Innovative Modular Load Sensing B-type System for Industrial Standard ISO 4401 Subplate

Subject of the article is an innovative modular load sensing (LS) system, which allows for free creation of hydraulic control systems in terms of the structure of functions and control logic, as well as in terms of their design, enabling free valve placing and adjustment of the valve block dimensions for installation. So far known mobile-type LS systems have mainly form of block manifolds, most often multi-section ones. The innovative LS modular system has been designed for the commonly used industrial standard, often called CETOP, which meets ISO 4401 mounting subplate pattern. To transmit LS signal the system uses port (X), which is dedicated to control line. The LS system (B type) presented in the article consists of two basic modules: an element for obtaining and processing the LS signal and an element for controlling the delivery of a constant pump, which for the LS type variable pump is unnecessary. As part of the developed system, few modified and adapted valve types and accessories were proposed, including e.g. directional control valves as an option. All other elements for building the system, the 4-way directional valves (classical and proportional) and modular (sandwich) valves are available on the CETOP valve market. The proposed LS system allows for cheap and easy way to apply the LS technology in industrial standard, as well as to easily modify existing systems, which enables energy savings. The article presents operation characteristics and also comparative analyzes of the energy efficiency of control systems with the applied LS-B system vs similar standard ones for several selected scenarios of system operation. The presented solution is patent pending.