Direct-controlled seat valve
I&C February 2026
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
A new direct-controlled seat valve enables storage-free, load-tight holding functions in dynamic linear units without an additional control pressure supply, and offers significant advantages over classic, pilot-controlled solutions, particularly in stationary and servo hydraulics.
For many stationary applications in hydraulics, the demands on energy efficiency, process reliability and maintenance requirements are increasing. The new directly controlled seat valve from WEBER-HYDRAULIK, which can handle large volume flows with minimal pressure drop, creates new scope both in new development and in system modernisation. The valve combines several of these requirements in one powerful design.
Dynamics meets tightness
The focus is on the combination of high flow capacity (e.g., 100 l/min at only 1 bar pressure loss) and almost absolute seat tightness (maximum three drops per minute). This feature is essential, especially in safety-critical holding functions. Unlike conventional slide or proportional valves, the seat design prevents internal leakage and the load remains reliably in position without the need for control pressure.
Switching speed below 200 ms without control pressure
Switching times of ≤ 70 ms when opening and ≤ 180 ms when closing can be achieved. In many conventional control circuits, a separate control pressure is necessary, either from accumulators or additional pump units. The directly controlled valve, on the other hand, does not require control pressure. This simplifies the design, reduces the number of components and lowers maintenance costs.
Advantages in mechanical and plant engineering
The valve really comes into its own in machine and plant engineering, where modular, prefabricated plug-and-play units are becoming increasingly important. It can be flowed through on both sides and is therefore suitable for both simple switching functions and reversible motion sequences. In large servo-hydraulic axes such as in presses, test benches or automation solutions, the combination of dynamics and tightness allows cylinder positions to be maintained reliably, even when the pump is switched off.
Another key advantage is the flow-optimised design of the valve, which enables particularly low pressure losses while maintaining high volume flows. This allows servo-hydraulic systems to be designed even more efficiently. The directly controlled seat valve opens up new options for energy-efficient, dynamic and virtually leak-free hydraulic solutions. For designers who want to dispense with control pressure and at the same time require maximum load reliability, it represents a future-proof alternative to conventional hydraulic valve technology.
“The directly controlled seat valve opens up new options for energy-efficient, dynamic and virtually leak-free hydraulic solutions. For designers who want to dispense with control pressure while still requiring maximum load reliability, it represents a sustainable alternative to conventional hydraulic valve technology,” explains Dominik Vogt, head of the valve technology division.
For more information contact WEBER-HYDRAULIK, +49 7135 71 10907, [email protected], www.weber-hydraulik.com
Further reading:
How laser cladding delivers 33% more life and maximum ROI in hydraulic cylinders
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
By utilising advanced laser cladding, Honingcraft can help clients achieve a 33% longer life from their components, ensuring they secure the maximum return on their investment.
Read more...
Identifying signs of hydraulic cylinder wear and tear
CT Hydraulics (Nqoba)
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
Recognising the early warning signs of hydraulic cylinder degradation is crucial for preventing costly downtime, ensuring operator safety and maximising the lifespan of your hydraulic systems.
Read more...
Integrated Air Solutions opens Pinetown branch
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
Integrated Air Solutions has opened a branch in Pinetown, bringing world-class diesel and electric air compressor services closer to customers in KwaZulu-Natal.
Read more...
Cartridge-style flowmeter
Axiom Hydraulics
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
Sun’s new cartridge-style flowmeter QMEH delivers precise, real-time flow measurements for demanding hydraulic applications. Using a custom-built, state-of-the-art sensor, the QMEH accurately detects flow and converts the electrical signal into a proportional flow rate.
Read more...
Robust sensors for pneumatic applications
ifm - South Africa
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
The pressure sensors from ifm have a G1/8 process connection, combined with a welded thin-film measuring cell. While offering an unbeatable price/performance ratio, this technology provides for high measuring accuracy in a very compact and robust housing.
Read more...
A guide to common hydraulic system contaminants
CT Hydraulics (Nqoba)
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
Every engineer, machine designer and maintenance professional understands that the heart of any reliable hydraulic system is its fluid. But the moment that fluid is compromised, your system’s life expectancy and your peace of mind drop dramatically.
Read more...
Compressed air piping design
Artic Driers International
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
When designing a compressed air pipeline, remember that size matters. The internal size of the pipe, along with the pressure and air volume, determine the velocity of the compressed air in the pipeline.
Read more...
Tuning into what your system is telling you
Hydrasales
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
Hydraulic presses can run like clockwork, but often it’s the things you don’t see, or hear, that carry the most telling signs of irregular system health.
Read more...
Gauge maintenance for shutdown
SA Gauge
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
As the year winds down, many plants across South Africa prepare for the annual shutdown. It’s also the perfect opportunity to give your pressure and temperature gauges the attention they deserve.
Read more...
CompAir introduces compressed air management solution
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
To maximise savings and extend the lifespan of compressed air systems, CompAir is launching the Compressed Air Management Solution powered by Ecoplant, an intelligent system in the cloud that represents the next level in operational management, and maintain the health
Read more...