SUN HYDRAULICS
CBCALHN/LH

SUN HYDRAULICS
Material:CBCALHN/LH
Model:CBCA-LHN/LH
Summary:Cartridge

Due to extremely high demand, please call 888-905-7411 for availability

***Disclaimer: The following summary contains information gathered from various sources such as product descriptions, technical specifications and catalogs. While efforts have been made to provide accurate details, inaccuracies may occur. It is advised to verify all information by contacting Sun Hydraulics directly.***
The Sun Hydraulics CBCALHN/LH (CBCALHN/LH) is a counterbalance valve with pilot assist designed to manage overrunning loads effectively in hydraulic systems. This model incorporates a check valve that permits free flow from the directional valve port 2 to the load port 1, while a direct-acting, pilot-assisted relief valve regulates flow from port 1 to port 2. The pilot assist at port 3 reduces the effective setting of the relief valve according to a specific pilot ratio, enhancing control and stability under varying load conditions. The CBCALHN/LH is engineered for robust performance with a maximum setting of 4000 psi (280 bar) and supports flow capacities up to 15 gpm (60 L/min). It features an adjustment mechanism that allows for precise setting modifications by turning the adjustment screw clockwise to decrease pressure settings and release loads. The design ensures that backpressure at port 2 influences the effective relief setting, factoring in the pilot ratio. For enhanced durability and environmental resistance, this model offers options with external zinc-nickel plated components (indicated by the model code suffix LH), suitable for corrosive environments. It also features Sun's floating style construction which minimizes potential internal parts binding due to excessive installation torque or cavity/cartridge machining variations. The CBCALHN/LH is versatile and can be installed directly into an actuator housing cavity, ensuring added protection and improved circuit stiffness. This valve is compatible with other 3-port counterbalance, load control, and pilot-to-open check cartridges of the same frame size, making it interchangeable and flexible for system integration. Additionally, it maintains high reseat integrity above 85% of set pressure under standard settings, contributing to reliable operation in dynamic hydraulic applications.

Description

Counterbalance valves with pilot assist are meant to control an overrunning load. The check valve allows free flow from the directional valve (port 2) to the load (port 1) while a direct-acting, pilot-assisted relief valve controls flow from port 1 to port 2. Pilot assist at port 3 lowers the effective setting of the relief valve at a rate determined by the pilot ratio.

Other names for this valve include motion control valve and over center valve.

Counterbalance valves should be set at least 1.3 times the maximum load induced pressure.
Turn adjustment clockwise to decrease setting and release load.
Full clockwise setting is less than 200 psi (14 bar).
Backpressure at port 2 adds to the effective relief setting at a ratio of 1 plus the pilot ratio times the backpressure.
Reseat exceeds 85% of set pressure when the valve is standard set. Settings lower than the standard set pressure may result in lower reseat percentages.
Sun counterbalance cartridges can be installed directly into a cavity machined in an actuator housing for added protection and improved stiffness in the circuit.
Two check valve cracking pressures are available. Use the 25 psi (1,7 bar) check unless actuator cavitation is a concern.
All 3-port counterbalance, load control, and pilot-to-open check cartridges are physically interchangeable (i.e. same flow path, same cavity for a given frame size).
This valve does not have positive seals on the pilot section and will pass up to 3 in³/min.@1000 psi (45 ml/min.@70 bar ) between port 2 and port 3. This is a consideration in master-slave circuits and in the leak testing of valve-cylinder assemblies.
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.
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.

Cavity	T-11A
Series	1
Capacity	15 gpm60 L/min.
Pilot Ratio	3:13:1
Maximum Recommended Load Pressure at Maximum Setting	3075 psi215 bar
Maximum Setting	4000 psi280 bar
Factory Pressure Settings Established at	2 in³/min.30 cc/min.
Maximum Valve Leakage at Reseat	5 drops/min.0,3 cc/min.
Adjustment - Number of Counterclockwise Turns to Increase Setting	3.753.75
Operating Characteristic	StandardStandard
Reseat	>85% of setting>85% of setting
Valve Hex Size	7/8 in.22,2 mm
Valve Installation Torque	30 - 35 lbf ft41 - 47 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	.40 lb0,20 kg
Seal kit - Cartridge	Viton: 990-011-006

Show FAQ

What happens to the counterbalance valve if I have backpressure in my system?	Backpressure at port 2 (inlet) may adversely effect the operation of a three port counterbalance valve as it directly opposes pilot pressure. When backpressure exceeds pilot pressure, it adds to the setting of the valve at a rate of 1 plus the pilot ratio times the backpressure, i.e. with 200 psi (14bar) back pressure at port 2 on a 3:1 counterbalance valve, the setting would increase by 800 psi (55 bar). In effect, backpressure drives the counterbalance valve closed. Using vented counterbalance valves typically will correct this problem.
How do I decide which pilot ratio to select?	The vast majority of counterbalance applications are satisfied with a 3:1 pilot ratio. Lower pilot ratios will increase system stability and higher ratios will be more efficient. 10:1 pilot ratio valves generally should be avoided.
Why is it that your valves have pilot ratios below 10:1, while other manufacturers start at 7:1 and go up?	There are 2 styles of load-reactive counterbalance cartridge valves. The first was designed by Racine and has the pilot in port 1 or the nose of the cartridge. The second style that Sun adapted was conceived by Fluid Controls, and has the load port (port 1) at the nose and the pilot coming in port 3. Sun co-founder John Allen said that a counterbalance was a valve designed around a spring. For a given size of cartridge you design a spring that has the most force and rate that can be wound, and then design the rest of the valve. The spring force dictates the relief area needed to achieve a setting.The Racine design has 2 diameters. There is a pilot diameter and a larger diameter that creates the annular relief area. In order to maintain capacity the larger diameter has to be as large as possible. In order to increase pressure settings the annular relief area needs to be reduced. Because the big diameter is fixed and the differential annular area is being reduced, the result is the pilot diameter increases; hence the high pilot ratios.Sun's (Fluid Control's) design has 3 diameters, the small one and the middle one defining the relief area and the middle one and the large one defining the pilot area. This design gives us the freedom to create pilot ratios that fit the application.
I have a pilot-to-open check on a large cylinder and the decompression is violent. Can I use a counterbalance instead?	No. The counterbalance will be less violent than the check valve but the flow dynamics create backpressure spikes that can damage the valve. The circuit needs to be designed to dissipate the energy in a controlled fashion.
When should I use a vented counterbalance valve?	Vented counterbalance valves should be used if you have backpressure in port 2 (inlet). Typical applications are regeneration circuits, master-slave circuits and servo/proportional valve circuits.
How do I determine the setting of a counterbalance valve?	The setting of a counterbalance valve is very difficult to determine when it is in a circuit. This is due to cross-piloting, load-induced pressure, and cylinder ratio. The best way to check the setting is to remove the valve from the circuit. Before removing any valve, ensure machines and loads are mechanically held in position and that the valve is not under pressure at the time of its removal. Screw the valve into a simple, single cavity, line mounted body. Port 1 should be connected to a pressure source and ports 2 & 3 should be open. Increase the pressure on port 1 until the valve just starts to open. Repeat several times to ensure consistency.
You say your valves leak 5 drops/min. How can I keep my load from drifting?	The 5 drops/min. are at the point of reseat which is 85% of cracking pressure. If the valve is set correctly it will never see a load that is higher than 77% of cracking (1/1.3). At this pressure, in a typical system the counterbalance can be considered a zero leak device. Using counterbalance valves to prevent drift is an accepted and common practice on almost all manlifts and hydraulically operated cranes. If a load drifts because of the counterbalance valve, the seat has probably been damaged and the valve should be replaced.
Should I replace the counterbalance valve if my cylinder is drifting or moving?	While cylinder drifting is often attributed to a leaking or damaged counterbalance valve, it can also be caused by cylinder seal leakage or changes in oil temperature. If you believe the seat of the counterbalance valve has been damaged, which can be caused by shock or contamination, it is advisable to replace the valve with a new factory set valve. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for servicing of hydraulically actuated machinery, and insure all loads are mechanically supported and cartridges are not under pressure when removed.
How big is a drop of hydraulic oil?	There are exactly 250 Sun drops in a cubic inch or 15 in a cc.
Why can't I block the pilot vent port? That area is positively sealed, isn't it?	Yes it is sealed; however every time the valve is cycled a small amount of oil passes into the spring chamber--about 1 drop for every 4000 cycles. If the vent is blocked, the spring chamber will eventually fill with oil, building pressure until the valve won't open.
How do I size a counterbalance valve?	Counterbalance valves are pressure dependent devices, not flow dependent. They are designed to create pressure drop for their operation, so it is important not to oversize them. A higher pressure drop will generate greater system stiffness and help improve stability.
How do I know how much pilot pressure is required to lower a load with a counterbalance valve?	Two areas work to open a counterbalance valve—the relief area and the pilot area. The pilot area divided by the relief area equals the pilot ratio. Reverse flow from port 1 to port 2 is blocked by the check valve until a pilot pressure is sensed at port 3 (pilot) that is inversely proportional to the load pressure at port 1 (load). The pilot pressure at port 3 effectively reduces the relief valve setting. The setting is reduced according to the ratio of the differential pilot area on the piston compared to the differential relief area. For example, in a valve with a 3:1 pilot ratio, set for 3000 psi with a load of 2000 psi, the pilot pressure required to open the relief valve is 333 psi—i.e., (3000 psi - 2000 psi)/3 = 333 psi pilot pressure. To calculate the pressure required to lower a load, use the following equations. These equations are under ideal conditions and do not consider any backpressure in the circuit or any effects of temperature on the oil.
What do you mean by hysteresis when referring to a counterbalance valve?	Hysteresis is the difference between the pressure at which the valve will crack open and then reseat closed. Sun's counterbalance valve's hysteresis is typically less than 15%, which means the valve will have reseated to a closed position at 85% of its cracking or opening pressure.
Can I adjust a counterbalance valve in the field?	It is always recommended that a counterbalance valve be set before it is installed in an application. Correctly setting a counterbalance when it is installed is very difficult due to the pilot assist and the interaction with the actuator. Once installed the adjust screw should be considered a manual override.
Why can't I use a counterbalance valve in a closed loop transmission circuit?	A closed loop transmission is meant to transfer the energy from dynamic braking to the prime mover. A counterbalance valve would put the energy in the form of heat into the small amount of oil contained in the loop. Backpressure caused by dynamic braking from the pump and charge pressure complicate matters. "Putting a vented counterbalance in a closed loop transmission is a crime; putting a non-vented valve in is a felony; putting a 10:1 valve in is a capital offence." Jeff Baker
How does Sun test a counterbalance valve for leakage?	First the valve is set to just crack open at the desired setting. The pressure is dropped to zero and then brought up to 85% of the setting. The valve is then piloted open and allowed to reseat. At this point the leakage rate must be less than 5 drops per minute. One detail that makes this test critical is extremely clean oil. If a valve leaks in an application, the seat has probably been damaged by contamination and the valve should be replaced. Before removing any valve, ensure machines and loads are mechanically held in position and that the valve is not under pressure at the time of its removal.
What do you mean by the setting of a counterbalance valve and what should it be?	Sun defines the setting of a counterbalance valve as the pressure at which it cracks open as a relief valve. The flow rate at "crack" is the point where drops turn to a stream, about 1-2 cubic inches per minute. This is the highest deceleration pressure it can use to stop an actuator. The valve should be set at least 1.3 times the maximum expected load-induced pressure at port 1. In many cases the maximum load-induced pressure will be the same as the system relief setting.
Can I use an atmospherically vented counterbalance valve instead of the four-port version to save on plumbing?	Three-port vented, or atmospherically referenced, counterbalance valves are considered problem solvers for existing circuits that used a three port, non-vented valve. If a vented valve is required in a new design, four-port valves are recommended. Atmospherically referenced valves, over time, will leak externally or allow moisture into the spring chamber (resulting in corrosion) even though the spring chamber is sealed.
Why do you offer 2 check valve cracking pressures?	Generally, the 25 psi check spring is recommended for most applications as it is more robust and insensitive to rapid flow reversals. The 4 psi check cracking pressure should be used if there is a need to pull in make-up oil.
I don't need pilot assist. Can I just block port 3?	We do not recommend it. There is a possibility that the pilot area could get filled with oil and slow down or prevent the closing of the valve. A correct solution is to connect port 3, the pilot port, to port 2, the outlet port.

SUN HYDRAULICSCBCALHN/LH

SUN HYDRAULICS
CBCALHN/LH