A1: A directional control valve is a key component in hydraulic and pneumatic systems that directs the flow of fluid to different paths within a circuit. By shifting internal passages, it determines whether fluid moves forward, backward, or stays in a neutral position. This control enables actuators—such as cylinders and motors—to perform tasks like lifting, pressing, or rotating.
 Explore Barksdale’s valve product offerings below:
https://www.barksdale.com/products/valves

A2: You would use a directional control valve when you need precise control over fluid movement in a hydraulic or pneumatic system. These valves allow you to: • Start, stop, or change the direction of flow for actuators • Improve system efficiency by managing pressure and flow paths • Enable complex operations like reversing motion or holding positions safely In industries such as oil & gas, manufacturing, and heavy equipment, directional control valves are essential for reliable and safe operation.

A3: Barksdale’s Shear-Seal® technology uses a metal-to-metal sealing system that “wears in” rather than “wears out.” Unlike spool valves that rely on elastomer seals prone to wear and leakage, Shear-Seal® valves maintain a zero-leak seal even under high pressure and contamination. This design ensures: • Long service life in harsh environments • Resistance to contaminated media, reducing downtime • Lower maintenance costs compared to conventional valves Explore technical details and product offerings below:
https://www.barksdale.com/products/valves https://www.barksdale.com/sites/default/files/literature/documents/valve-sg%20%282%29_0.pdf

A4: Contamination is a leading cause of valve failure. Shear-Seal® valves route fluid through internal galleries, preventing debris from damaging sealing surfaces. Their self-lapping action keeps the seal tight, even when particles are present. This makes them ideal for: • Oil & gas hydraulic systems • Marine and industrial applications • Safety-critical systems like blowout preventers

A5: Shear-Seal® valves are engineered for extreme performance: • Pressure ratings from 150 psi up to 10,000 psi • Flow capacities tailored for high-demand hydraulic circuits with port sizing options from 1/4” to 1 ½” • Configurations for manual, pneumatic, or hydraulic actuation Explore Barksdale’s valve product offerings below:
https://www.barksdale.com/products/valves

A6: In emergency shutdown systems or high-cycle operations, reliability is non-negotiable. Shear-Seal® valves deliver: • Zero-leak performance under fluctuating pressures • Hundreds of thousands of cycles without degradation • Compliance with industry safety standards

A7: Pressure drop occurs when fluid flows through a valve and loses energy due to restrictions or internal passages. In conventional spool valves, complex flow paths and tight tolerances can create significant pressure loss, reducing system efficiency.
Barksdale’s Shear-Seal® directional control valves are engineered with streamlined internal galleries and metal-to-metal sealing, minimizing pressure drop while maintaining zero-leak performance. This design improves energy efficiency and ensures consistent actuator response, even under high-pressure conditions. Learn more about Barksdale’s Supplemental guide for Pressure Drop Curves:
https://www.barksdale.com/sites/default/files/literature/documents/valve-sg%20%282%29_0.pdf