Hydraulic Valves and Hydraulic Ball Valves

High-Pressure Hydraulic Valves for Industrial and Mobile Hydraulic Systems

Hydraulic valves are essential components used to control, direct, regulate, or shut off hydraulic fluid within a hydraulic system. They are widely used in industrial machinery, construction equipment, mining equipment, agricultural machinery, hydraulic power units, presses, testing systems, and mobile hydraulic applications.

For systems operating under high pressure, selecting the correct hydraulic valve is critical for system reliability, fluid control, safety, and overall performance.

Hidroman supplies a wide range of hydraulic valves, hydraulic ball valves, high-pressure hydraulic valves, and hydraulic control components for industrial and mobile hydraulic applications.

The product range includes 2-way and 3-way hydraulic ball valves, different connection configurations, and valve solutions for hydraulic hose and piping systems.

What Is a Hydraulic Valve?

A hydraulic valve is a mechanical or electro-hydraulic component used to control hydraulic fluid within a pressurized hydraulic circuit.

Depending on its design and function, a hydraulic valve can:

• Start or stop hydraulic flow
• Direct fluid to different circuits
• Control hydraulic pressure
• Regulate flow rate
• Prevent reverse flow
• Isolate hydraulic components
• Control hydraulic actuators
• Provide safe shutdown during maintenance

The correct valve must be selected according to the hydraulic system's operating pressure, flow rate, fluid type, temperature, connection standard, and application requirements.

Choosing a valve based only on thread size is not sufficient for high-pressure hydraulic applications.

Hydraulic Ball Valves

Hydraulic ball valves are designed primarily for reliable and rapid shutoff of hydraulic fluid.

A ball valve uses a rotating ball with a flow passage through its center. When the handle is turned 90 degrees, the passage aligns with the hydraulic circuit to allow flow. When the valve is closed, the ball rotates to block the flow path.

This simple design provides several advantages:

• Fast on/off operation
• Compact construction
• Low space requirements
• Reliable shutoff
• High-pressure capability
• Easy hydraulic circuit isolation
• Simple installation and maintenance

Hydraulic ball valves are commonly installed in hydraulic hoses, hydraulic piping, power units, test equipment, industrial machinery, and mobile equipment.

2-Way Hydraulic Ball Valves

A 2-way hydraulic ball valve has two ports and is primarily used to open or shut off hydraulic flow.

Typical applications include:

• Hydraulic hose lines
• Hydraulic piping
• Hydraulic power units
• Hydraulic presses
• Construction equipment
• Agricultural machinery
• Mining equipment
• Industrial machinery
• Hydraulic testing equipment
• Maintenance and service systems

Hidroman's BKR series 2-way block-type hydraulic ball valves are available with different nominal sizes and BSP female thread configurations.

Depending on the model and connection size, the BKR series includes working pressure ratings up to 500 bar / approximately 7,250 psi.

Always verify the specific model's technical data before selecting a valve for a high-pressure application.

3-Way Hydraulic Ball Valves

3-way hydraulic ball valves are used when hydraulic fluid needs to be directed between multiple circuits.

Unlike a basic 2-way valve, a 3-way configuration can provide different flow paths depending on the internal port arrangement.

Typical applications include:

• Hydraulic circuit selection
• Flow routing
• Dual hydraulic circuits
• Hydraulic test systems
• Hydraulic power units
• Mobile hydraulic equipment
• Industrial machinery
• Specialized hydraulic systems

The port configuration must be matched to the hydraulic circuit before installation. A 3-way ball valve should never be selected only by connection size.

High-Pressure Hydraulic Valves

High-pressure hydraulic systems require valves designed for the actual pressure and operating conditions of the application.

A hydraulic valve's suitability depends on several factors, including:

Maximum working pressure + flow rate + temperature + hydraulic fluid + connection type

Hidroman's BKR hydraulic ball valve range includes models rated up to 500 bar depending on size and configuration.

For reference, 500 bar is approximately 7,250 psi.

Larger connection sizes in the BKR series have lower rated working pressures, with certain models specified at 350 bar or 400 bar. The manufacturer's technical specification for the exact model should always be used for final selection.

Hydraulic Valve Connection Types

Choosing the correct connection standard is one of the most important parts of hydraulic valve selection.

Common connection standards include:

BSP Hydraulic Valves

BSP threads are widely used in European and international hydraulic equipment.

BSP hydraulic valves are frequently found in hydraulic machinery, industrial equipment, power units, and hydraulic hose assemblies.

Hidroman's BKR series includes BSP female thread configurations in several nominal sizes.

NPT Hydraulic Valves

NPT, or National Pipe Taper, is a commonly used thread standard in North American industrial applications.

NPT and BSP threads are not interchangeable.

When specifying hydraulic valves for the U.S. market, the required connection standard should be clearly identified as NPT, BSP, SAE, ORFS, metric, or another applicable standard.

Metric Hydraulic Connections

Metric connections are common in European machinery and many imported hydraulic systems.

A metric connection should not be confused with BSP or NPT simply because the dimensions appear similar.

The thread standard, pitch, sealing method, and fitting design should be verified before installation.

Flanged Hydraulic Valves

Flanged hydraulic valves are used in applications where larger hydraulic connections, higher flow rates, or rigid piping connections are required.

They can be used in:

• Industrial hydraulic systems
• Large hydraulic power units
• Mining equipment
• Heavy machinery
• Hydraulic manifolds
• High-flow hydraulic circuits

The flange standard, pressure rating, port size, and installation configuration should be verified before selecting a valve.

Hydraulic Cartridge Valves

Cartridge valves are compact hydraulic control components installed into specially designed hydraulic manifolds.

This configuration allows several hydraulic functions to be integrated into a single manifold block while reducing external piping and hose connections.

Hydraulic cartridge valves are commonly considered for:

• Compact hydraulic systems
• Custom hydraulic manifolds
• Mobile hydraulic equipment
• Industrial machinery
• Series-production hydraulic systems

Plate-Mounted Hydraulic Valves

Plate-mounted hydraulic valves are installed directly onto hydraulic mounting plates or manifolds.

This type of installation can provide a compact hydraulic circuit layout and reduce the number of external connections.

They are particularly useful where installation space is limited and multiple hydraulic functions need to be integrated into a centralized system.

Hydraulic Accumulator Valves

Hydraulic accumulator valves are used to isolate, connect, or service hydraulic accumulators within a pressurized hydraulic system.

They can be used for:

• Accumulator isolation
• Maintenance
• Pressure system service
• Hydraulic circuit protection
• Controlled accumulator connection

The valve pressure rating, accumulator connection, port size, and applicable safety requirements should always be verified before installation.

Hydraulic Ball Valve Materials and Sealing

The performance of a hydraulic ball valve depends not only on its body design but also on the materials used for the ball, stem, seats, and sealing elements.

For example, the BKR series uses steel construction for the body, ball, and stem, with POM ball sealing components and NBR O-rings according to the current product specification.

The specified standard operating temperature range for the BKR series is -20°C to +60°C.

For applications involving extreme temperatures, special hydraulic fluids, or unusual operating conditions, seal compatibility should be evaluated before ordering.

How to Select the Right Hydraulic Valve

Selecting the right hydraulic valve requires more than matching the port size.

1. Maximum Working Pressure

The valve's rated working pressure must be suitable for the maximum pressure of the hydraulic system.

For example, a valve rated for 350 bar should not be selected for a circuit that can exceed its rated pressure.

2. Flow Rate

The required hydraulic flow rate should be considered when selecting the valve size.

An undersized valve can create unnecessary pressure drop and heat generation.

3. Port Size

Confirm the required port size before ordering.

Common hydraulic valve sizes may include:

• 1/8"
• 1/4"
• 3/8"
• 1/2"
• 3/4"
• 1"
• 1-1/4"
• 1-1/2"

4. Thread Standard

Verify whether the hydraulic system requires:

• NPT
• BSP
• Metric
• SAE
• ORFS
• Flange connection
• Another specialized connection

5. Hydraulic Fluid

The valve's sealing materials must be compatible with the hydraulic fluid being used.

6. Operating Temperature

Temperature affects seal performance, fluid viscosity, and overall valve reliability.

7. Valve Configuration

Determine whether the application requires:

• 2-way ball valve
• 3-way ball valve
• Check valve
• Pressure control valve
• Flow control valve
• Directional control valve
• Solenoid valve
• Cartridge valve
• Manifold-mounted valve

8. Installation Space

The valve body dimensions, handle clearance, port orientation, and maintenance access should be considered before installation.

BKR Series 2-Way Hydraulic Ball Valve Specifications

Hidroman's BKR series provides multiple 2-way hydraulic ball valve sizes for high-pressure hydraulic applications.

Model	Nominal Size	Connection	Maximum Working Pressure
BKR 04	DN 4	G 1/8"	500 bar / approx. 7,250 psi
BKR 06	DN 6	G 1/4"	500 bar / approx. 7,250 psi
BKR 10	DN 10	G 3/8"	500 bar / approx. 7,250 psi
BKR 13	DN 12	G 1/2"	500 bar / approx. 7,250 psi
BKR 20	DN 19	G 3/4"	400 bar / approx. 5,800 psi
BKR 25	DN 25	G 1"	350 bar / approx. 5,075 psi
BKR 32	DN 31	G 1-1/4"	350 bar / approx. 5,075 psi
BKR 40	DN 38	G 1-1/2"	350 bar / approx. 5,075 psi

Pressure values are approximate psi conversions. Always verify the current manufacturer's technical specification for the exact valve model and application.

Hydraulic Valve Applications

Hydraulic valves and hydraulic ball valves are used across a wide range of industries.

Construction Equipment

Hydraulic ball valves can be used to isolate hydraulic circuits on excavators, loaders, cranes, breakers, and other construction machinery.

Mining Equipment

Mining machinery often requires rugged hydraulic components capable of operating in demanding environments.

Hydraulic valves can be used for hydraulic isolation, service operations, and circuit control.

Agricultural Equipment

Tractors, harvesters, sprayers, seeders, and other agricultural machines use hydraulic systems for lifting, steering, positioning, and auxiliary functions.

Industrial Machinery

Hydraulic valves are widely used in:

• Hydraulic presses
• Production machinery
• Material handling equipment
• Injection molding equipment
• Industrial power units
• Hydraulic test systems

Hydraulic Power Units

Hydraulic ball valves can be installed in hydraulic power units to isolate pumps, actuators, hoses, filters, and other components during maintenance.

Hydraulic Testing Equipment

Hydraulic test benches and pressure testing systems often require reliable shutoff and isolation valves.

The selected valve must be rated for the maximum test pressure of the equipment.

Hydraulic Ball Valves for Hydraulic Hose Systems

Hydraulic ball valves are frequently installed directly into hydraulic hose and pipe systems.

They can provide a convenient method of isolating:

• Hydraulic cylinders
• Pumps
• Motors
• Filters
• Accumulators
• Hydraulic power units
• Test equipment

When installing a hydraulic ball valve into a hose assembly, the valve's pressure rating must be compatible with the hose assembly and the maximum system pressure.

The weakest component in the hydraulic circuit can determine the practical pressure limit of the assembly.

Hydraulic Valve Safety

Hydraulic systems can store significant amounts of energy and may operate at thousands of psi.

Before installing or servicing a hydraulic valve:

• Shut down the hydraulic system.
• Relieve trapped hydraulic pressure.
• Follow the machine manufacturer's lockout procedures.
• Verify that the circuit is depressurized.
• Use compatible fittings and hoses.
• Do not exceed the valve's rated pressure.
• Inspect the valve and connections for leakage.
• Follow the manufacturer's installation instructions.

Never assume that a closed valve has automatically made the entire hydraulic system safe. Pressure can remain trapped in isolated sections of a circuit.

Hydraulic Valve vs. Hydraulic Ball Valve

"Hydraulic valve" is a broad term covering many different types of hydraulic control components.

A hydraulic ball valve is one specific type designed primarily for opening and closing a hydraulic flow path.

Other hydraulic valve types include:

Valve Type	Primary Function
Hydraulic Ball Valve	Flow shutoff and isolation
Check Valve	Prevents reverse flow
Directional Control Valve	Controls actuator direction
Pressure Relief Valve	Limits system pressure
Flow Control Valve	Regulates flow
Solenoid Valve	Electrically actuated hydraulic control
Cartridge Valve	Compact manifold-based hydraulic control
Proportional Valve	Variable hydraulic control

Understanding the required hydraulic function is essential before selecting a valve.

Hydraulic Valves for OEM and Custom Hydraulic Systems

OEM machinery manufacturers often require hydraulic valves that match specific pressure, flow, port, and installation requirements.

For OEM applications, valve selection should be considered together with the complete hydraulic circuit rather than as an individual component.

Hidroman provides hydraulic system components and engineering support for applications involving:

• OEM machinery
• Custom hydraulic systems
• Hydraulic power units
• Mobile equipment
• Industrial hydraulic systems
• Mining machinery
• Construction equipment
• Agricultural machinery
• Hydraulic testing equipment

Why Hydraulic Valve Selection Matters

A hydraulic valve directly affects how fluid moves through a hydraulic system.

The correct valve can help achieve:

• Reliable flow isolation
• Appropriate pressure handling
• Controlled hydraulic operation
• Easier maintenance
• Reduced risk of leakage
• Better system integration
• Long-term component compatibility

The correct selection depends on the actual operating conditions of the hydraulic circuit.

Hidroman Hydraulic Valve Solutions

Hidroman supplies hydraulic components for industrial, mobile, OEM, and custom hydraulic applications.

The product range includes hydraulic valves, hydraulic ball valves, high-pressure valves, hydraulic cylinders, hydraulic hoses, hydraulic filtration systems, hydraulic power units, pumps, motors, and other hydraulic components.

For hydraulic valve selection, providing the following information helps identify the appropriate product:

• Valve type
• 2-way or 3-way configuration
• Port size
• Connection standard
• Maximum working pressure
• Hydraulic flow rate
• Hydraulic fluid
• Operating temperature
• Machine or application
• Existing valve model
• Photos of the existing connection
• Hydraulic schematic, if available

Need the Right Hydraulic Valve?

Whether you need a high-pressure hydraulic ball valve, 2-way hydraulic valve, 3-way hydraulic valve, BSP hydraulic valve, NPT hydraulic valve, or a custom hydraulic valve solution, the correct product should be selected according to the complete hydraulic application.

Hidroman can support hydraulic component selection for OEM machinery, industrial systems, mobile equipment, and specialized hydraulic applications.