Pilot-operated, pressure reducing/relieving valve

Capacity: 5 gpm20 L/min. | Cavity: T-163A
PPBB : Pilot-operated, pressure reducing/relieving valve
Technical Features [ + ]

Pilot-operated, pressure reducing/relieving valves reduce a high primary pressure at the inlet (port 2) to a constant reduced pressure at port 1, with a full-flow relief function from port 1 to tank (port 3).

  • 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.
  • If pilot flow consumption is critical, consider using direct acting reducing/relieving valves.
  • Recommended maximum inlet pressure is determined by the adjustment range. Ranges D, E, N, and Q are tested with a 2000 psi (140 bar) maximum differential between inlet and reduced pressure. Ranges A, B, and H are tested with a 3000 psi (210 bar) maximum differential between inlet and reduced pressure. Ranges C and W are tested with 5000 psi (350 bar) of inlet pressure.
  • 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).
  • Pilot operated reducing, reducing/relieving valves by nature are not fast acting valves. For superior dynamic response, consider direct acting valves.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
Technical Data [ + ]
Note: Data may vary by configuration. See CONFIGURATION section.
Cavity T-163A
Series 0
Capacity 5 gpm20 L/min.
Maximum Operating Pressure 5000 psi350 bar
Factory Pressure Settings Established at blocked control port (dead headed)blocked control port (dead headed)
Control Pilot Flow 7 - 10 in³/min.0,11 - 0,16 L/min.
Adjustment - No. of CW Turns from Min. to Max. setting 55
Valve Hex Size 3/4 in.19,1 mm
Valve Installation Torque 20 - 25 lbf ft27 - 33 Nm
Adjustment Screw Internal Hex Size 5/32 in.4 mm
Locknut Hex Size 1/2 in.12,7 mm
Locknut Torque 80 - 90 lbf in.9 - 10 Nm
Model Weight .30 lb0,15 kg
Seal kit - Cartridge Buna: 990163007
Seal kit - Cartridge EPDM: 990163014
Seal kit - Cartridge Polyurethane: 990163002
Seal kit - Cartridge Viton: 990163006
Performance Curves [ + ]
FAQs [ + ]

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.

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.

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.

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.

No. A reducing/relieving valve throttles a supply of oil to maintain a set pressure in a secondary circuit. The valve is open until the secondary or downstream pressure rises to the setting of the valve at which time it starts to close to limit the pressure. If the secondary or downstream pressure is caused to go above the setting, the valve shifts into relieving mode and throttles the secondary circuit back to tank to prevent over-pressure. At no time can the valve connect the supply to tank.

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

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.

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.
Notes [ + ]
  • Maximum pressure differentials for spring ranges: A and B are 3000 psi (210 bar) N and Q are 2000 psi (140 bar) W is 5000 psi (350 bar)inlet pressure
Additional Resources [ + ]