Cartridge valve

Spassun hydraulic cartridge valvesare compact, modular components designed to be inserted directly into a manifold block or custom-designed hydraulic integrated circuit (HIC). Think of them as the "integrated circuits" of the hydraulic world—instead of having a dozen separate valves connected by a messy web of hoses, you screw or slip multiple cartridge valves into a single metal block to create a streamlined, high-density control system.

1. Core Types: Screw-In vs. Slip-In

There are two primary formats for cartridge valves, each suited for different power levels and applications.

A. Screw-In Cartridge Valves (SiCV)

These are the most common type for mobile and light industrial equipment. They feature a threaded shoulder and are tightened into a cavity like a bolt.

• Best For:Lower flow rates, modular customization, and space-saving on mobile machines.

• Benefits:Extremely easy to replace in the field; a technician can unscrew one and pop in a new one in minutes.

B. Slip-In Cartridge Valves (Logic Elements)

Also known as 2/2-way valves, these are inserted into a non-threaded cavity and held in place by a cover plate.

• Best For:High-flow, high-pressure industrial systems (like massive presses).

• Benefits:Because they lack threads and use a large poppet design, they can handle massive oil volumes with very little pressure drop or heat generation.

2. Key Functions

A cartridge valve is not a single type of valve, but rather a packaging format. Nearly any hydraulic function can be "cartridged":

• Pressure Control:Relief valves, pressure-reducing valves, and sequence valves.

• Flow Control:Throttles, needle valves, and flow dividers.

• Directional Control:Solenoid valves that start, stop, or change the direction of fluid.

• Load Holding:Counterbalance and pilot-operated check valves that prevent a heavy load (like a crane arm) from falling if a hose bursts.

3. Industrial Applications

Because they reduce weight and leak points, cartridge valves are ubiquitous across several sectors:

Application	Role of Cartridge Valve
Agricultural Equipment	Manages lifting, tilting, and sprayer regulation in tractors and harvesters.
Industrial Presses	Slip-in logic valves allow for the rapid advance and high-pressure clamping of metal stamping presses.
Aerial Work Platforms	Counterbalance cartridges ensure smooth, safe lowering of workers in "cherry pickers."
Excavators	Compact manifolds control auxiliary attachments like hydraulic hammers or shears.
Log Splitters	A single manifold with relief and directional cartridges manages the entire splitting cycle.

4.Why Use Them? (The "Manifold" Advantage)

• Reduced Leak Points:By integrating many valves into one block, you eliminate dozens of threaded fittings and hoses where oil could potentially leak.
• Compact Footprint:They allow for incredibly complex circuits in a very small physical space, which is vital for modern, streamlined machinery.
• Energy Efficiency:Short, internal flow paths within a manifold reduce "parasitic" pressure drops, meaning the engine doesn't have to work as hard to move the oil.
• Cost-Effective Maintenance:Instead of replacing an entire expensive valve assembly, you only replace the small, standardized cartridge that has failed.