A source for additional reading
can be found here
A GUIDE TO HYDRAULIC SYMBOLS
The default standard for hydraulic symbols is
ISO 1219-1:2012 although it is often only used
as a guide for the creation of symbols.
it is worthwhile understanding the different elements Typical symbol of
that make up a hydraulic symbol....... a relief valve
An arrow within the symbol means Spring
that the component setting can be
adjusted Detent - when the component is operated
it stays in position untill moved again. 3 position detent
This is a 2 position detent
Air actuated Hydraulic actuated
Lever actuated Roller actuated
Solenoid controlled
Solenoid actuated Rotary actuation Push to actuate hydraulic pilot actuated
Electro-proportional
solenoid actuated
- Position is proportional
to electronic signal
A good source for further reading CONTROL OF PRESSURE
can be found here
RELIEF VALVES
To system This is how the symbol To system
Relief valves are used to limit the pressure would look if the pressure
Typical relief valve in the line reached the setting
in a circuit or part of a circuit and are available Symbol is always drawn
in many variations. of the valve.
in non actuated As you can see the arrow through
condition Ball valve the valve has moved Ball valve
When a relief valve opens the energy
in the fluid is discharge in the form of heat open Remember the symbol is never closed
depicted in this state on a circuit
i.e. a relief valve opening at 200 bar & 50 Lpm drawing
will create 16.66 Kw of heat - so it is possible
for an open relief valve to "cook" the fluid in the
system reservoir by causing overheating. I have
seen paint peeling from the reservoir due to this !
Pressure Pressure
To tank To tank
Direct acting adjustable Direct acting non-adjustable
Pilot operated adjustable Pilot operated adjustable
"kick down" or latching Air-controlled, pilot operated
Air-controlled, direct-acting Electro-proportiona
Ventable, pilot operated Ventable, pilot operated
external drain control
Direct acting relief valves (adjustable & non-adjustable) applications
Bi-rotational motor
Dual X over direct acting relief valves
provide fast overpressure protection
in both directions
Direct acting relief valves are the cheapest and simplest option for pressure protection in circuits however they have good
and bad points which make them more suited to some conditions than others.
1. They tend to open or "flutter" when the system pressure is close to their setting (not so good)
2. They can be noisy in operation (not so good)
3. They open very quickly in reaction to high pressure spikes (good)
They are best suited for applications which could produce very high pressure spikes such as the example above which is a
boat bow thruster drive - If the thruster propeller were to suddenly jam the direct acting reliefs will react very quickly to
prevent damage to components.
The pressure at which the valve opens can be adjusted and is usually within a certain range depending on the model No of
the valve (say between 40 & 200 bar).
Non adjustable versions are often used by manufacturers on equipment in which the pressure setting is well known from
experience or where they do not wish to allow the possibility of casual adjustment by operators.
If you have any doubts about the application discuss your application with the manufacturer or supplier who should
always be willing to advise you.
CONTROL OF PRESSURE
RELIEF VALVES
Pilot operated adjustable Pilot operated non- adjustable
Pilot operated adjustable relief valve
(Control of pressure)
Pump
Electric motor
(Prime mover)
M
Reservoir
(Accessory)
Suction strainer
(Accessory)
Normally a pilot operated relief valve would be used as the main system relief since unlike
the direct acting type of relief valve it is very stable and smooth in operation and most
importantly can operate at pressures very close to it's setting with no tendency to partially
open.
In addition a number of additional control options are available which we will discuss in
later pages.
Of course these valves are also available with the non-adjustable control option.
CONTROL OF PRESSURE
RELIEF VALVES
Pilot operated adjustable
"kick down" or latching
To system
Quick coupler (accessory)
Not connected correctly
Pilot operated adjustable
"kick down" or latching relief
valve (Control of pressure)
Pump
Electric motor
(Prime mover)
To tank Suction
The "kick down" or latching relief valve can be useful if it is possible for something in the system to
cause the pressure to rise above the designed value and not be noticed by the operator. With other
types of relief valves - when they open at their setting the hydraulic pressure & flow is converted into
heat which if not noticed can cause severe overheating of the fluid and serious damage to components.
This valve opens completely when it reaches its setting - (just like opening a ball valve) - the valve
latches in this position and does not produce heat
In the above example the quick coupling has not been connected creating a "dead headed" situation
and the relief valve has opened as described, however the system will not overheat.
To re-set the relief valve, flow through it must stop - therefor the system will need to be shut down and
the problem rectified.
