Valves fitted inside hydraulic systems in construction and agricultural machinery are mainly responsible for controlling and regulating the flow of fluids. But no two valves are the same. Although their efficient design based on the Thomas modular system (link to infographic) means that the valves look identical on the outside, their many different versions are each the perfect match for a specific set of requirements and customer preferences. This means that, in actual fact, the differences between them are significant.
Thomas’s valves are mainly used in three areas: pilot control for directional spool valves; also gearbox valves, which allow the gears to engage smoothly; and controlling and regulating axial piston pumps. In this first article of three, we take a look at Thomas directional spool valves.
Main stage with PPCD03 NG PPRV fail-safe valve.
Directional spool valves: main-stage pilot control
Modern construction machinery has to carry out tasks and movements with millimeter-level accuracy if it is to be able to work safely and efficiently. The precise pilot control valves from the Thomas Group enable the hydraulic flow to be finely coordinated, thus guaranteeing accurate control of the main stage. This produces the desired even and controlled movements of the machinery’s components during operation.
We work closely with OEMs and system manufacturers when developing our valves in order to ensure robust and safe systems for end customers. Because the real-life conditions that the machinery faces are generally not ideal for the hydraulic components, we also test our valves out in extreme environments, e.g. with contaminated oil. Here too, Thomas’s valves showcase their strength and meet the highest possible safety standards. Our many years’ experience and ongoing further development mean that these qualities come as standard with all our valves.
Fail-Safe valve: PPCD03 NG PPRV
Realize future trends
Users can rely on Thomas’s ultra-reliable valves when controlling their construction machinery because they guarantee continuous and safe operation. As a result, they are opening the door to trends of great future relevance to the off-highway market such as autonomous working, remote-controlled machinery and the use of pioneering safety and security features such as geofencing.
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Safety and avoiding costly downtime are two areas in which absolutely nothing can be allowed to go wrong. This is why extensive testing and consistent quality play such an important role in our development and production. Our valves are really put through their paces, undergoing 10 million complete switching cycles in order to not only meet the stringent requirements of the industry but even to exceed them.”
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