Directional valve double spool control technology
3C Parts,Professional 3C Service 3C Products, Customized 3C Parts Ningbo Jiongke Technology Co., Ltd , https://www.processingmfg.com
The traditional directional control valve regulates the flow between its inlet and outlet via a single spool. The relationship between the two ports is predefined during the valve's design and manufacturing, making it impossible to adjust during operation. As a result, the flow or pressure at each port cannot be independently controlled. However, with the declining cost of microprocessors and sensors, along with continuous advancements in control technology, dual-spool valve systems have become increasingly viable in construction machinery. Utronics, a UK-based company, has developed its patented dual-spool valve technology, which is now widely used in excavators, trucks, loaders, and backhoe loaders from major brands like JCB, Deere, Daewoo, and Case.
To meet the growing demand for advanced hydraulic systems in China’s construction equipment market, Utronics has successfully entered the region, with initial prototypes of the Xiaogang 5t loader and Zhanyang 8t excavator now in the testing phase. This move aligns with the industry's push toward more stable, automated, and efficient hydraulic solutions.
Traditional single-spool valves face several limitations. First, they often require additional components such as speed or pressure control valves to enhance system stability, which increases energy consumption and reduces reliability. Second, due to their fixed structure, users must purchase specific hydraulic components for different functions, leading to higher costs and reduced product standardization. Third, these valves cannot independently control the pressure on both sides of an actuator, causing inefficiencies and increased heat generation due to backpressure.
In contrast, dual-spool valve technology allows independent control of the two ports, enabling more flexible and efficient system performance. Through software programming, complex control strategies can be implemented, solving issues that traditional systems could not address.
Two primary control strategies are used in dual-spool valves. In cases where the load direction remains constant—such as in crane luffing cylinders—a pressure control strategy is applied to the rod side, while flow control is used on the rodless side. This setup improves efficiency and eliminates the need for balance valves, enhancing system stability. When the load direction changes, a combination of pressure control on the rod side and flow control on the rodless side is employed, with a PI controller helping manage pressure adjustments for smoother operation.
Utronics’ hydraulic control system integrates CAN bus communication and dual-spool technology, offering enhanced stability, lower energy consumption, and simplified system design. Its hardware includes joysticks, ECU units, regulators, and dual-spool valves, all working together through software-defined control logic. Each valve features position and pressure sensors, enabling precise closed-loop control. Users can customize control parameters based on specific actuator requirements, and multiple valves can be coordinated via the ECU to perform complex tasks.
With its flexible architecture, Utronics systems support a wide range of applications, from improved operator comfort to better fuel efficiency and environmental compliance. By leveraging advanced sensor integration and real-time control, Utronics is driving a transformation in the construction machinery industry, offering a future-ready solution that combines innovation with practicality.