoid valves is wide-ranging, from home appliances like washing machines, refrigeration systems, to the industrial production line, and also even space rockets.

This device has a body of a valve, while mounted on the top is a block of a solenoid, therefore, making a solenoid valve. The solenoid coil on the top is used to operate the valve at the bottom.

The working principle of a cartridge solenoid valve is to automatically control the fluid flow of a hydraulic system.

The electrical current that passes through the actuator will create an electrical field that will operate the valve. So it basically works by either energizing or de-energizing it.

Then the electrical energy will be converted into mechanical energy.

If energized, it builds up a magnetic field that pulls or pivots either the plunger or the armature in contrast to a spring’s action.

Whereas, if de-energized, the pivoted armature or the pulled plunger will return to its original position.

With these, you can now autonomously and remotely control the flow of fluid in your hydraulic system.

Consider this, if you connect the cartridge solenoid valve to a controller, you can autonomously or remotely operate it with a computer.

That is why a physical involvement to open or close the valve is not needed. This will make your system run smoothly and efficiently.

Cartridge solenoid valves have multiple quite distinctive looks. One example is shown in figure 1, here is another look on the other face of a cartridge solenoid valve.

cartridge solenoid valve

The variation of its shape and sizes depends not only on the capacity of the valve, but also the pressure it’s working with, and even the different internal mechanisms.

With the vastly available designs of cartridge solenoid valves, you can select the specific and suitable valve for your application.

Cartridge Flow Control Valves and Load Control Valves

Cartridge Flow Control Valves

 A cartridge flow control valve that is used in a hydraulic system is a type of valve that regulates the flow of any substance within a medium such as a pipeline.

The major function of a hydraulic cartridge flow control valve involves its ability to control the speed of various hydraulic components, such as the hydraulic motor and cylinder.

This is by means of regulating the flow rate of a specific part of a hydraulic system.

To understand the function of a hydraulic cartridge flow control valve, I will introduce to you some of the components of this valve, as well as its various designs. Each design variation of cartridge flow control valves has a specific purpose.

Two common designs that we are going to briefly talk about are the needle and ball designs.

Cartridge Needle Valve

cartridge needle flow control valve

A cartridge needle flow control valve or simply needle valves consists of a needle and a valve stem. To allow the proper flow rate control, you adjust the needle to completely restrict the flow of fluid, or you can let the fluid flow freely.

Cartridge Ball-Type Flow Control Valves

Pilot to open cartridge flow control ball-type valve

Among the simple options that you can choose is the cartridge ball valve.

It is called a ball valve due to the fact that it has a ball connected to a handle. This ball of the valve has a hole at its center.

If you turn the handle, the hole will align with the cavities of the valve, this will allow the flow of fluid.

When you turn the handle in an upright position, the hole will obstruct the cavities of the valve to obstruct or prevent the flow of fluid.

Other types of flow control valves are the diaphragm valve or membrane valve, and there is also the plug valve design, which has a cylindrical tapered plug.

Now let’s get to know load control valves.

Load-Control Valve

cartridge load-holding valves

Cartridge counterbalance valves or sometimes known as load controlling valves and load-holding valves. Though minute in size, this type of cartridge valve is a crucial component for heavy construction machinery.

There are three major functions of this valve:

The first is to prevent irregular motion on the actuator. This is when the boom of machinery needs to be still for a prolonged period of time.

Counterbalance valves have a poppet that is specifically designed to perfectly restrain any motion. This will give you peace of mind that there is no boom drift that will disturb your job.

Another function of counterbalance valves is giving you complete control over your machine’s actuator.

As its name implies, this cartridge valve provides you a counterbalance control when lowering a load.  Counterbalance valves will also prevent actuators from making undesired movements like running ahead and sudden acceleration.

Third and lastly is the most important function of a counterbalance valve.

The cartridge load-holding valve prevents malfunctions on the actuator when a sudden hose failure occurs.

 As you may already know that the hoses of a hydraulic system are most likely the first component to fail due to its fixed life span.

If there is no counterbalance valve, a sudden free fall of winch or boom could happen, which can result in accidents.

Cartridge Check Valve

The cartridge check valve has multiple known names, some call it a foot valve or retention valve, others know it as a reflux valve, while most people call it as a non-return valve. But based on what it can do, it is much befitting for its name one-way valve.

Why? Because of its one-way design.

This valve is designed to allow any substance especially fluids to flow only in one direction. With this process, there will be no occurrence for liquid backflow.

The idea is to crack pressure into differential upstreams, specifically between its inlet and outlet.

hydraulic cartridge check valve

Even though the valve has two ports, these openings do not serve a similar purpose. As you see, one of the ports is for the entrance of the fluid, while the other port is for the exit route of the fluid.

You can find variously available sizes for your check valve which are made from different types of materials.

As you can see in figure 9, a check valve does not have a stem nor a handle. So basically, it can function automatically without external intervention.

 Cartridge check valves are divided into multiple categories. These categories are somewhat identical in the types of cartridge flow control valves that we discussed earlier.

Such as likes are flow check valves, ball check valves, and diaphragm check valves. For you to know your best option, I am going to teach you other types of check valves, the in-line check valves, lift check valves, and stop-check valves.

In-line Check Valves

In-line cartridge check valves have a spring that will automatically lift if overcome by the cracking pressure that occurs on the valve’s upstream side.

If the pressure goes lower than its cracking pressure level, the spring will close instead of lifting. This process is important in order to prevent any backflow.

Stop Check Valves

This type of cartridge check valve has an override control that can stop the liquid flow, whatever the pressure or the direction of the liquid.

You can mechanically shut off this valve even if the flow of pressure is in forwarding motion. Just for making sure that there will be no backflow.

Lift Check Valve

Obviously, this cartridge check valve has a similar mechanism with in-line check valves. The disc in lift-check valves is liftable when a high flow of pressure enters the inlet and flows out to the valves downstream.

It is easy for the valve to reseat on its original position because there is a guide that maintains the disc motion vertical.

In terms of shutting the valve, this may depend on the gravity or a strong downstream to cause the disc to lower back to its original seat.

There are other types of cartridge check valves that you might want to check like the flapper or clapper valves, as well as the duckbill and the reed valve.

Even if cartridge check valves have various types all these types have common applications. For instance, most of them are used for hydraulic pumps.

Other applications include industrial applications like in the ACS or aircraft hydraulic systems. Domestic use like drip irrigation and washing machines.

Cartridge Pressure Control Valves

 Cartridge Pressure Relief Valves

cartridge pressure control valve

Pressure relief valves are used for safety, not to be confused with safety valves. This type of cartridge valve protects the hydraulic system when an abnormal level of pressure is detected.

For instance, many hydraulic systems used this valve as a primary limiter for a high level of pressure. Without a properly placed relief valve, too much level of pressure could potentially damage a machine or worst, it could possibly make a hose burst. This can result in a catastrophic event.

This is why the valves are commonly used in hydraulic systems in order to prevent over-pressurization.

Remember that this valve is always closed when used and must be operated in a normal condition.

But don’t worry, cartridge relief valves will open as soon as it detects a high level of pressure. When it opens it releases not only the excess pressure but also the generated

Heat and noise in the hydraulic system.

The valves have the ability to check if your oil has an abnormal level of temperature. A verifying system in the setting of the valve is always on target. If the pressure relief valve and the lower oil lines get hot, the valve will open and then dump the oil.

This process is crucial in order to prevent damage to your hydraulic system and even to the surrounding areas.

The cartridge pressure relief valve is usually located next to the hydraulic pump and the reservoir tank.

The material that you should choose for your cartridge relief valves should be compatible with whatever type of liquid your hydraulic system is using.

Application for this relief valve includes pressure vessels, boilers, and a hydraulic system.

Pressure Reducing Valves

cartridge screw-in pressure-reducing valve

Pressure-reducing valves of reducing cartridges have the same features and somewhat have an identical function to pressure control valves. It is developed to survive harsh environments.

Though it is usually named for an open pressure control component. Its design is to reduce the major pressure of the second inlet to reduce the pressure on the main inlet.

In simple terms, a pressure-reducing valve will reduce the flow of pressure that is exiting the port of the device. No matter what change of force the upstream current in the hydraulic system.

Cartridge Sequence Valves

Now we are here at the last type of cartridge valve utilized in a hydraulic system.

We are going to talk now about the cartridge sequence valve. So really is a sequence valve?

cartridge sequence valve

Like the name implies, sequence valves are used when two operations are performed in sequence, that is one operation ends before the other begins.

If your hydraulic system has multiple actuators, implementing sequence order is necessary.

The sequence valve can operate with or without individual switches, control devices, and timers.

You see, a sequence valve is a multifunctional valve that can take multiple roles in a hydraulic system.

The cartridge sequence valve mostly consists of two-way valves. It is identical to direct-acting relief valves, however, spring chambers are exposed externally on the outlet port.

When you close, this type of cartridge valve permits hydraulic liquid or any substance to flow next to mainstream liquid, making it a sequencing process. It is making sure that it finishes its priority function until the beginning of the next process.

You can achieve your desired sequence simply by altering hydraulic cylinders based on the load it should succeed.

The hydraulic cylinder will require minimal pressure in order to move the extends. After the stroke, the pressure within the system will get higher and then stretch to the next one in a sequencing pattern. The hydraulic cylinder’s size will depend on the limitation of the space as well as the required force.

In each occurrence, cartridge sequence valves are utilized to properly operate hydraulic cylinders in a setting.

In some cases, sequence valves have an attached check valve which will enable counter flow from one major system to another.

Even so, the sequencing action will only happen if the flow of liquid will come from the main system and pass to the next system.

There are some cases in which an internal lock will restrict sequencing actions unless the main actuator reaches its determined place. This might happen with remote-controlled operations.

Now that we covered up the important details of the various types of cartridge valves this will surely help determine what specific type of cartridge valve is necessary for you to use in your situation.

There are few other types of hydraulic valves that also fall in the cartridge valve category or within its characteristics. This will include shock valves, servo valves, anti-cavitation valve, pilot-controlled valve, shower cartridge, and more to choose from.

Though the most used and the most basic types of hydraulic valves only consist of these three categories: directional control valves, pressure control valves, and flow control valves.

So after knowing all of this information, where can you buy a legit cartridge valve product?

What Materials Are Used in Manufacturing a Hydraulic Cartridge Valve?

The material that your manufacturer will use in making a hydraulic cartridge valve must be durable enough to survive pressure and temperature. As you may already know, cartridge valves’ common applications expose the valve to corrosion, so it is important to have a corrosion-resistant material.

Like for example, your cartridge valve can be made from various types of metals such as:

• Brass,
• Copper,
• Stainless Steel
• Aluminum
• and Iron.

In some cases, you can have cartridge valves that are made from plastic materials depending on your application.

Thoughtful machining must be utilized when manufacturing cartridge valves in order to ensure a leak-free valve. Some manufacturers add surface protection to your valves, such as applying polish and powder coat, as well as covering it with chrome and nickel plating. This improves the durability and performance of your cartridge valve.

You even can ask your manufacturer to make a custom-made hydraulic cartridge valve that suits your needs.

What are the Hydraulic Cartridge Valve Removal Tools?

Cartridge removal tools that are commonly used include pullers spacer ring puller and thrust plate puller.

cartridge puller

There are some instances where other tools must be utilized such tools may include support handle, expanding collet, tee bar, or slide hammer.

But before extracting the cartridge valves in your hydraulic system, be sure that the system does not have left stored electricity, or else an electric shock accident may happen.

Also, see to it that you drain the accumulator circuit and release the trapped pressure in your hydraulic system.

Where can you find a Legitimate Hydraulic Cartridge Valve Manufacturer?

You can find a lot of hydraulic valve manufacturers available. The multiple important things you should look for when choosing the right manufacturer.

The right manufacturer can provide a cost-effective product with high-quality assurance.

Target Hydraulics is your trusted brand in China. We offer over a decade of expertise in manufacturing high-quality hydraulic cartridge valves.

Target Hydraulics offers cartridge solenoid valves, hydraulic directional valves, hydraulic flow valves, and hydraulic pressure valves.

Our products are thoughtfully made and have undergone in-depth quality check testing.

Contact Us now, we are happy to help find the suitable cartridge valve for your application.

Conclusion

I believe that I finished covering up all the pieces of information that you should know before importing hydraulic cartridge valves.

The insights that you have learned from this guideline will help you thoughtfully determine what you are looking for in a hydraulic cartridge valve.

For more additional information, we at target hydraulics would be happy to assist you in all your hydraulic needs.