The flow rate distribution ensures a continuous fluid supply to the hydraulic consumers independent of the pump capacity. With the help of pressure compensation, the oil flow to the consumers is proportionally distributed, independent of the total delivery line of the pump. And this is also the case if the system is undersupplied by the pump.
Each valve section has its maximum flow rate. Without flow distribution, the fluid will choose the path of least resistance if the pump cannot provide the required flow. This can result in the valve with the lowest pressure receiving even more flow than required, while the other valves are practically cut off in their supply. To get this problem under control, a downstream must first be used instead of an upstream pressure compensator. The value of the pressure drop determined by this pressure compensator can be compared directly with the value of a second valve, which allows a proportional readjustment between both valves. This can be achieved by a mechanical-hydraulic control, the flow distribution. Although the flow distribution causes a slower movement of the respective functions of the consumers, it is a controlled process.
If the system becomes more complex and several valves, combined with prioritization, come into play, "flow sharing" is realized by exchanging information and corresponding calculation by means of electronics, this is called "Electronic Flow Sharing".