4WRTE Pilot-Operated Proportional Servo Valve: Detailed Overview
I. Product Positioning and Core Advantages
The 4WRTE is apilot-operated proportional servo valvedeveloped by Bosch Rexroth, designed for hydraulic control systems requiring high precision and rapid response. Its key advantages include:
1. High-Precision Control
• Utilizes advanced proportional solenoid technology with electrical position feedback (OBE) for precise regulation of hydraulic flow, pressure, and direction.
• Closed-loop control eliminates hysteresis and friction errors, achieving accuracy of ±0.1% full scale, ideal for applications like rolling mill AGC systems.
2. Fast Dynamic Response
• Response time as low as 18–28ms (0–100% spool displacement) for high-frequency operations.
• Pilot valve employs servo jet-pipe technology with a natural frequency up to 500Hz, outperforming standard proportional valves.
3. Low Leakage and High Reliability
• Precision-machined valve body with premium seals minimizes leakage, extending system lifespan.
• Built-in pressure compensator supports pilot pressures as low as 25bar, compatible with low-pressure systems (e.g., turbine control).
4. Modular Design and Easy Maintenance
• Integrated electronic controller (OBE) supports ±10V or 4–20mA input signals, compatible with PLCs and industrial buses.
• Modular architecture with real-time fault diagnostics simplifies troubleshooting.
II. Technical Specifications and Performance Metrics
【表格】
Parameter 4WRTE Series
Nominal Size 10–27mm (optional)
Operating Pressure Main valve: 350bar (Ports P/A/B)Pilot valve: 280bar (standard)
Flow Range 55–600L/min (size-dependent)
Response Time 18–28ms (typical)
Minimum Resolution <0.05%
Electrical Connection 7-pin socket (DIN EN 175201-804)
Environmental Adaptability Oil cleanliness ≥NAS 9, temperature range -20°C to +80°C
III. Working Principle and System Integration
1. Electromagnetic Actuation and Hydraulic Amplification
• Input signals (current) drive proportional solenoids, generating electromagnetic force proportional to the signal.
• Force actuates the pilot valve spool, modulating control pressure at both ends of the main valve to achieve precise spool displacement.
2. Closed-Loop Feedback Mechanism
• LVDT sensors monitor main valve spool position in real time, comparing feedback with setpoints.
• The controller dynamically adjusts current to eliminate errors, ensuring output accuracy.
3. Fail-Safe Design
• Upon power failure, the pilot valve spool returns to neutral via centering springs, while the main valve cuts off oil flow or connects to the tank to prevent system runaway.
IV. Application Scenarios and Industry Cases
1. Industrial Automation
• Robotic Arms: Precise control of hydraulic cylinder displacement and speed for millimeter-level motion accuracy.
• Welding Equipment: Regulates hydraulic pressure to ensure consistent weld quality.
2. Metallurgical Industry
• Hot Rolling Mills: 4WRTE valves control roll gap adjustments, maintaining strip thickness tolerance within ±3μm.
• Continuous Casting Machines: Optimizes strand solidification frequency (0.5–5Hz stepless adjustment) to reduce crack defects.
3. Aerospace
• Landing Gear Control: High-speed response ensures smooth deployment/retraction under extreme conditions.
• Flight Surface Actuation: Precisely controls hydraulic actuators for flight control surfaces, enhancing stability.
4. Energy Sector
• Turbine Regulation: Manages flow and pressure in hydraulic systems for oil and gas operations.
V. Selection and Maintenance Guidelines
1. Selection Criteria
• Flow and Pressure Requirements: Choose nominal size based on system max flow (e.g., 10mm size for 55L/min).
• Response Speed: Prioritize models with response times <20ms for high-frequency operations.
• Environmental Adaptability: Strengthen oil filtration (NAS 6 or higher) for high-temperature or dusty environments.
2. Installation and Commissioning
• Install per ISO 4401 standards, ensuring valve surface flatness ≤0.01mm.
• Set mechanical pressure limiters during commissioning and calibrate zero-point errors to avoid overpressure.
3. Maintenance Recommendations
• Regular Inspection: Test oil contamination every 500 hours; replace filters every 1000 hours.
• Seal Replacement: Replace seals if spool clearance exceeds 3μm or leakage occurs.
• Electronic Diagnostics: Utilize integrated diagnostics to monitor valve health and preempt failures.
VI. Comparative Analysis and Selection Recommendations
【表格】
Comparison Dimension 4WRTE Proportional Servo Valve Standard Proportional Valve Servo Valve
Control Method Stepless continuous adjustment (0–100%) On/off switching High-precision closed-loop control
Accuracy ±0.1% full scale >5% ±0.01% full scale
Dynamic Response 18–28ms 100–300ms 5–15ms
Contamination Resistance Spool clearance ≤3μm with filtration protection Prone to jamming Requires NAS 6+ oil cleanliness
Cost Medium-high (100–100–100–500) Low High ($1000+)
Typical Applications High-end industrial automation, metallurgy, aerospace General hydraulic systems Precision instruments, medical devices
Selection Recommendations:
• Prioritize 4WRTE forhigh precision and rapid response(e.g., rolling mill AGC).
• Opt for standard proportional valves when budget is constrained and precision requirements are moderate.
• Choose servo valves for extreme conditions (e.g., medical surgical equipment).