Directional Control Valves

Directional control valves are one of the most fundamental parts of a hydraulic system.

They allow fluid flow into different paths from one or more sources and will usually consist of a spool inside a cylinder which is mechanically or electrically actuated. The position of the spool restricts or permits flow, thus it controls the fluid flow. Varying internal constructions within a directional control valve allow and restrict flow paths from various inlets to various outlets. Some of the more popular ones are poppets/pistons, balls, rotary spools and sliding spools.