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Pressure Reducing Valves

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to explain how a pressure valve works.

And list common uses of pressure reducing valves.

What is It?

A pressure reducing valve lowers the downstream pressure.

It is often used to limit pressure in pilot operated, directional control valves. The pilot pressure that is required for these valves is usually well below the maximum system pressure.

A pressure reducing valve may also be used to limit cylinder force or limit brake application or release pressure in some mobile machines. These lower pressures help prolong component life. It is desirable overall, to operate sub-circuits and actuators at the lowest pressure that still allows the work to get done.

2020 psi
300 psi
2000 psi
Pressure
Reducing
Valve
Relief
Valve
Pilot pressure should be 300 psiThere is no flow after the pressure reducing valve, just enough to bump the pilot operated, directional control valve over.

Schematic Symbols

Here are a few examples of simple schematic symbols for a pressure reducing valve. Notice that in all cases, the main poppet arrow indicates that the valve is normally open.

P
A
T
P
A
P
A
T

Here's a side-by-side view of a more detailed pilot operated pressure reducing valve symbol and cross-section. Hover your mouse over the drawing below to highlight the corresponding parts.

Detailed Schematic (left) and Cross Section (right) of Pilot Operated Reducing Valve.

This is just a preview!

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