Need help with your application? Contact us for expert advice.
Able Instruments can assist you and your customers in the following areas:
- Application guidance: Support selecting the correct Microtorque® series and configuration for compact, high-pressure hydraulic systems.
- Valve integration support: Assistance with porting selection, mounting options and integration into tight control panels or hydraulic manifolds.
- After-sales and lifecycle support: Guidance on ordering information, replacement valves and maintaining long-term system reliability.
Further to the above, Able can offer customised solutions based on your individual requirements. Email us now at info@ableinstruments.com
Barksdale Microtorque Compact Valves
Compact high-pressure hydraulic directional control valves using Shear-Seal® technology
Able Instruments offer the Barksdale Microtorque® Compact Valve range for high-pressure hydraulic directional control where installation space is limited. This product family includes Series 518 and 526 and is designed for applications requiring precise control, low leakage and compact form factors.
The Microtorque® Compact Valves utilise Barksdale’s proven Shear-Seal® operating principle, combining a rotating rotor with a stationary seal to deliver positive shut-off and consistent performance under pressure. Compared with conventional spool-type valves, this design provides improved tolerance to contamination and reduced internal leakage, supporting reliable operation in demanding hydraulic environments.
Key Features:
- Compact high-pressure directional control: Designed for hydraulic systems where installation space is limited and reliable control is required.
- Shear-Seal® operating principle: Rotating rotor and stationary seal provide positive shut-off with low internal leakage.
- High-pressure capability: Supports working pressures up to approximately 6,000 psi, depending on configuration.
- Interflow and non-interflow designs: Series 518 and 526 options allow optimisation for flow performance or circuit isolation.
- Flexible mounting options: Panel mounting and manifold mounting available to suit compact system layouts.
- Contamination tolerance: Shear-Seal® design maintains stable performance in hydraulic systems with particulate contamination.
- Configurable operating options: Spring return, detent and handle options available depending on model.
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Designed specifically for compact hydraulic systems, the Microtorque® range supports working pressures up to 6,000 psi depending on configuration. Interflow and non-interflow designs are available, allowing engineers to balance flow performance and circuit isolation requirements while maintaining a small installation footprint.
Flexible mounting options, including panel mounting and manifold mounting, allow the valves to be integrated into tight control panels, test equipment and compact hydraulic manifolds. Typical applications include industrial machinery, mobile hydraulics and high-pressure fluid power systems where space efficiency and dependable long-term performance are critical.
Microtorque Specifications:
Valve Type | Shear-Seal® hydraulic directional control valve |
|---|---|
Series | 518, 526 |
Operating Medium | Hydraulic oil and compatible fluids |
Maximum Working Pressure | Up to 6,000 psi (415 bar), depending on configuration |
Proof Pressure | Approximately 1.5 × rated working pressure |
Burst Pressure | Approximately 2.5 × rated working pressure |
Back Pressure Limitation | Return port back pressure should not exceed approximately 250 psi (17.2 bar) |
Flow Design | Interflow (Series 518) or non-interflow (Series 526) |
Porting Options | 1/4″ NPT, SAE for 1/4″ tubing, or DO3 manifold mounting |
Mounting Options | Panel mounting or manifold mounting, configuration dependent |
Operating Temperature | –40 °C to +121 °C (–40 °F to +250 °F) |
Note: Specifications may vary depending on the selected series, model code and configuration. Options may include interflow or non-interflow designs, different porting and mounting arrangements, and alternative actuation or detent options. Please refer to the ordering information or contact Able for guidance on selecting the correct Microtorque® valve for your application.