Hydraulic systems are the muscle behind many machines, from construction equipment to agricultural machinery. These systems rely on the principle that fluid under pressure can be used to transmit force and motion. However, even the most robust muscles can tire and sag; hydraulic systems can suffer from a phenomenon known as leak down.
Understanding Hydraulic Leak Down
In layman’s terms, hydraulic leak down is akin to a strong man holding a heavy object aloft, only to gradually let it slip as his grip weakens. In hydraulic systems, this “grip” is the pressure that holds a load in position. When internal seals within the hydraulic cylinders or valves wear down or when the hydraulic fluid itself escapes through microscopic gaps, the pressure that keeps the load in place diminishes. As a result, the load may begin to sink or drift.
Another example is a tightly sealed syringe filled with water. If you pull the plunger back, the water stays in place, held by the vacuum you’ve created. But if there’s a tiny hole in the plunger’s seal, water will slowly seep back in, and the plunger will move forward. Hydraulic systems operate under similar principles, although with much more complexity and force. Over time, wear and tear can introduce those tiny “holes” in a system’s seals, allowing pressure to escape and the system to fail to hold its load.
The Safety Implications
Hydraulic leak down isn’t just a maintenance issue; it’s a safety concern. Equipment arms that slowly descend can be a hazard to operators and bystanders alike. A loader bucket that creeps downward unexpectedly could result in property damage, injury, or worse. The precision required in many operations means that even a small movement can lead to significant errors. This compromises the integrity of the work being done.
The Summit Hydraulics Solution
Summit Hydraulics stocks a robust solution to this problem: the double piloted check valve. This component serves as an effective blockade against unwanted hydraulic drift. For general hydraulic systems, our Double Pilot Operated Hydraulic Check Valve offers a steadfast remedy to combat leak down. The valve ensures that the hydraulic fluid cannot move back through the system unless directed by a control signal. This allows for the maintenance of pressure even if there’s a loss of power or a line rupture, holding the load securely in place. We carry numerous versions of this valve to meet many different hydraulic needs, including valves with 11 GPM, 15 GPM, 20 GPM flow capacity. The 11 GPM variant comes with either #6 SAE thread ports or ½” NPT thread ports, for your convenience.
For customers who wish to purchase or already own our third function kits, rear remote kits, front and rear kits, D03 style control valves, or D05 style control valves, Summit Hydraulics provides a tailored solution. Our Double Pilot Operated Check Valve designed for D03 or D05 valves seamlessly integrates into the existing setup, ensuring the hydraulic fluid is allowed to flow only when the operator permits it. The valve seamlessly fits between the valve spool and hydraulic manifold and simply screws in. This not only prevents leak down but also contributes to the overall efficiency of the hydraulic system.
Installation and Peace of Mind
Installation of these double piloted check valves is straightforward and can be a significant upgrade to the safety and reliability of your hydraulic system. By choosing Summit Hydraulics’ check valves, operators can rest assured that their equipment will maintain its position steadfastly, avoiding the dangers associated with hydraulic leak down. Incorporating a double piloted check valve is like giving your hydraulic system a new, firmer grip. It’s a grip that doesn’t weaken over time and one that you can trust to hold the heavy loads, just as promised. Safety is not just about responding to accidents; it’s about preventing them. With Summit Hydraulics’ double piloted check valves, you’re investing in prevention, ensuring a safer and more reliable operation.
Understanding Hydraulic Leak Down
In layman’s terms, hydraulic leak down is akin to a strong man holding a heavy object aloft, only to gradually let it slip as his grip weakens. In hydraulic systems, this “grip” is the pressure that holds a load in position. When internal seals within the hydraulic cylinders or valves wear down or when the hydraulic fluid itself escapes through microscopic gaps, the pressure that keeps the load in place diminishes. As a result, the load may begin to sink or drift.
Another example is a tightly sealed syringe filled with water. If you pull the plunger back, the water stays in place, held by the vacuum you’ve created. But if there’s a tiny hole in the plunger’s seal, water will slowly seep back in, and the plunger will move forward. Hydraulic systems operate under similar principles, although with much more complexity and force. Over time, wear and tear can introduce those tiny “holes” in a system’s seals, allowing pressure to escape and the system to fail to hold its load.
The Safety Implications
Hydraulic leak down isn’t just a maintenance issue; it’s a safety concern. Equipment arms that slowly descend can be a hazard to operators and bystanders alike. A loader bucket that creeps downward unexpectedly could result in property damage, injury, or worse. The precision required in many operations means that even a small movement can lead to significant errors. This compromises the integrity of the work being done.
The Summit Hydraulics Solution
Summit Hydraulics stocks a robust solution to this problem: the double piloted check valve. This component serves as an effective blockade against unwanted hydraulic drift. For general hydraulic systems, our Double Pilot Operated Hydraulic Check Valve offers a steadfast remedy to combat leak down. The valve ensures that the hydraulic fluid cannot move back through the system unless directed by a control signal. This allows for the maintenance of pressure even if there’s a loss of power or a line rupture, holding the load securely in place. We carry numerous versions of this valve to meet many different hydraulic needs, including valves with 11 GPM, 15 GPM, 20 GPM flow capacity. The 11 GPM variant comes with either #6 SAE thread ports or ½” NPT thread ports, for your convenience.
For customers who wish to purchase or already own our third function kits, rear remote kits, front and rear kits, D03 style control valves, or D05 style control valves, Summit Hydraulics provides a tailored solution. Our Double Pilot Operated Check Valve designed for D03 or D05 valves seamlessly integrates into the existing setup, ensuring the hydraulic fluid is allowed to flow only when the operator permits it. The valve seamlessly fits between the valve spool and hydraulic manifold and simply screws in. This not only prevents leak down but also contributes to the overall efficiency of the hydraulic system.
Installation and Peace of Mind
Installation of these double piloted check valves is straightforward and can be a significant upgrade to the safety and reliability of your hydraulic system. By choosing Summit Hydraulics’ check valves, operators can rest assured that their equipment will maintain its position steadfastly, avoiding the dangers associated with hydraulic leak down. Incorporating a double piloted check valve is like giving your hydraulic system a new, firmer grip. It’s a grip that doesn’t weaken over time and one that you can trust to hold the heavy loads, just as promised. Safety is not just about responding to accidents; it’s about preventing them. With Summit Hydraulics’ double piloted check valves, you’re investing in prevention, ensuring a safer and more reliable operation.
