A thermal bypass valve is necessary for hydraulic circuits that require fast warm-up, controlled fluid temperature, and low return line backpressure. Temperature control is the critical element for optimal system performance. Fluids that are too hot can cause reduced fluid viscosity, internal leakage, pump cavitation, and eventual component failure. Fluids that are too cold increase fluid viscosity, resulting in high stress on system components. Proper control of fluid temperature ensures that mechanical components are lubricated and run at peak efficiency.

ThermOmegaTech’s 3-way thermal bypass valves (TBVs) provide reliable control of fluid temperatures in engines, compressors, lubrication oil cooling systems, hydrostatic drive circuits, radiators, hydraulic power units, and many other industrial applications.

These self-actuating thermal bypass valves monitor inlet flow and automatically divert the fluid based on temperature to one of two outlet ports. Fluid below the valve’s set-point temperature is bypassed to a reservoir or bypass loop while fluid at or above the set-point is diverted to the system’s cooler.

These thermostatic valves automatically control the fluid temperature to keep a system operating at the optimal temperature to reduce wear and eliminate excessive heat damage. The TBV modulates fluid temperature in bypass mode by shifting return line flow through a cooler/heat exchanger or bypassing it directly to the reservoir. In mixing mode, the valve adjusts flow through ports “B” and “C” to provide the desired temperature exiting the “A” port.

Thermal bypass is necessary to maintain fluid temperature control in hydraulic and lube oil systems used in industrial, mobile, and aerospace applications. ThermOmegaTech’s TBV’s provide precise thermostatic control for heat exchangers and fuel oil coolers in dozens of applications, typically in military aircraft.

We design and manufacture all our thermal actuators in-house, giving us the unique ability to customize designs for your project’s needs. Customizations can be made to opening/closing temperatures, material, valve size, flow rates, number of inlets/outlets, and other optional features such as overrides.

If one of our standard products doesn’t meet your systems’ needs, contact one of our product specialists to discuss your project’s requirements.