Hydraulic direction Valves

A water faucet allows flow or stops flow by manual control.
A single-acting cylinder needs supply to and exhaust from its port to operate. Some 3-way valves have a third position that blocks flow at all ports. This requires a 3-way valve. A 3-way valve allows fluid flow to an actuator in one position and exhausts the fluid from it in the other position. The simplest directional control valve is the 2-way valve. A 2-way valve stops flow or allows flow. A water faucet is a good example of a 2-way valve.