OPTIMIZATION AND EXPERIMENTAL VERIFICATION OF A VARIABLE RATIO FLOW DIVIDER VALVE

Authors

  • Travis Wiens University of Saskatchewan, Dept of Mechanical Engineering, Saskatoon, Sk, Canada
  • Richard Burton University of Saskatchewan, Dept of Mechanical Engineering, Saskatoon, Sk, Canada
  • Greg Schoenau University of Saskatchewan, Dept of Mechanical Engineering, Saskatoon, Sk, Canada
  • Jian Ruan Zhejiang Technical University, Hangzhou, PRC

Keywords:

flow divider, hydraulic valve, variable ratio, multiobjective optimization, experimental

Abstract

A common problem in fluid power control systems is the synchronization of two loads. A frequent solution to this problem is to use a flow divider valve. Typical flow divider valves can deliver flow to two circuits such that the ratio of flows is independent of the load pressures, but it is not possible to easily change the ratio after manufacturing. In this paper, the design process used to develop a new variable ratio flow divider valve is introduced. As the first step, a preliminary model was used to optimize the physical parameters for a prototype. In the second step, a valve was subsequently constructed and the performance experimentally determined. The prototype constructed exhibits low dynamic and steady state error with low pressure losses in experimental tests. This novel valve shows sufficient feasibility to warrant future study and development for commercialization.

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Author Biographies

Travis Wiens, University of Saskatchewan, Dept of Mechanical Engineering, Saskatoon, Sk, Canada

Travis Wiens Travis Wiens received his MSc and BSc degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Saskatchewan, including a period studying at Zhejiang University of Technology. He is currently pursuing his PhD in the field of intelligent control of engines powered by alternative fuels.

Richard Burton, University of Saskatchewan, Dept of Mechanical Engineering, Saskatoon, Sk, Canada

Richard Burton Richard Burton received his PhD, and MSc degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Saskatchewan. He is a professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Saskatchewan, has professional engineering status (P.Eng) with the Association of Professional Engineers of Saskatchewan and is a Fellow of ASME. Burton is involved in research pertaining to the application of intelligent theories to control and monitoring of hydraulics systems, component design, and system analysis.

Greg Schoenau, University of Saskatchewan, Dept of Mechanical Engineering, Saskatoon, Sk, Canada

Greg Schoenau Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Saskatchewan. He was head of that Department from 1993 to 1999. He obtained B.Sc. and M. Sc. Degrees from the University of Saskatchewan in mechanical engineering in 1967 and 1969, respectively. In 1974 he obtained his Ph.D. from the University of New Hampshire in fluid power control systems. He continues to be active in research in this area and in the thermal systems area as well. He has also held positions in numerous outside engineering and technical organizations.

Jian Ruan, Zhejiang Technical University, Hangzhou, PRC

Jian Ruan Born on April 4th 1963 in Fuan City of Fujiang Province, P.R. China. Receving Ph. D. from Harbin Institute of Technology in Sept. 1989. Study of electro-hydraulic (pneumatic) direct digital control components and systems. Post-doctoral fellow of FPTC, Zhejiang University. Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Zhejiang University of Technology.

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Published

2005-11-01

How to Cite

Wiens, T., Burton, R., Schoenau, G., & Ruan, J. (2005). OPTIMIZATION AND EXPERIMENTAL VERIFICATION OF A VARIABLE RATIO FLOW DIVIDER VALVE. International Journal of Fluid Power, 6(3), 45–53. Retrieved from https://journals.riverpublishers.com/index.php/IJFP/article/view/567

Issue

2005: Vol 06 Iss 3

Section

Original Article