Note: The circuit assumes that there are positive load bearing stops placed at each end stroke of each cylinder.

A geared flow divider is essentially a device which maintains equal flow in its branches. In case a flow in one of the branches is stopped the rotary motion of the geared flow divider is arrested, preventing flow in the other branches as well. Such conditions may arise when one cylinder bottoms out or hits a stopper before the others.

In the dividing condition, when the flow in one of the branches is stopped, pressure in the branch increases till the relief valve opens. The rotary motion continues and the flow in the other branches goes on unobstructed.

CAUTION: In the above condition the rotary flow divider will also intensify pressure in the branch the flow is obstructed. Hence, these relief valves are not optional but mandatory for the safety of the system.

In the combining condition, when the flow in one of the branches is stopped, geared flow divider sucks in oil from the reservoir and the rotary motion continues. Please also note that in this case the oil is pushed in only by atmospheric pressure and hence a low cracking check valve is recommended (e.g. 0.3bar). The flow in other branches continues unobstructed.

Spica recommends geared rotary flow dividers from Slack and Parr http://www.slackandparr.co.uk/