Counterbalance / Overcentre Valve Introduction

1. A counterbalance valve is a normally closed pressure control valve, constructively comparable to an ordinary pressure relief valve, however with an external pilot.

2. The main function of a counter balance valve is to support a load or to prevent uncontrolled load drop / machine moves un controllably, when a control valve is operated or the pump pressure falls out.

3. The tendency to ‘run ahead’ means in fact that the pump cannot ‘keep up’ with the user. That is why a counterbalance valve is mounted as close as possible to the user (if possible), namely at the port where a counter pressure should be created.

4. In normal cases counter pressure is not necessary and desirable, that is why the counterbalance valve can be opened completely via the pilot if there is minimum pressure at the side of the pump.