Multi-valves are becoming increasingly famous. They save manufacturing time by eliminating the need for multiple valves in hydraulic cylinders. However, many people still seem to be confused about multi-valves in cylinders. There is a myth that cylinders with multi-valve are not good. This myth led me to write this article: What are the advantages of multi-valves?
Remember, hydraulic cylinders use multiple valves. These valves perform function. However, using those individual valves occupies more space. They also reduce the efficiency of the cylinders. That’s where the multive comes into the scene. In this article, you’ll learn all the goods of these multi-valves. So, let’s get started!
Overview of Multi-valves in Hydraulic Cylinders
Multi-valves are single units that offer versatile functionality. They perform different tasks to ensure the proper working of hydraulic cylinders. Those tasks include maintaining fluid flow pressure and keeping the flow in the right direction. It eliminates the need to use multiple valves for those functions.
Hydraulic cylinders are not simple. Their work is very complex and uses hydraulic oil. Different valves are used to control the flow of these hydraulic valves. Is it clear? Those valves are independent in their work. Here are some names of valves
- Pressure valves regular the pressure in the cylinder
- Directional valves ensure the right direction of fluid
- Fluid flow valves ensure the right speed of fluid entering into or out of the cylinder
There are many other valve types. But I’ve mentioned the most basic valves used by almost all cylinders. These valves occupy more space. Moreover, their work is independent, affecting hydraulic cylinders’ efficiency. In this case, multi-valves come into play. These valves are fit for different tasks.
The multivalve is a single unit used in the cylinders. This single unit does all the work of those independent valves. For example, it controls fluid speed, checks the fluid direction, and regulates the pressure in the hydraulic cylinders. Put, by using this one multivalve, you don’t need to use those three valves.
Advantages of Multi-valves in Hydraulic Cylinders
The overview mentioned above aims to help you understand the basics of hydraulic valves. Remember, multi-valves are used in cylinders used in heavy-duty machines. Let’s dive and discuss the key advantages of multi-valves in cylinders.
1- Simplicity & Versatility
Using multiple valves to control fluid in the cylinder is very complex. If one valve malfunctions, the cylinder’s working is affected. However, these multi-valves are very simple. One single unit controls the functionality of different valves. So you can easily keep checking on this unit.
This helps keep the cylinder in good working condition. This multivalve unit completes different tasks. For example, it controls the flow of hydraulic fluid and checks the pressure of cylinders. So, it is very versatile in its work. You get the functionality of different things in a single unit.
2- Control & Performance
The old hydraulic cylinders used to have many valves. Handling those multiple valves was never easy, and wear and tear were also more common. Moreover, those valves were not connected, so you had to handle each valve individually to control fluid flow.
However, with modern multi-valves, things have become very easy. Single units replace the need to use multiple separate valves. This unit controls the fluid flow inside and out of the cylinders. Moreover, repairing this valve is easier. Why? Because it is present in one place. The technician won’t have to open the cylinder to locate those valves.
Additionally, these valves effectively control the fluid flow. When the pressure inside the cylinder is high, they immediately pump the fluid out of the cylinders. When quick work is needed on the cylinder, these valves pump fluid inside the cylinders. This happens quickly as the valves detect the need swiftly.
In this way, a single unit enhances the performance of hydraulic cylinders. On the flip side, the old cylinders were less efficient. Their working speed was plodding. If cylinders had high pressure, they were very slow to release oil. The lack of harmony between those valves was a big issue in the past.
3- Space-Saving & Reduced Weight
Multi-valves are single units that consist of multiple valves. They are compact and do not occupy a lot of space. However, those independent valves used to occupy a lot of space. Manufacturers had to place those valves on the sides of cylinders. If one valve is upside down, the other is at the bottom.
However, these modern multi-valves stay in one place, saving space on cylinders. What I love about multi-valves is their reduced weight. As I said, they consist of a single unit, so their weight is low compared to old valves. Cylinders that use multi-valves are very lightweight, which makes them handy in automobiles.
4- Easy Maintenance & Improved Safety
As I said above, multi-valves in a cylinder are one unit. It consists of all the small valves or components in a single place. So, maintaining them becomes easy peasy. You won’t have to find valves on different sides of cylinders. This makes their maintenance a lot easier.
Even if the multi valve unit malfunctions, you can quickly fix or replace it. Moreover, the working of these multi-valve cylinders is speedy. When they detect more pressure in the cylinder, they pump oil into it. In this way, they improve the safety of the cylinder. If pressure is high in the cylinder, it could damage the cylinder.
5- Cost-Effective & Affordability
One multivalve unit is less expensive as compared to using individual valves. Remember, the old cylinders come with different valves. Examples include pressure valves, direction valves, fluid control valves, and so on. All these valves are expensive. So, using all of them makes the hydraulic cylinders very expensive.
However, multi-valves are inexpensive. Plus, they offer excellent performance. They detect the pressure in the cylinder more effectively. Moreover, they can change the direction of fluid depending on the needs. If you need quick work from the cylinder, these valves put fluid quickly into the cylinder. So, they are brilliant in their work.
Applications of Multi-valve Cylinders
As I mentioned earlier, these multi valve cylinders are becoming popular. They are quickly replacing the old-fashioned multiple-independent valve system. Heavy-duty machinery generally uses such strong cylinders. They increase their efficiency by providing more quick responsiveness.
Here is the table showing the applications of multivalve hydraulic cylinders:
| Industry | Application |
| Agricultural Machinery | Tractors, and Harvesters. |
| Material Handling | Forklifts and pallet jacks. |
| Construction Equipment | excavators, loaders, cranes. |
| Automotive Industry | Vehicle lifts, brakes, and steering mechanisms. |
| Mining Operations | Drilling, blasting, and transporting materials. |
| Aérospatiale | Controls landing gear and flaps in aircraft. |
| Automobiles. | Used in the braking mechanism of cars and other vehicles. |
Conclusion
Hydraulic cylinders with multi-valves are booming. Many heavy-duty machinery uses such cylinders. These valve units enhance cylinder performance and offer many other perks. I have listed all the advantages of multi-valves used in hydraulic cylinders. If you are about to decide, I recommend choosing multivalve cylinders for your work.
