Blain Hydraulics

A look at Blain Hydraulics, a manufacturer of flow control valves for hydraulic elevators.

by Roy W. Blain

Blain Hydraulics GmbH is a leading manufacturer of flow control valves for hydraulic elevators. Since 1970, the company has made improvements to its EV 100 valve, designed for hydraulic elevators operating at higher pressures and higher temperatures with increased reliability. Some Blain Hydraulics valves have been in operation for as long as 30 years without a change of oil or other major maintenance having been ­required. Minor leakage from the ­elevator cylinder is fed back to the power unit through tubing or collected in a container in the shaft to be poured back into the power unit during maintenance. Self-cleaning filters prevent impurities in the oil from contaminating the valve. Necessary servicing of the company’s valves can be as infrequent as once in five years.

Blain Hydraulics manufactures its products at its ­factory in Heilbronn, Germany, which meets all required industry standards. Each of its valves is adjusted and tested according to customer data. Readjustment on site is rarely necessary. The company’s KV and EV series of valves offer a pressure range of 3-100 bar and a flow range of 5-1600 liters per minute. A wide range of solenoids (AC and DC voltages) are optional. Blain Hydraulics products are intended for residential, commercial and ­industrial elevator installations.

Hydraulic elevators installed in remote locations can be equipped with the Blain Hydraulics QPT remote-monitoring unit to ensure timely and effective action from service personnel. Other auxiliary equipment includes Pressure Lock Valve (L10), Pipe Rupture Valve (R10), Hand Pump (HP), Explosion Proof Solenoid (MEX), Tank Heater (TH), Manual/Solenoid operated down valve (HX/MX), Micro Leveling Drive (MD) and car parking valves (GV). Details about these products are available on the company’s website: www.blain.de.