Characteristics Analysis of the Pilot-Operated Proportional Directional Valve by Experimental and Numerical Investigation

The main valve spool structure of the pilot-operated proportional directional valve is diverse and has a direct impact on the flow field. To improve the valve’s performance, this work studied the characteristics of four types of spool structures with the following throttling groove arrangements: no throttling groove, a U-shaped groove, a triangle groove, and a combined groove. This study analyzed the flow field simulation of four spool structures under the same opening degree and different pressures to study the flow field cavitation characteristics and pressure distribution in the valve. According to the simulation results, the necessity of opening throttling grooves for the pilot proportional directional valve and the advantages of combined grooves over U-shaped and triangular grooves were verified. Then, the proportional valve with a combined groove structure was simulated and analyzed to study its throttling characteristics, steady flow characteristics, and flow and load differential pressure characteristics, and further explore the advantages of a combined groove. Finally, the experimental results are compared with the simulation results, which can provide a theoretical reference for the selection of the throttle groove of the proportional valve and the structural design of the slide valve.