What flow valve maintains a constant actuator speed regardless of load?

What flow valve maintains a constant actuator speed regardless of load?

• A. Two-way flow regulating valve
• B. One-way flow control valve
• C. Adjustable relief valve
• D. Check valve

Answer: (A)

To keep the actuator moving at a steady speed, the flow into the cylinder must be kept nearly constant. A two-way flow regulating valve is designed to throttle the hydraulic flow in both directions, so as load on the actuator changes, the valve adjusts to maintain a set, steady flow. This constant flow leads to a roughly constant piston velocity, since speed is basically the flow rate divided by the piston area (ignoring small losses). If the load increases and no flow regulation is present, the system would have to push harder, the pressure would rise, and the speed would drop; with a flow regulator, the valve compensates by reducing flow to maintain the same speed.

The other options don’t provide this bidirectional flow control. An adjustable relief valve sets a pressure limit, not a regulated flow to the actuator. A check valve blocks flow in one direction, offering no speed regulation. A one-way flow control valve can regulate flow in only one direction, leaving the opposite direction uncontrolled.