Disc Springs for Hydraulic Spring Return Actuators

Disc springs are widely used in hydraulic spring return actuators, where hydraulic pressure provides the driving force for movement and the disc spring stack ensures automatic fail-safe return when pressure is lost.

A key component in this design is the disc spring stack, which plays a critical role in storing and releasing energy：

• When hydraulic pressure is applied on the hydraulic spring return actuator,the actuator piston is driven by the force. As the piston moves, the disc spring stack is progressively compressed, converting mechanical energy into stored elastic potential energy. As a result, the output shaft is actuated and the valve or mechanism moves into its operating position.
• In the event of hydraulic pressure loss, the hydraulic force acting on the piston is removed. The preloaded disc spring stack then releases its stored energy, generating a restoring force that drives the piston back to its initial position. This reverse motion is transmitted to the output shaft, ensuring the system is mechanically returned to its predefined fail-safe position without reliance on external power or control signals.

Disc springs are critical in spring return actuators, ensuring reliable fail-safe operation under loss of hydraulic pressure."

Hydraulic spring return actuation is widely used in safety-critical systems where reliable fail-safe operation is essential, such as marine ballast systems, fuel and hydraulic valve control, hatch and door actuation, emergency shutdown (ESD) valves in industrial applications, oil & gas pipeline valves.

OPTIMUM Disc Spring has been manufacturing disc springs for Hydraulic Spring Return Actuators since 1984.

Need expert advice? Contact our engineer today for customize solutions at jc@optimum-spring.com !