Bucher Hydraulics has developed more compact versions of its RKVG and RKVE ball check valves to better fit into shrinking installation spaces. The RKVE-KB and RKVG-KB series valves are between 2 and 3 mm shorter than standard check valves.
Features of the RKVE-KB and RKVG-KB valves include:
- shortened design to fit space-constrained machine applications
- maximum operating pressure of 350 bar
- ability to fit market-standard cavity with 118° tip angle
- increased flow rates at same pressure differential to save energy
Expanded Check Valve Line Meets Industry Needs
Bucher expanded its RKVG and RKVE ball check valves series to include more compact versions, denoted with a KB for compact design, because of increasing demand from customers for valves capable of fitting into increasingly space-constrained machines. The RKVE-KB and RKVG-KB series are available in sizes 04 to 16 and thread sizes G1/8 to G3/4 in.
Both valves feature a maximum operating pressure of 350 bar. The RKVE-KB valves open at a pressure of 0.2 bar and allow flow rates of up to 210 l/min while the RKVG-KB variant is available with an opening pressure of 0.2 bar and a maximum flow rate of 170 l/min. Custom options are also available.
Per Bucher, the letters "E" and "G" indicate the flow direction of the valves with "E" variants blocking the flow in the screw-in direction and "G" variants blocking the flow in the opposite direction.
Although shorter in design, the valves are designed to fit the market-standard cavity with 118° tip angle (REG-O5-E/REG-05-G). This makes it easy for customers to use the valves as a replacement for check valves from other manufacturers or previous generations.
Increased Flow Rates and Durability
In addition to their compact size, the check valves are also capable of providing increased flow rates. Bucher's design team re-evaluated the previous check valve design; by increasing the stroke, the valves' Delta P values were optimized. This helped enable a 50% increase in flow rate compared to standard check valves while maintaining the same pressure differential.
According to Bucher, this helps reduce energy use and in some cases allows for use of smaller nominal valve sizes. Operating costs and installation space can be reduced as well, further benefitting OEM and end-use customers.
The valve body and seat of the RKVE-KB and RKVG-KB series are press fit together. These parts of the check valves are hardened as well, ensuring durability in a range of mobile and industrial machine applications such as excavators and injection molding machinery.
All of Bucher's valves are endurance tested, further helping to ensure their durability.
The RKVE-KB and RKVG-KB series ball check valves use a metal cutting lip instead of a soft seal as is typical with these types of valves. This enables the valves to be utilized in a wider temperature range as well as with a greater variety of media, such as gas or air, because there are no sensitive sealing materials to worry about.
As the valve seat, ball and body are all hardened, the check valves are less susceptible to contamination. However, for those applications where rust or other factors may be a concern, stainless steel options are available.
READ MORE: A Guide to Flow Control Valve Types and Use Cases
