Check Valves My Notes and Calculations

Chapter 10

Check Valves
Objective
This course has been designed to help you understand how different check valves
function and the strategy of where they are used in the system. Check valves are
a simple but important part of a hydraulic system. Simply stated, these valves are
used to maintain the direction that fluid flows through a system. And since check
valves are zero leakage devices, we can use them to lock hydraulic fluid from the
cylinders.
In-Line
In-line check valves are classified as directional control valves because they dictate
the direction flow can travel in a portion of the circuit. Because of their sealing
capability, many designs are considered to have zero leakage. The simplest check
valve allows free flow in one direction and blocks flow from the opposite direction.
This style of check valve is used when flow needs to bypass a pressure valve during
return flow, as a bypass around a filter when a filter becomes clogged, or to keep
flow from entering a portion of a circuit at an undesirable time.

Figure 10.1 Schematic illustrations of check valves

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Check Valves My Notes and Calculations

Pilot-Operated
Because of slight spool leakage on standard directional control valves, a check
valve must be added to the circuit in order to hydraulically lock a cylinder. The
check valve in Figure 10.2 is referred to as a pilot operated check valve.
Unlike a simple check valve, reverse flow is required through the valve to retract the
cylinder. This is accomplished by allowing pilot pressure to act on a pilot piston,
thus opening the check valve and retracting the cylinder.
To extend the cylinder, the check valve allows fluid to flow freely in one direction
and blocks flow in the opposite direction.

Figure 10.2 A pilot operated check valve

DID YOU KNOW?

Pilot operated check valves may be pilot to open or pilot to close. This is
determined by the application.

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Check Valves My Notes and Calculations

SUMMARY
Check valves have zero leakage and are used to maintain the direction that fluid
flows through a system.
In-line check valves are classified as directional control valves.

QUESTIONS
1. Check valves are classified as _____.
a. pressure control valves
b. flow control valves
c. directional control valves
d. bypass valves

2. A pilot operated check valve uses an

external pilot to pass reverse flow
through the valve.
a. True
b. False

3. Check valves are considered to have

_____.
a. much leakage
b. zero leakage
c. little leakage
d. moderate leakage

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