Negative Flow Control System (KENR9994-05)

SMCS - 5050 i07384091

Introduction
Proportional reducing valves for negative flow control are used to control the amount of negative
flow control (NFC) signal to the pump regulators. The machine ECU receives various input signals
to control the flow limitation from the main hydraulic pumps. When the NFC valves are de-energized
by the machine ECU, pilot oil pressure is directed to the main hydraulic pump regulators from pilot
solenoid manifold (1). The NFC pilot oil pressure controls the swashplate angle which therefore
controls the pump output flow.

Illustration 1 g03586157
Proportional reducing valve (negative flow control)
(1) Pilot solenoid manifold
(2) Negative flow control PRV (front pump)
(3) Negative flow control PRV (rear pump)
Illustration 2 g06303629
Negative flow control operation (control valves in the NEUTRAL position)
(1) Pilot solenoid manifold
(2) Negative flow control PRV (front pump)
(3) Negative flow control PRV (rear pump)
(4) Pilot pump
(5) Front pump
(6) Rear pump
(7) Swashplate angle sensor (front pump)
(8) Swashplate angle sensor (rear pump)
(9) Left travel pilot pressure sensor
(10) Right travel pilot pressure sensor

Demanded pump flow is determined by the joysticks and/or travel levers/pedals. The joysticks send
an X and Y position signal to the machine ECU with the requested flow from the operator. The travel
levers/pedals requested flow is determined by travel pilot pressure sensors (9) and (10). The
machine ECU receives the requested flow input from the joysticks or travel levers/pedals. The
machine ECU then sends a PWM driver to negative flow control PRV (2) and negative flow control
PRV (3). Pilot oil is supplied to the pump control manifold block from the pilot pump. The pilot oil
flows through the NFC PRV's and to the pump regulators.

The pump swashplate moves to meet the flow demand. Front pump (5) and rear pump (6) are each
equipped with a swashplate angle sensor. The swashplate angle sensor sends a feedback control
signal to the machine ECU. The NFC PWM driver from the machine ECU adjusts the current
command to the NFC PRVs if the actual flow does not meet the requested flow.

Note: A decrease in current causes an increase in NFC hydraulic pressure which is then sent to the
pump regulators. This increase in NFC pressure to the pump regulators causes the main hydraulic
pumps to destroke, decreasing the flow.

Note: An increase in current to the negative flow control PRV causes a decrease in NFC hydraulic
pressure to the pump regulators. This decrease of NFC pressure to the pump regulators causes the
main hydraulic pumps to upstroke, increasing the flow.

© 2023 Caterpillar Inc.