HYDRAULICS 22 HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS February 2026 www.hpmag.co.uk Direct-controlled seat valve targets dynamic hydraulic applications Continental’s UK distribution network for thermoplastic hoses has been expanded following the appointment of TransDev as a distributor in 2025, reinforcing availability and technical support for customers across the hydraulic and industrial sectors. The development builds on Continental’s acquisition of the Merlett Group in 2019, a move that broadened its industrial hose portfolio and strengthened its position across markets including agriculture, construction, transportation and food processing. The integration of Merlett’s flexible hose expertise enabled Continental to offer a more comprehensive range of hose solutions to a wider customer base. The subsequent appointment of TransDev further extends that capability within the UK. TransDev, a UK-based distributor with more than 55 years’ experience, operates across power transmission, conveying and motion control markets. Its addition to the Continental distribution network provides customers with expanded access to thermoplastic hose products alongside complementary machine components. By consolidating product supply through a single distributor, customers are expected to benefit from streamlined procurement processes and reduced lead times. The arrangement also aligns thermoplastic hose supply more closely with associated drive and motion products, supporting integrated system sourcing for OEMs and maintenance operations. The partnership combines Continental’s thermoplastic hose portfolio with TransDev’s established distribution infrastructure and technical experience. For UK hydraulic and industrial users, the extended distribution arrangement is intended to improve product availability and service continuity across a range of applications. Christopher Cowler, Managing Director at TransDev, said: “With this new product category, TransDev is further cementing its already strong relationship with Continental, whilst adding even more value to both existing and new customers. We look forward to working with this industry-leading range of Thermoplastic Hoses, servicing existing business, introducing products to our extensive customer base and exploring new opportunities.” Jan Timmermann, Continental Head of Sales, North & East Europe, added: “I see good growth potential with our ‘Partner of Choice’ TransDev in the UK market: We are excited to extend our successful partnership into the area of Industrial Thermoplastic Hoses. In the spirit of ‘ONE Continental’, we want to grow our sales with the entire product portfolio through competent distribution partners. With its high-quality standards and established sales channels into key industries we see TransDev as a very valuable addition to our existing sales network on Thermoplastic Hoses in the UK market.” For further information please visit: www.transdev.co.uk/hoses TransDev appointed UK distributor for Continental thermoplastic hoses A new direct-controlled seat valve enables storage-free, load-tight holding functions in dynamic linear units without the need for an additional control pressure supply and offers significant advantages over classic pilot-controlled solutions, particularly in stationary and servo hydraulics. For many stationary hydraulic applications, the demands on energy efficiency, process reliability and reduced maintenance requirements are increasing. The new directly controlled seat valve from WEBER-HYDRAULIK, which can handle large volume flows with minimal pressure drop, creates new scope for both new developments and system modernisation. The valve combines several of these requirements in a single design. The focus is on the combination of high flow capacity — for example, 100 l/min at only 1 bar pressure loss — and almost absolute seat tightness, defined as a maximum of three drops per minute. This feature is particularly important in safety-critical holding functions. Unlike conventional slide or proportional valves, the seat design prevents internal leakage, allowing the load to remain reliably in position without the need for control pressure. Switching times of ≤ 70 ms when opening and ≤ 180 ms when closing can be achieved. In many conventional control circuits, a separate control pressure is required, typically supplied by accumulators or additional pump units. The directly controlled valve does not require control pressure, simplifying system design, reducing component count and lowering maintenance requirements. The valve is intended for use in machine and plant engineering, where modular, prefabricated plug-andplay units are becoming increasingly important. It can be flowed through on both sides, making it suitable for both simple switching functions and reversible motion sequences. In large servo-hydraulic axes, for example in presses, test benches or automation solutions, the combination of switching dynamics and tightness allows cylinder positions to be maintained reliably even when the pump is switched off. Flow-optimised design A further feature is the flow-optimised design, which enables particularly low-pressure losses while maintaining high volume flows. This allows servo-hydraulic systems to be designed more efficiently. The directly controlled seat valve opens up new options for energy-efficient, dynamic and virtually leakfree hydraulic solutions. For designers who want to dispense with control pressure while requiring maximum load reliability, it represents an alternative to conventional hydraulic valve technology. “The directly controlled seat valve opens up new options for energy-efficient, dynamic, and virtually leak-free hydraulic solutions. For designers who want to dispense with control pressure while still requiring maximum load reliability, it represents a sustainable alternative to conventional hydraulic valve technology,” explains Dominik Vogt, Head of the Valve Technology Division at the Reichenau site. For further information please visit: www.weber-hydraulik.com The 2/2 directional control valve is a directly controlled seat valve for dynamic hydraulic applications. Source: WEBERHYDRAULIK GMBH Source: ENX Association
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