Power management company Eaton has announced the launch of its SLV20 load-sensing proportional directional valve, a flexible priority-flow-sharing solution for mini and micro machinery. Compared to traditional cast iron control valves, Eaton’s SLV20 valve offers greater flexibility and control as well as space and weight savings for low-flow applications.
Eaton’s SLV20 valve brings priority flow sharing to low-flow machinery with the versatility and serviceability of screw-in cartridge valves. Designed in sections to enable stacking of multiple functions, the SLV20 valve utilises Eaton’s new ESV9 four-way three-position proportional solenoid cartridge valve in a hydraulic integrated circuit concept. Meter-out or meter-in control is achieved through logic elements, which enables flow sharing and flow prioritisation in the same valve bank.
SLV20 sections are manufactured from aluminium drawn bar, which enables production of small batches of individual sections with added functions. This could include pilot-operated check valves, counterbalance valves or other bespoke functions that an application requires, thus reducing the need for remotely mounted ancillary valves.
The SLV20’s aluminium sections weigh significantly less than traditional cast iron sections, which can lead to efficiency gains and, in some cases, increased load-carrying capability and battery life. A patent-pending multifunction meter-out compensator reduces section size by 40%, saving space on the machine.
“Our new SLV20 valve is a compact, lightweight solution for low-flow applications compared to a traditional cast iron sectional mobile valve, which can be large and heavy,” said Tolu Oluwatudimu, EMEA product manager, screw-in cartridge valves, Eaton. “The valve can help original equipment manufacturers consolidate and reduce the size of main system circuits on mini and micro platforms. It’s also an ideal solution for upgrading from manual to electrohydraulic actuation.”
With flows of up to 60 litres per minute (16 gallons per minute) at the inlet and 30 liters per minute (8 gallons per minute) at the work port, the SLV20 valve offers the ideal flow rate for mini and micro machinery platforms across a variety of industries, including construction, agriculture, material handling and vocational vehicles, as well as auxiliary/accessory control on larger machines.
