AVADAL

Fluid Flow Dividers

AVADAL

The flow divider in Fig. 1 is called a Priority Flow Divider since it splits pump flow into a fixed CF (Controlled Flow) outlet and sends excess fluid out an EF (Excess Flow) port. Fluid Flow out the CF port is preset by Volume Orifices drilled as specified by the purchaser. EF flow is any flow the pump produces over and above controlled flow. This type flow divider is often used on vehicle power steering where an engine driven pump output may vary from RPM changes or as its flow is used for other functions. A Priority Flow Divider makes sure power steering always has ample fluid at any engine speed or when other functions are working.
Material with permission from Bud Trinkel

Beginning

Back

1 of 11

Next Slide

End Program

AVADAL

Priority Flow Divider With Relief Valve for Priority Flow

AVADAL

CF Bias Spring

EF

Controlled Flow Volume Orifices Flow Control Spool Excess Flow Pilot Line

Tank Controlled Flow Relief Valve

Inlet

CF Tank Inlet Symbol

EF

Fig. 1
Beginning Back 2 of 11 Next Slide End Program

AVADAL

Fluid Flow Dividers

AVADAL

As fluid enters the valve the path of least resistance is through the Controlled Flow Volume Orifices and out the CF port. If pump flow is more than the Volume Orifices can handle pressure builds on the right end of the Flow Control Spool through the Excess Flow Pilot Line. When pressure builds enough to overcome the Bias Spring and any back pressure from the steering circuit, the Flow Control Spool moves to the left just enough to let excess flow exit through port EF. Excess flow changes as pump flow varies but flow to CF port always gets first choice.

Beginning

Back

3 of 11

Next Slide

End Program

AVADAL

Fluid Flow Dividers

AVADAL

A Relief Valve in the CF port can be set at any pressure and has no affect on pressure at the EF port. The Controlled Flow Relief Valve is required even when maximum pressure is the same for both outlets. Notice controlled flow is pressure compensated because as pressure builds at the CF port it pushes back against the Excess Flow pilot pressure pilot to maintain a constant pressure drop across the Volume Orifices.

Priority flow dividers are also made with adjustable flow for the priority port and without a relief valve for circuits that already have one.
Beginning Back 4 of 11 Next Slide End Program

AVADAL

Fluid Flow Dividers

AVADAL

The symbol used is from a major manufacturers catalog since there is no symbol in ANSI or ISO literature. The flow divider in Fig. 2 is a spool type divider that splits flow at any predetermined rate according to the drilled Orifices size. It is usually setup with identical orifice sizes for a 50-50 split. This particular design does not allow reverse flow so bypass check valves are required when flow must return the way it came in.

Beginning

Back

5 of 11

Next Slide

End Program

AVADAL

Spool Type Flow Divider 50-50 Split

AVADAL

Outlet 1

Outlet 2 Spool

Orifices

Inlet

Outlet 1 Outlet 2

Symbol

Fig. 2
Beginning Back 6 of 11 Next Slide End Program

AVADAL

Fluid Flow Dividers

AVADAL

Fluid entering the Inlet port goes left and right through Orifices and out Outlet 1 and Outlet 2. When either outlet encounters more back pressure than the other, the higher pressure side forces the Spool towards the low pressure side until both sides have equal pressure. Equal pressure drop across both Orifices gives equal flow. Most manufacturers specify flow equality at + or 5%. It is recommended that pressure differences at the two outlets be low since Inlet pressure is always the equal to the highest outlet pressure which means pressure drop across the low pressure outlet is wasting energy.
Beginning Back 7 of 11 Next Slide End Program

AVADAL

Fluid Flow Dividers

AVADAL

Spool type flow dividers only split flow. When more than two outlets are required they must be used in series. A 50-50 split divider into two more 50-50 dividers gives four equal outlets. A 66-33 divider into a 50-50 divider gives three equal outlets. The Flow Divider Combiner in Fig. 3 equalizes flow in both directions so it can be used on double acting actuators to synchronize speed in both directions of travel.

Beginning

Back

8 of 11

Next Slide

End Program

AVADAL

Spool Type Flow Divider Combiner50-50 Split

Outlet Orifices Outlet-Return 1 Outlet-Return 2 Spool Springs Inlet-Return Inlet Orifices

AVADAL

Outlet-Return

Outlet-Return

Inlet-Return Symbol

Fig. 3
Beginning Back 9 of 11 Next Slide End Program

AVADAL

Fluid Flow Dividers

AVADAL

The Spool in this divider is made in two sections with a connecting link that allows them to move together in the closed condition shown for combining. or spread by Inlet pressure when they are dividing. Springs at both ends of the Spool keep the sections together when pressure equalizes or is not present. Inlet Orifices set nominal flow while Outlet Orifices control flow to or from an actuator

Beginning

Back

10 of 11

Next Slide

End Program

AVADAL

Fluid Flow Dividers

AVADAL

Flow to the Inlet-Return port goes through the Inlet Orifices to split into two equal parts. Pressure drop across the orifices causes the split Spool to separate so Outlet Orifices are working at the outer edge of the Outlet-Return ports. As the Spool shifts from unequal pressure on its ends flow is retarded to the low pressure outlet port to keep it from getting too much fluid. When the actuator reverses, flow into the Outlet-Return ports goes through the Outlet Orifices and on through the Inlet Orifices causing the Spool sections to come together. Now the Outlet Orifices are controlling return flow on the inner edge of the Outlet-Return ports and will retard flow from the actuator port that is trying to run ahead.
Beginning Back 11 of 11 Next Slide End Program