Shuttle valves

A shuttle valve is a hydraulic valve typically with two inlets and one outlet. It performs a technical "OR" function: as soon as a pressure signal is present at at least one inlet, the outlet is activated. The valve always directs the fluid from the inlet with the higher pressure to the outlet. In the case of different pressures, an internal switching element (ball or spool) blocks the inlet with the lower pressure. If no pressure is present at either inlet, the outlet remains unpressurized.

The shuttle valve prevents uncontrolled backflow of the medium through one of the inlets and ensures safe switching between different pressure sources. It serves as a switching and control element in systems with multiple pressure sources and high safety requirements. Due to minor possible internal leakage, however, it is not suitable as an isolation valve.

• Design: Ball-seat valve, available as screw-in or line-mounted version
• Housing material: Steel or aluminum, internal functional parts hardened
• Max. operating pressure: up to 700 bar (hydraulic applications)
• Flow resistance: low, suitable for control and working flows
• Connection sizes: Rc 1/8 up to approx. 1"
• Temperature range: Ambient -40°C to +80°C, oil -25°C to +80°C

• Load-sensing circuits: switching of control pressure signals in modern hydraulic systems
• Brake release on hydraulic motors: high-pressure side controls brake release, e.g. on winches or crane systems
• Safety valve arrangements: removal and testing of safety valves on pressure vessels during operation
• Mobile hydraulics: switching between multiple consumer paths or control circuits
• Combination of several check functions in one valve to save space and installation effort

Shuttle valves can be installed in any position and should be placed as close as possible to the control circuit or actuator. During installation, pipe fittings should be tightened with the recommended torque and suitable tools to avoid leaks and malfunctions. They are generally low-maintenance, but regular inspections and functional tests are recommended.

No. Shuttle valves do prevent backflow of media, but minor internal leakage is possible. Therefore, they are not suitable for complete shut-off functions. Their main purpose is the switching and control of pressure signals.

• Combining control pressure from different sources
• Increased safety and flexibility
• Space and installation savings through combined check functions
• Support of complex circuit logics
• Improved reliability of modern fluid power applications

If no pressure signal is present at either inlet, the outlet remains unpressurized. The valve only activates the outlet when sufficient pressure is available at at least one inlet.