Eaton Vickers RF Series User manual

I-3332-SRevised 9/1/87
Pressure Control Valves
Hydro-Cushion Type
RF, RG and RT Series
RCF, RCG and RCT Series
Vickers®
Pressure Relief
Overhaul Manual

2
EEaton Hydraulics, Incorporated 2000
All Rights Reserved

3
Table of Contents
Section Page
I. Operating Characteristics 4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 1. Installation and Parts Drawings 4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 2. Model Code Breakdown 4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
II. Description 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 1. 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
III. Installation 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2. 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
IV. Operation 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
V. Special Features 8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3. 8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VI.Overhaul 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
A. Disassembly 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
B. Reassembly 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 4. 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 3. Trouble Shooting Chart 10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Section I – Operating Characteristics
Type Hydro-cushion pressure control valves. . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating Fluid High quality lubricating oil. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommend Viscosity 100-250 SSU @ 100°F.. . . . . . . . .
Operating Pressure Maximum 2000 PSI. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Port Connections Flange, gasket or threaded. . . . . . . . . . .
Mounting Position Optional. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Model Port
Size Capacity GPM Installation Drawing
RT/RCT-03-**-1*
RG/RCG-03-**-1*
RT/RCT-06-**-1*
RG/RCG-06-**-1*
RT/RCT-10-**-1*
RG/RCG-10-**-1*
RT/RCT-12-**-1*
RF/RCF-16-**-1*
Parts
Drawing “RC” Series“RC” Series
3/8 inch
3/4 inch
1 1/4 inch
1 1/2 inch
2 inch
8
20
50
65
125
I-3325-S
I-3329-S
I-3326-S
I-3330-S
I-3327-S
I-3331-S
I-3327-S
I-3328-S
I-132395
I-133101
I-132395
I-133101
I-13395
I-133101
I-132395
I-133671
I-132396
I-133103
I-132396
I-133103
I-13296
I-133103
I-132396
I-133672
Table 1. 2.
Special Application
P - Auxiliary external pilot
pressure control
Omitted standard control
1
3 4 5 8761 2
7
8
9
2
3
5
6
Valve Type 3.
Pressure control
Valve Design
C - with integral check valve
(Reverse free flow)
Omitted - Without check valve
(no reverse flow)
Installation
F - Flange connected
G -Gasket mounted
T - Threaded connections
Pressure Rating
A - 75-250 PSI (with pilot piston)
B - 125-500 PSI (with pilot piston)
D - 250-1000 PSI (with pilot piston)
F- 500-2000 PSI (with pilot piston)
Z - 25-125 PSI (without pilot piston) Design Number
Port Connections
Nominal Pipe Size
03 -3/8” female pipe thread
06 -3/4” female pipe thread
10 -1 1/4” female pipe thread
12 -1 1/2” female pipe thread
16 -2” flange female pipe thread
Circuit Application
1 - “R” Series, relief valve
(internal drain directly operated)
“RC” Series, counter balance valve
(internal drain directly operated)
2 - Sequence Valve
(external drain remotely operated)
3 - Sequence Valve
(external drain remotely operated)
4 - “R” series, unloading valve
(internal drain remotely operated)
“RC” series, counter-balance valve
(internal drain remotely operated)
Table 1. Model Code Breakdown
4.
9
4Special Feature
O - Normally open spool
(decompression circuits)
Omitted - Normally closed spool
(standard)
9Design Modification
For satisfactory service life of these components, use full flow filtration to provide fluid which meets ISO cleanliness code
20/18/15 or cleaner. Selections from pressure, return, and in-line filter series are recommended.

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Section II –Description
This manual contains operation, service and overhaul
information for Vickers hydro-cushion type pressure control
valves.
The “R”and the “RC”series valves are identical in operation
except the “R”series limits flow to one direction - from the
primary port to the secondary port. The “RC”series,
provided with an integral check valve, permits reverse free
flow from the secondary port to the primary port when the
valve is closed.
Since these valves can be internally or externally drained,
directly or remotely operated, they are adaptable to a wide
range of applications depending on the position of the covers
in relation to the body.
Figure 1. 6.
Type 1 Type 2 Type 3 Type 4
Drain
Plugged
Control
Port
Plugged
Remote
Control
Connection
Offset
from
Body
Passage
External Drain
Connection Drain
Plugged
Align
with
Body
Passage
Align
with
Body
Passage
Align
with
Body
Passage
Offset from
Body Passage
NOTE:
Cover positions illustrating threaded style valves apply to gasket mounted valves also, except the cover ports remain
plugged. External connecitons are made directly to the mounting surface or subplate fo the RG, RCG Series.
The four standard combinations are designated as Types 1,
2, 3, and 4. Each type is available with or without the integral
check valve, permitting reverse free flow.
TYPE 1 - is internally drained and directly operated. It is
used as a relief valve for overload protection when the sys-
tem pressure does not exceed 500 PSI. In this application
the secondary port is connected directly to tank. Or, if pro-
vided with the integral check valve, it can be used as a coun-
terbalance or brake valve.
TYPE 2 - is externally drained and directly operated. It is
used as a sequence valve permitting pressure buildup for
the second phase of a two phase cycle, while maintaining a
minimum pressure at the primary port for a holding opera-
tion, i.e., a clamp and work stroke cycle.
TYPE 3 - is externally drained and remotely operated. It is
used as a sequence valve in the same manner as Type 2
except, being remotely operated, the valve can be used to
sequence independently of the primary pressure when pro-
vided with a separate pressure source.
TYPE 4 - is internally drained and remotely operated. It is
used primarily as an unloading valve where the secondary
port must be connected directly to tank. Application of exter-
nal pressure permits the valve to open fully independent of
the primary pressure. Type 4 valves can also be used as
remotely operated counterbalance or brake valves when
provided with the integral check valve.

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Section III –Installation
The RT, RCT series with threaded connections and the RF,
RCF series valves with flange connections are usually
installed directly in the supply line. Fluid flow is through the
primary pressure ports on opposite side of the valve body.
The single, secondary port, on the side of the valve adjacent
to the primary port, is connected to tank or to the secondary
circuit depending on the application and type of valve used.
The RG, RCG series gasket mounted valves are teed into
the supply line. The tee connection is piped to the bottom,
or pressure port in the subplate, or to the back surface of
the mounting area. The top, or secondary, port is piped to
tank or to the secondary circuit with the covers arranged for
internal or external drain and direct or remote control de-
pending on the valve action required.
Pilot
Piston
Adjusting Screw
Figure 2. 8.
Spring
Spool
Closed Position Open Position With Check Valve
Poppet
Spring
B
A
C
C
D
E
B
A
C
C
D
E
B
A
C
C
D
E

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Section IV –Operation
Figure 2 illustrates the basic operation of the various types of
valves. The point at which the valve begins to function is
determined by the position of the adjusting screw (which
varies the force exerted by the spring on the spool) referred
to as the pressure setting of the valve. Clockwise rotation of
the screw increases pressure. Counterclockwise rotation
decreases pressure.
The effective areas of the spool exposed to hydraulic pres-
sure in primary chamber A being equal, the spool is hydrauli-
cally balanced and held in a normally closed position by the
force of the spring. When pressure is primary chamber A -
which is effective on the piston through passages C - ex-
ceeds the adjusted pressure setting, the piston is forced up-
ward moving the spool accordingly.
The spool moving upward opens secondary chamber B per-
mitting pump delivery to flow into the secondary circuit, while
maintaining a minimum pressure in primary chamber A equal
to the pressure setting of the valve.
When the primary pressure decreases, compression of the
spring overcomes the hydraulic force effective on the piston
and spool closes blocking flow to chamber B.
Fluid leakage trapped between the piston and the spool es-
capes through the center hole of the spool, into spring cham-
ber D, through drain passage E to chamber B and tank, or
externally to tank depending on the position of the top cover.
Valves with pressure ratings identified as A, B, D or F,
require the pilot piston in the bottom cover.
Valves of the Z (or low pressure rating) do not use the pilot
piston, but use a spool without the center drain hole, in order
to prevent the pilot fluid from escaping through the drain
passage.
In addition to the basic units, some models may include spe-
cial features for specific applications.
Model code breakdown on page 4, describes in detail the
valve types, pressure ranges and special applications avail-
able.
Figure 3 schematically illustrates two special feature valves.
The normally open spool is identified by the letter O in the
model number and the auxiliary remote control feature is
identified by the letter P in the model number.

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Section V –Special Features
The normally open spool type, used with a special counter-
balance or decompression control requires a needle valve or
orifice installed between the primary port and the secondary
port to accomplish the decompression feature.
Operation of this valve when used with a gravity returned
single acting ram is such that pump fluid passes free flow
into secondary chamber B, then through the check valve and
chamber A into the ram. Pressure buildup in the ram closes
the spool.
When the work stroke is completed, fluid flow is diverted from
the secondary port by directing the pump delivery to tank.
On the return stroke, trapped fluid under pressure in the
primary port holds the valve spool and check valve closed
until a small amount of fluid bleeding off through the needle
valve or orifice reduces the trapped pressure.
When pressure drops below the valve setting, the spring
forces the valve spool to open directing the discharge flow
through the secondary port to tank.
DECOMPRESSION FEATURE
OPTIONAL INSTALLATIONS:
Figure 3. 11.
Secondary Port
Inlet Flow
1. A Needle Valve installed
between the Gage Ports
Primary Port
outlet to ram
or control
return flow
Normally open Spool Type “O”Auxiliary Control Type “P”
Control
Pressure
Port
2. Orifice of size required
drilled in Check Valve
Poppet to control the
rate of decompression
B
A
B
A
C
C
D
Valves with the “P”feature, auxiliary remote control are
available in both the R* and the RC* series.
These valves may be used to stop the movement of a
hydraulic cylinder or motor by providing hydraulic braking
when the driving force is removed.
Because of the difference in effective areas between the
bottom of the spool and the bottom of the pilot piston, the
external pilot pressure needed to open the valve to resume
movement is only one-eighth of the internal pilot pressure
required for the A, B or D rated valves and one-sixteenth of
the internal pressure required by the F rated valves.
Operation is such that the cylinder or motor is maintained in
a fixed position when force is removed until pilot pressure
applied to the large area of the spool, overcomes the spring
force. This permits the discharge fluid to pass through the
primary port into the secondary port and back to tank.
The integral check valve permits free flow from the
secondary port to the primary for reversing action of the
cylinder or motor.

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Section VI –Overhaul
CAUTION
Before breaking any circuit connections, be certain
the electrical power is off and all branches of the
circuit are relieved of trapped pressure. Lower all
vertical cylinders. Discharge or isolate accumula-
tors. Block any load whose movement could cause
injury to personnel or damage to the equipment.
A. Disassembly 13.
If a valve fails to function properly, the trouble can often be
corrected without removing the valve from the installation.
This can be accomplished in the following manner.
1. Back off the adjusting screw full length to relieve all
compression on the spring.
2. Remove top cover screws, cover and spring.
3. Check the valve spool for binding or excessive
clearance in the body bore. Be sure the pilot pistons remains
in the bottom cover during the process.
4. If the spool checks out satisfactorily, remove the bottom
cover. Check the pilot piston for burrs or excessive clearance
in the cover bore.
5. Check the bottom cover for clogged control passages.
See Trouble Shooting Table 3.
For complete disassembly (See Figure 4), remove the valve
from the installation. Dismantle in the same order as the key
index numbers assigned to the exploded view.
B. Reassembly 14.
Reassemble in reverse order of disassembly. Follow key
index numbers in Figure 4 in reverse order.
NOTE
In reassembling the valves, the position of the drain
passage in the top cover in relation to the drain
passage in the body, and the position of the control
fluid passage in the bottom cover in relation to the
body passage, determines the type or function of
the valve. See Figure 1 for cover positions.
Figure 3. 15.
1. Adjusting Screw
2. Locknut
3. Cover Screw
4. Cover - Top
5. Plug - Drain Port
6. Seals or Gasket
7. Plug
8. O-Ring
9. Spring
10. Spool
11. Cover Screw
12. Cover - Bottom
13. Seals or Gasket
14. Piston
15. Plug
16. Plug
17. Body - RT Series
18. Body - RCT Series
19. Body - RG Series
20. Body - RCG Series
21. Body - RF Series
22. Body - RCF Series
23. Screw - Mtg.
24. Plate - Mtg.
25. Seal
26. Seal
27. Plug
28. Plug
29. Seal
30. Spring
31. Poppet
32. Seat
33. Neoprene Plug - Used on external
drain models only.
34. Neoprene Plug - Used on remote
control models only. 10
9
8
7
4
3
1
5
2
6
17
18 21-22
32
31
30
29
28
14
12
11
16
15
34
13
23
27 33
19-20
26
24
25

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E. Troubleshooting Chart
Trouble Possible Cause Remedy
Erratic Pressure 1. Foreign matter in the system. Spool
binding in the body bore. Drain, flush and refill system with clean fluid. Check spool for excessive wear or
burrs. Remove burrs with India Stone.
Check body bore for wear or out-of-
round. RT and RCT series, check the
connecting piping for excessive tight-
ness distorting body.
Premature Valve Action (Low Pressure) 1. Valve improperly adjusted.
2. Drain hole through main spool
plugged.
3. Main spool stuck in open position.
4. Control piston binding in up position.
Readjust valve to proper setting.
Remove spool. Blow out hole with fil-
tered compressed air.
Remove spool. Check for burrs, foreign
matter, excessive wear, out-of-round
body bore. RG and RCG series, inspect
valve mounting surfaces for flatness.
Remove bottom cover. Check piston for
burrs.
Delayed Valve Action (High Pressure) 1. Control piston binding in bottom
position.
2. Control fluid passage in bottom cov-
er plugged.
Check for burrs, foreign matter or ex-
cessive wear.
Remove cover. Clear obstruction from
control passage and blow clean with
compressed air.
Table 3. Trouble Shooting Chart