RPKS | Cartridges » Pressure Control » Relief

Pilot-operated, balanced-poppet relief cartridges are normally closed pressure regulating valves. When the pressure at the inlet (port 1) reaches the valve setting, the valve starts to open to tank (port 2), throttling flow to regulate the pressure. These valves are accurate, smooth, quiet, fast, and have low pressure rise vs. flow.

Because the modulating occurs inside the cartridge, these valves are immune to most of the problems associated with cavitation, namely noise and manifold erosion.
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.
Will accept maximum pressure at port 2; suitable for use in cross port relief circuits.
Valve is relatively insensitive to varying oil temperatures and oil borne contamination.
Main stage orifice is protected by a 150-micron stainless steel screen.
Back pressure on the tank port (port 2) is directly additive to the valve setting at a 1:1 ratio.
W and Y controls (where applicable) can be specified with or without a special setting. When no special setting is specified, the valve is adjustable throughout its full range using the W or Y control. When a special setting is specified, this setting represents the maximum setting of the valve.
Corrosion resistant cartridge valves are intended for use in corrosive environments and are identified by the model code suffix /AP for external stainless steel components, or /LH for external zinc-nickel plated components. See the CONFIGURATION section for all options. For further details, please see the Materials of Construction page located under TECH RESOURCES.
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.

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

Cavity	T-18A
Series	4
Capacity	200 gpm760 L/min.
Maximum Operating Pressure	5000 psi350 bar
Factory Pressure Settings Established at	4 gpm15 L/min.
Maximum Valve Leakage at Reseat	10 drops/min.0,7 cc/min.
Response Time - Typical	7 ms7 ms
Adjustment - No. of CW Turns from Min. to Max. setting	55
Valve Hex Size	1 5/8 in.41,3 mm
Valve Installation Torque	350 - 375 lbf ft474 - 508 Nm
Adjustment Screw Internal Hex Size	5/32 in.4 mm
Locknut Hex Size	9/16 in.15 mm
Locknut Torque	80 - 90 lbf in.9 - 10 Nm
Model Weight	2.50 lb1,15 kg
Seal kit - Cartridge	Buna: 990318007
Seal kit - Cartridge	EPDM: 990318014
Seal kit - Cartridge	Polyurethane: 990018002
Seal kit - Cartridge	Viton: 990318006

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Performance Curve for RPKS: Pilot-operated, balanced poppet relief valve

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What are the tolerances on pressure settings for Sun's pressure control valves?

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.

How big is a drop of hydraulic oil?

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

Can I use a kick-down relief for my system relief?

Maybe not. We build in a good amount of overlap in the kick-down reliefs to prevent false tripping. This means they are not as fast as our standard pilot-operated reliefs. A direct-acting relief valve set just above the kick-down relief valve would be good insurance.

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.

Where would I use a kick-down relief?

One graphic example is on a portable grain auger for silos. When the farmer gets caught in the auger the kick-down relief trips and allows him to escape.

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.

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