These valves are normally a type of closed pressure valve. It will open when the set pressure has been reached.
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It also manages the operation sequence of the two circuit branches. Therefore, one branch circuit is capable of automatically activating another branch circuit.
Hydraulic sequence valves and relief valves have similarities with each other. However, the sequence valve is designed with an actuator to divert the media to another system so the next programmed sequence will be executed.
The programmed pressure setting in the inlet port should be reached before the hydraulic oil can pass through the outlet port. At the same time, the hydraulic oil can perform all the necessary operations in the hydraulic system.
The valve's primary spool is spring-loaded. Therefore, ensuring that the sequence valve is closed during low pressure. A small actuator is used to process the control stage in the inlet port. The control spool will open once the applied force from the adjuster spring is reached by the pressure. This process causes the main spool to open. Hence, the flow of media from the inlet to the outlet.
Hydraulic sequence valves are classified into two ways.
First, it is classified based on its structure and mechanism. It has two different types including pilot and direct action.
Second, hydraulic sequencing valves are classified based on their pressure control method. It is also categorized into external and internal control.
There are three main functions of a hydraulic sequencing valves including:
Automotive. They play a role in automotive assembly lines to control the sequence of hydraulic operations in various manufacturing processes, such as welding and pressing.
Aerospace Industry. They are used in hydraulic systems of aircraft and spacecraft for applications like controlling the sequence of landing gear deployment.
Construction. Applications include backhoes, excavators, and loaders to control the sequence of movements.
In conclusion, understanding hydraulic sequencing valves is key to making hydraulic systems work. By learning the basics, you'll be better equipped to appreciate their importance in various applications.
The simplest way to make two or more cylinders stroke in a planned sequence is by using a single directional valve. However, when two or more cylinders are piped in parallel, the cylinder with the lowest resistance will stroke first. If this is the intent, the circuit runs smoothly without other valves. However, in most cases, loads change, so if you want cylinders to stroke in a specific order regardless of the load on each, you'll need more than just a single directional valve.
The only positive way to do this is with separate directional control valves and limit switches or limit valves. This setup ensures the first actuator has reached a specific location before the next operation commences. However, the first cylinder may lose holding power when the second directional valve shifts.
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If there is no safety concern or possibility of product damage if the first actuator does not complete its cycle before the second starts, a sequence valve can be a simple way to control the actuators' actions. Sequence valves are normally closed, and they usually incorporate an integral bypass check valve to allow bidirectional flow. Sequence valves always have an external drain connected directly to tank.
On the other hand, one great feature of a sequence-operated circuit is that it does not matter how far the first cylinder moves before the next operation takes place. Thick or thin parts are clamped at the same force before the next operation starts because pressure must build to the same level to trigger the next sequence.
Figure 1 shows symbols and cutaways for hydraulic and pneumatic sequence valves. The main difference between these valves is that most hydraulic sequence valves are single purpose and must be used in series with a directional control valve. However, many pneumatic sequence valves are pilot-operated directional control valves with an adjustable spring return. In either case, a preset pressure must be reached before the valves allow fluid to pass or change flow paths. Many manufacturers offer a direct-acting, internally piloted hydraulic sequence valve like the design shown in Fig. 1. This valve can be changed to external pilot in the field if required.
Many manufacturers also offer pilot-operated sequence valves. Pilot-operated sequence valves stay closed to within 50 psi or less of their set pressure. Direct-acting sequence valves may partially open at pressures that are 100 to150 psi below set pressure'and, thus, allow premature actuator creep.
A balanced spool'held in place by an adjustable-force spring'blocks fluid at the hydraulic sequence valve's inlet. When pressure at the inlet reaches the spring setting, pressure in the internal pilot line pushes the spool up to allow enough flow to the outlet to keep pressure from climbing. Pressure at the inlet never drops below set pressure when fluid (oil or air) flows to the outlet. When outlet pressure exceeds set pressure, the valve opens fully, and pressure at both ports equalizes. The drain port hooked to the tank must be at no pressure or constant pressure because any pressure in this line adds to the spring setting. Again, a sequence valve always needs an external drain.
A bypass check valve accommodates reverse flow when the valve is used in a line requiring bidirectional flow. A sequence valve may be externally piloted from another operation in some applications. Most valves can be converted in the field. (The technician should always change the part number to reflect the conversion.)
Whether sequence valves are used with compressed air or hydraulic fluid, keep in mind that sequence valve shifts on a pressure build up and may start a second operation prematurely if an actuator stalls or is stopped for any reason. Don't use sequence valves if personnel safety or product damage can occur due to an incomplete stroke. Instead, use limit switches or limit valves and directional control valves for each operation sequence.
Flow controls in sequence valve circuits must be the meter-in variety. The signal to the sequence valve should come from the line downstream of the flow control because pressure at this point will be whatever it takes to move the cylinder and its load.
Pneumatic sequence valves typically are five-way directional control valves with adjustable springs to set their shifting pressure. They are used to start a second operation after the preceding one finishes. Some older machines have one solenoid valve to start a cycle and several sequence valves to extend and retract all other actuators.
Whether they're used with compressed air or hydraulic fluid, keep in mind that sequence valve shifts on a pressure build up and may start a second operation prematurely if an actuator stalls or is stopped for any reason. Don't use sequence valves if personnel safety or product damage can occur due to an incomplete stroke. Instead, use limit switches or limit valves and directional control valves for each operation sequence.
The circuit in Fig. 2 is typical for air-powered machines. The clamp cylinder extends to clamp a part when an electrical input signal shifts the solenoid pilot-operated valve. As it extends, pressure beyond the meter-in flow control at the clamp cylinder's cap end becomes as high as necessary to move the piston and its load. With the sequence valve set to shift at 70 psi, the stamp cylinder should not move until the clamp cylinder has extended and securely clamped the part. If the clamp cylinder does not achieve its full stroke for any reason, the stamp cylinder will extend prematurely but not damage the part or be unsafe. When pressure in the clamp cylinder reaches or exceeds 70 psi, the sequence valve shifts to extend the stamp cylinder. Both cylinders can return simultaneously with no issues.
Flow controls in sequence valve circuits must be the meter-in variety. They take the signal to the sequence valve from the line downstream from the flow control because pressure at this point will be whatever is required to move the cylinder and its load. However, the stamp cylinder in Fig. 2 has meter-out flow controls to retard its movement and hold pressure on the clamp cylinder during the stamping operation. De-energizing the solenoid pilot-operated valve allows both cylinders to return home at the same time.
The hydraulic sequence circuit in Fig. 3 is typical for a machine that must clamp and hold pressure while a second operation takes place. Sequence valve 1 is set at 550 psi; pressure at the clamp cylinder must be at least 550 psi before the punch cylinder can extend. Pressure in the circuit never drops below 550 psi while the punch cylinder is extending. If the punching operation requires more than 550 psi, the pressure in the whole circuit will increase all the way up to the circuit's relief valve setting.
Sequence valve 2 (set at 450 psi) keeps the clamp cylinder from getting a retract signal until the punch cylinder has returned and pressure increases. A pilot-operated check valve maintains clamp force while the punch cylinder retracts. The signal to open the pilot-operated check valve comes from the line between Sequence Valve 2 and the clamp cylinder, so no signal occurs until the punch cylinder fully retracts. (This circuit is not safe if pressure buildup comes from a source other than clamp contact or the end of stroke because the punch cylinder would extend prematurely.)
Sequence valves often generate heat because the first actuator to move takes higher pressure than the subsequent actuators. This means a high pressure drop usually occurs across a sequence valve, resulting in wasted energy. In some circuits, a kick-down sequence valve can reduce the energy loss. The cutaway view and symbol in Fig. 4 show the inner workings of a kick-down sequence valve to explain how it controls opening pressure and then unloads it.
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