DBALS | Cartridges » Directional » 3-way

This solenoid-operated 3-way, 2-position cartridge is a direct-acting, balanced spool pilot valve used to pilot other full flow valves. It also includes the soft shift feature which greatly reduces system shock due to valve actuation. This valve is either normally open between port 1 and port 2 or port 1 and port 3 and all flow paths are bidirectional.

The soft shift cartridge is interchangeable with the standard cartridge, however, the performance limits are lower.
The soft shift feature can reduce shock due to valve actuation but should not be counted upon in applications where timing is critical. If you need accurate ramping or timing control, consider Sun's electro-proportional valves.
The soft shift feature results in an increase in response time over Sun's standard solenoid. Response time is dependent on flow, pressure, coil voltage, oil viscosity and ambient temperature.
For consistent soft shift performance, port 1 should be at a positive pressure.
This valve includes a push-type manual override control. Other manual control options such as T or D, cannot be ordered with the soft shift control but can be installed easily in the field. See Twist/Lock Manual Override link above for details. Please note: Manual override functionality is not compatible with weatherized coils.
The solenoid tube assembly is fatigue rated for 5000 psi (350 bar) service.
This valve is direct actuated and requires no minimum hydraulic pressure for operation.
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.
This valve utilizes a wet armature design. This means that the working fluid surrounds the armature and is exposed to the heat generated by the coil. This can be a factor if the coil is energized for long periods of time. Some fluids, notably water/glycol mixtures, break down at these temperatures over time and form varnishes that will affect the function of the cartridge.
Coils are interchangeable with other Sun Series 1 solenoid products and can be mounted on the tube in either direction.
Coil connector options offer ratings up to IP69K. See individual coil product pages for details. Additional weatherized coils and kits are available for more complete environmental protection.
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.

Back to Top

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

Cavity	T-9A
Series	P
Capacity	.25 gpm1 L/min.
Maximum Operating Pressure	5000 psi350 bar
Maximum Valve Leakage at 110 SUS (24 cSt)	10 drops/min.@5000 psi0,7 cc/min.@350 bar
Manual Override Force Requirement	10 lbs/1000 psi @ Port 166 N/100 bar @ Port 1
Manual Override Stroke	.10 in.2,5 mm
Solenoid Tube Diameter	.75 in.19 mm
Valve Hex Size	7/8 in.22,2 mm
Valve Installation Torque	20 - 25 lbf ft27 - 33 Nm
Seal kit - Cartridge	Buna: 990009007
Seal kit - Cartridge	EPDM: 990309014
Seal kit - Cartridge	Polyurethane: 990009002
Seal kit - Cartridge	Viton: 990009006

Back to Top

Performance Curve for DBALS: 3-way, soft shift, solenoid-operated directional spool valve - pilot capacity

Back to Top

How big is a drop of hydraulic oil?

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

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.

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.

Back to Top