Fluid control
In technology, hydraulic fluids are used for signal transmission, force transmission and energy transmission.
This enables – alternatively to mechanics, electrics and pneumatics – power transmission, energy transmission or force transmission / torque transmission to occur.
In hydraulics, power transmission is enabled by hydraulic fluids, generally special mineral oil, but increasingly also by eco-friendly fluids, such as water or special esters or glycols. The transmitted power results from the factors of pressure and fluid flow.
By introducing pressurized fluid into cylinders, the pistons and piston rods inside are set into linear motion, which is utilized for work operations and for driving machines. Rotating actuators can also be realized by means of fluid pressure, for instance with a hydraulic motor.
Valves control the inlet or outlet of fluids or control and regulate the flow direction.
Electromagnetic actuators are suitable for the control of valves; components in the valve are actuated by the armature.
Important valves for the control of pressures are, for example, the check valve, the throttle valve, the pressure valve, the pressure limiting valve, the pressure reducing valve and the pressure regulating valve.
The flow direction can be controlled by directional valves. These valves include, for example, the 3/2-way valve or the 5/2-way valve.
In some applications it is necessary for these valves to switch very quickly. These are known as quick-acting valves. Quick-acting solenoids can be used as actuators.
As a valve manufacturer, Thomas develops and manufactures solutions with on-off valves and proportional valves.
