Pilot Operated Valves

Pilot operated valves are valves that use the pressure from a separate source of hydraulic fluid to operate and control the pressure, flow rate, and direction of a primary fluid within the valve. Pilot operated valves are used in a wide variety of applications where precise control over different parameters needs to be maintained. These valves are divided into two different types: direct-operating valves and pilot-operated valves. Direct operating valves use the pressure of the main fluid to operate whereas pilot operated valves use the pressure of an auxiliary fluid to operate. Pilot operated valves offer higher velocities and higher throttling ranges than direct operated valves. Examples of applications for pilot operated valves include process control, fluid power, energy production and distribution, refrigeration and air conditioning.