PBFB8 | Cartridges » Pressure Control » Reducing

This valve is a normally open modulating element that incorporates an integral pilot control cavity. The pilot control cavity will accept any T-8A pressure control cartridge. The valve reduces a high primary pressure at the inlet (port 2) to a constant reduced pressure at port 1. The pilot cartridge's setting determines the difference in pressure between reduced pressure (port 1) and the drain (port 3).

All three-port pressure reducing and reducing/relieving cartridges are physically interchangeable (i.e. same flow path, same cavity for a given frame size). When considering mounting configurations, it is sometimes recommended that a full capacity return line (port 3) be used with reducing/relieving cartridges.
Full reverse flow from reduced pressure (port 1) to inlet (port 2) may cause the main spool to close. If reverse free flow is required in the circuit, consider adding a separate check valve to the circuit.
Main stage orifice is protected by a 150 micron stainless steel screen.
Pilot operated valves exhibit very low dead-band transition between reducing and relieving modes.
Pilot operated valves exhibit exceptionally flat pressure/flow characteristics, are very stable and have low hysteresis.
Pressure at port 3 is directly additive to the valve setting at a 1:1 ratio and should not exceed 5000 psi (350 bar).
Maximum inlet pressure is determined by the bias spring. The D spring is tested with 2000 psi (140 bar) maximum differential pressure and the W spring is tested with 5000 psi (350 bar) maximum inlet pressure.
NOTE: With the -8 control option, the main stage valve should first be installed to the correct torque value. The T-8A pilot control valve should then be installed into the main stage valve to its required torque value.
The -8 control option allows the pilot control valve to be incorporated directly into the end of the relief cartridge via the T-8A cavity. These pilot control cartridges are sold separately and include electro-proportional, solenoid, air pilot, and hydraulic pilot operation. See Pilot Control Cartridges.
Cartridges configured with EPDM seals are for use in systems with phosphate ester fluids. Exposure to petroleum based fluids, greases and lubricants will damage the seals.
Incorporates the Sun floating style construction to minimize the possibility of internal parts binding due to excessive installation torque and/or cavity/cartridge machining variations.

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Note: Data may vary by configuration. See CONFIGURATION section.

Cavity	T-2A
Series	2
Capacity	20 gpm80 L/min.
Maximum Operating Pressure	5000 psi350 bar
Control Pilot Flow	10 - 15 in³/min.0,16 - 0,25 L/min.
Pilot Control Cavity	T-8AT-8A
Valve Hex Size	1 1/8 in.28,6 mm
Valve Installation Torque	45 - 50 lbf ft61 - 68 Nm
Model Weight	.60 lb0,30 kg
Seal kit - Cartridge	Buna: 990202007
Seal kit - Cartridge	EPDM: 990202014
Seal kit - Cartridge	Polyurethane: 990002002
Seal kit - Cartridge	Viton: 990202006

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Performance Curve for PBFB8: Pilot-operated, pressure reducing main stage with integral T-8A control cavity

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Direct acting or pilot operated - what do I use?

Direct-acting valves are used to prevent over pressure, and pilot-operated valves are used to regulate pressure. If you are unsure, use a direct-acting valve. Sun's direct acting valves are very fast, dirt tolerant, stable, and robust. Sun's pilot-operated valves are moderately fast, they have a low pressure rise vs. flow curve, and they are easy to adjust.

How big is a drop of hydraulic oil?

There are exactly 250 Sun drops in a cubic inch or 15 in a cc.

What are the tolerances on pressure settings for Sun's pressure control valves?

Pressure setting tolerances are listed in our Performance Data page. A link to this page can also be found in the Additional Resources tab of the applicable product page.

Can I back flow through a reducing valve from port 1 to port 2?

Yes. A reducing or reducing/relieving valve is normally open. If the pressure in the secondary circuit is less than the setting, it will be open.

2 caveats: (1) If the valve is in the reducing mode and you suddenly reverse the flow, the valve will not have time to open and will shift into relieving mode or (2) If the back flow generates a pressure drop through the valve that exceeds the setting, the valve will shift into the relieving mode.

When in doubt, use a reverse flow check.

I need a reducer on B. Can I connect the drain to A?

Yes. If you look in the sandwich section you will see that we offer many such packages. When you are pressurizing B, A is connected to tank, allowing the reducer to do its job. When you reverse, the drain or tank port of the reducer is pressurized by A. This increases the setting of the reducer and helps keep the reducer open in the reverse flow direction.

What do you mean by maximum differential?

Our reducing valves are outside-in valves; the supply pressure on the outside of the working parts is higher than the inside. At some pressure differential, the outside (sleeve) will close in on the piston and cause the valve to stick. A D range is adjustable from 25 to 800 psi with a maximum differential of 2000 psi. This means you could set the valve at 600 psi and expect it to work correctly with a supply pressure of 2600 psi. The valve may work at higher differentials, but we do not recommend it. The W and C ranges are tested over their entire range with an inlet pressure of 5000 psi. All direct-acting valves are tested with an inlet pressure of 5000 psi.

What parts of the Sun cartridge valve are field serviceable?

Only external seals are serviceable. Sun offers replacement seal kits for all cartridge models. The applicable kit part number can be found in the product page's Technical Data table or by using our Cartridge Seal Kit search function located under Accessories. Please note: Converting the external seals from one material to another does not ensure fluid compatibility with that material due to the existence of internal seals within the cartridge.

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PBFBPilot-operated, pressure reducing valve

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Compound cartridge (pilot and main stage) assembly information is provided for reference only. Cartridges must be ordered separately and assembled at point of use.

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