ABSTRACT
Frequently, as actuators cycle, loads vary, creating variable pressure drops through the fluid conducting lines. This often results in undesirable actuator speed variations. An effective means of insuring a uniform actuator rate is the use of pressure-compensated flow control valves. These restrictive devices maintain a constant fluid flow through a fixed or variable orifice in the valve. In response to workload changes, the valve's compensator spool moves toward an open or closed position. Thus a pressure-compensated flow control valve incorporates a device to ensure a constant pressure drop over the valve's variable or fixed orifice or throttle. The established fixed orifice or the setting of the variable orifice determines flow through the valve. The compensator controls the pressure at the fixed or variable orifice, resulting in smooth, constant flow through the valve regardless of load changes resulting from the load encountered by the actuator within the pressure and flow ratings of the valve.
