Flow fuses provide extra safety

Apopular hydraulic valve for marine applications is the adjustable flow fuse. The valve is mounted in the hydraulic line leading to the actuator (see red circle below). Under normal operation, the valve allows free flow of the fluid in either direction. Should the hydraulic line rupture, the valve will sense the change in differential pressure and shut off the flow, thereby preventing the load from falling. When the line is repaired or replaced, the valve will automatically reset to the normal operating condition. The valve is adjustable for a wide range of flow in a given port size, and once adjusted, tightening a simple setscrew can lock it. It can be placed in any hydraulic line to limit the loss of fluid should a failure occur. This valve is especially valuable for marine applications, where contamination of the environment of great concern.