Control valves are control devices that are used to manage and control fluid flow, pressure, temperature, or liquid level by varying the flow passage size.
There is a strategic placement of the valve position that ensures it achieves the desired degree of opening.
What is the function of a control valve?
The control valves regulate various parameters, like temperature, level, pressure and fluid flow running through the pipelines. These control valves are even designed to start and stop the flow of fluid through the pipeline.
Benefits of control valves
- The first benefit of a control valve lies in its automatic operations. There is automated control for regulating the flow of the fluid.
- These valves are easy to install, and this is the second benefit.
- The automated operations of the valve will make sure that there is reduced waste and, in the process, enhance efficiency for your industrial unit.
What are the different types of control valves?
The control valves vary according to their designs and other characteristics. The following are some varieties of control valves.
- The linear globe valves are linear motion closing-down valves used to start, stop or regulate the flow using a closure member referred as plug
- The linear angle valves are the next variety, and this valve has an inlet and an outlet port which are perpendicular to each other. This type of control valve is usually used to control the flow of abrasive liquids or high velocity fluids, in a pipe. These valves can deal with high noises and increased pressure drops.
- A rotary valve is the third variety and here the fluid flow is regulated through the rotation of passages present in a transverse plug. Are you transferring fluids that contain some bit of solid? These valves are designed for such applications.
- The linear three-way control valve is the fourth variety and this type of control valve features two outlets & one inlet or one inlet & two outlets. This valve will be perfect in an environment where there will be a need to mix or divert liquids. Such valves are useful in fan coils and air handling units.
Some other factors to consider as you buy a control valve
Beyond the product ranges, other factors should impact your decision to buy any particular control valve. Here are the details for readers.
- An industrial process is conducted in a harsh environment. You will need to make sure that the control valve you have chosen can withstand a harsh environment.
- Your chosen valve should be able to operate efficiently in both dirty & clean environments.
What factors can impact the performance of the valve?
Some specific factors can impact the efficiency of the valve and before the buy, you must know the details.
- Control Valve sizing and selection, if not done optimally, can impact the performance of the product. The problem could be simply that the engineers did not have adequate information at the point of sizing. Undersizing a valve will not give the desired flow and oversizing it may not give full control over the range. Irrespective of the which one it is, it is certain to impact the performance and you need to be careful at the time of buying
- You can also be a bit concerned if the control valve is slowing down on response time. It may be taking significant time to move even after getting the signal. If there is an increase in dead time, it will impact the efficiency of your process.
Conclusion These are a few things that you may need to watch out for regarding control valves. If the performance is indeed being impacted, you can always seek help from professionals offering control valves and its services.
