AMI DB3C-DB3 Directional Control Valve
The AMI DB3C-DB3 Directional Control Valve is an electric sectional ON/OFF and proportional valve for directional control. Built with cast iron sections featuring an anti-rust treatment, it ensures maximum performance in hydraulic systems. The system handles nominal flow rates of 30 l/min (DB3C) and 50 l/min (DB3) with maximum working pressures up to 310 bar. The unit supports series, parallel, and Load Sensing configurations. Countless product codes are available as it is a customizable modular family (e.g., standard configuration: DB3C/5/P/FI02-1-V160-00/E01B0-12V-00/FC/STF1).
The AMI DB3C-DB3 Directional Control Valve represents a high-precision hydraulic solution based on sectional valves for directional control. The series is available in ON/OFF configurations, sectional proportional valves, and flow-compensated proportional valves. Engineered with solid cast iron sections, these directional control valves ensure high resistance to mechanical stress and feature an anti-rust surface treatment for operation in harsh industrial environments. The valve body is pre-arranged for standard threaded ports or modular valve interfaces, providing broad installation flexibility in both compact systems and complex high-flow architectures.
The directional control valve family is divided into two primary frame sizes: the DB3C series, optimized for reduced dimensions with a nominal flow rate of 30 l/min (8 gpm), and the DB3 series, designed for higher flow rates up to 50 l/min (13 gpm). Both models support a maximum working pressure of 310 bar (4500 psi) and tolerate a maximum return line backpressure of 210 bar (3048 psi). The system guarantees excellent sealing, with a maximum internal leakage (A/B -> T at Δp=100 bar) limited to just 13 cm³/min. Integrated standard relief valves feature variable setting ranges depending on the model: from 20 to 250 bar for the DB3C and from 50 to 310 bar for the DB3.
The directional control valves are configurable to operate in both parallel and series circuits, along with pre-arrangement for Load Sensing systems. Fluid control is optimized for mineral oils (reference test with ISO-VG32) having a kinematic viscosity between 12 and 400 mm²/s. Standard NBR seals allow a fluid operating temperature range from -30°C to +80°C, while mechanical and electrical components can operate in ambient temperatures between -20°C and +50°C.
Directional control is managed via electrical actuation using high-performance coils. Solenoids are available in direct current (12V, 24V, 48V DC) and alternating current (110V + RAC) variants. Power consumption varies based on circuit configuration: 26 Watts (2.15A at 12V) for parallel or series circuits with an unloader valve, and 60 Watts (5A at 12V) for series circuits without an unloader valve. Control options include double-solenoid configurations with spring return, single solenoid on side A, and single solenoid on side B, covering a wide range of flow paths and spool overlaps.
| Feature | DB3C Value | DB3 Value |
|---|---|---|
| Nominal flow rate | 30 l/min (8 gpm) | 50 l/min (13 gpm) |
| MAX working pressure | 310 bar (4500 psi) | 310 bar (4500 psi) |
| MAX return line backpressure | 210 bar (3048 psi) | 210 bar (3048 psi) |
| MAIN RELIEF VALVE (standard setting) | 20 to 250 bar | 50 to 310 bar |
| Supported fluid viscosity | 12 ÷ 400 mm²/s | 12 ÷ 400 mm²/s |
| Fluid temperature with NBR seals | -30°C ÷ +80°C | -30°C ÷ +80°C |
| Ambient temperature | -20°C ÷ +50°C | -20°C ÷ +50°C |
| Max internal leakage A(B)->T at Δp=100 bar | 13 cm³/min | 13 cm³/min |
| Section weight (1 coil) | 1.200 kg | 1.400 kg |
| Section weight (2 coils) | 1.450 kg | 1.900 kg |
| Standard inlet thread (P, A, B, T) | 3/8″ (SAE6) | 1/2″ (SAE8 for P, T) – 3/8″ (SAE6 for A, B) |
The AMI DB3C-DB3 Directional Control Valve family features high modularity. Rather than static individual product codes, the series is ordered by assembling a modular ordering code string that identifies each specific attribute, allowing thousands of configurations to be generated. The configuration breakdown for the orderable code family is outlined below.
| Modular Code Field | Family Detail / Options |
|---|---|
| Model (Base) | DB3C (30 liters) / DB3 (50 liters) |
| Number of Sections | From 1 to 5 modular sections |
| Circuit Type | P (Parallel) / S (Series) |
| Inlet Cover | Variants from FI00 to FI15 (e.g., with or without relief valve, unloader, 3-way regulator, etc.) |
| Inlet Port Thread | 1 (3/8″) / 2 (1/2″) |
| Valve Adjustment (and Setting) | V (screw), VP (screw + handwheel), VS (screw + cap). Followed by setting value (e.g., 160) |
| Control and Spool | E (Electric) / M (Mechanical) / EM. Spool types: 01, 02, 03, 04, 04H, 05, 07 |
| Coil Voltage | 12V, 24V, 48V (Direct Current) / 110V+RAC |
| Outlet Cover & Brackets | FC (Std Parallel), FC1 (Series DB3C), FC2 (Series DB3). Brackets: STF1 (side), STF2 (mounting) |