What happens if the pressure drop through a valve exceeds 1/3 of the total system pressure?

When the pressure drop through a valve exceeds 1/3 of the total system pressure, it indicates that a significant amount of pressure is being lost across the valve. This loss of pressure directly impacts the hydraulic system's performance. A high pressure drop means that less pressure is available for the actuator downstream, which results in decreased power to the actuator.

The actuator relies on the pressure differential to perform work. If the pressure drop is substantial, the actuator will not receive enough hydraulic pressure to function efficiently. This can lead to insufficient force output, slower operation, or even the complete inability of the actuator to move or hold a load, depending on the system's design and the nature of the task it is trying to perform.

Maintaining an optimal pressure drop across valves is crucial for ensuring efficient operation in hydraulic systems. Therefore, monitoring and managing pressure drops is essential to the system's performance and the effectiveness of the actuators involved.