Introduction to Flow Control Valves

Control Valves

Control valves are a common element in the process and manufacturing industry. They control the fluid flow in the attached network. The fluid goes into one side of the valve; its flow is adjusted and comes out the other side. The fluid flow can be controlled by manual or automatic mechanisms and comes in various shapes, sizes, and applications.

Controlling the flow rate of process fluids enables personnel to control many relevant parameters. For example, the temperature in a closed container is directly proportional to the steam pressure being applied to it. Similarly, water flow in a vessel storage system is monitored and controlled to prevent overflow.

The flow of these fluids can be effectively controlled by installing control valves. They are available for various fluids, such as steam, water, and chemicals. Some can also withstand harsh environments, such as high temperatures and toxic chemicals.

 

How Control Valves Work

The control valve can be controlled manually or through a feedback system.

 

Manual Control Valves

Manual control valves are simple—humans manually control the opening of the valve through a manual mechanism such as a handle. The handle’s motion is directly connected with the internal valve mechanism, which controls the fluid flow.

 

Control Valves with Feedback Signals

Another control valve style uses a feedback signal to control the fluid flow. Before controlling the valve working, let’s briefly introduce feedback signals, electrical to pneumatic converters, and actuators.

Feedback Signal

The feedback signal monitors the target system for flow requirements. If the feedback signal detects any need to increase or decrease the fluid flow, it alerts the valve. The valve then responds and adjusts its opening to accommodate the fluid flow. The feedback signal can be electrical or pneumatic, and is often from a programmable logic controller (PLC) or electrical controller, which monitors the change in fluid flow requirement.

Electrical to Pneumatic Signal Converter

The control valve accepts feedback signals in the form of air. In the case of the electrical feedback signal, the signal is converted to equivalent pneumatic pressure. The electrical to pneumatic converter converts the incoming electrical feedback signal to equal pneumatic pressure, fed to the control valve as a feedback signal.

Examples of pneumatic converters include a current-to-pressure transducer that converts the incoming current to a pneumatic signal.

Actuator

The actuator is a component attached to the control valve, which controls the valve movement. Without the actuator, the internal mechanism of the valve cannot be moved.

The feedback pneumatic signal comes to the actuator, directly connected to the main valve body. The main control valve moves relative to the actuator. When the feedback signal becomes high—indicating a more increased flow—the actuator closes, closing the main valve. 

When the feedback signal decreases—indicating low flow—the actuator opens, simultaneously opening the valve to increase the flow.

 

Types of Flow Control Valves

 

Globe Valve

Globe valves are linear valves that move up and down. An actuator assembly controls the fluid flow attached to a disc inside the valve body. The disc pressurizes a seat, which opens or closes as the disc moves upward or downward. The fluid flow is directly proportional to the seat opening (i.e., greater opening equals more flow; similarly, less opening equals less flow).

 

Figure 1. A globe valve. Image used courtesy of Emerson

 

Globe valves are unidirectional, and their direction of operation is fixed for opening and closing fluid flow. Globe valve’s primary usage is to complete shut-down of fluid such as chemical or water feed system.

 

Ball Valve

Ball valves received their name because they use a ball to control the fluid flow. The ball has a bore in it and is attached to the handle.

When the handle rotates, the ball also rotates, simultaneously rotating the bore angle. When incoming fluid faces the ball’s bore opening, the fluid passes through the ball without resistance. Similarly, when fluid does not face the bore opening, it does not flow. The rate of fluid flow depends on the degree of bore opening it faces during its flow.

 

Figure 2. A ball valve. Image used courtesy of Hayward

 

Ball valves can be operated quickly, even in high fluid flow pressure applications. They are most commonly used as a shut-off valve.

 

Angle Valve 

Angle valves have a unique design with inlet and outlet openings perpendicular to each other. The angle valve employs the linear motion of a surface against a seat. The amount of space provided by the seat controls the fluid flow. The seat manages the fluid flow.

When the valve is open, the seat moves away, providing passage for the fluid to flow. Similarly, when the valve is closed, the seat narrows the path for fluid flow, reducing the fluid flow.

 

Figure 3. An angle valve. Image used courtesy of Emerson

 

Angle valves are used in the piping system where the space is limited. Their unique design also makes them a good choice for boiler feedwater applications.

 

Control Valve Applications

The manufacturing and process industry has a variety of areas where control valves are utilized. Control valves provide excellent precise fluid flow, crucial in manufacturing industries such as food and beverages.

Some applications of control valves are summarized below.

 

Compressed Air for Machine Operation

Machines in the manufacturing and process industry require compressed air to operate pneumatic systems in a device such as a cylinder. They need precise airflow, and control valves provide the necessary airflow.

In addition to airflow, control valves can also be used as an alarm signal, stopping the machine operation in case of the absence of air supply from the primary source.

 

Flavor and Product Coating

Some pharmaceutical and food products require surface coating with different substances. For example, a tablet-coating pan coats the tablet with varying materials for clinical purposes.

The precise amount of coating material is crucial for product efficacy. The control valve adjusts the coating material flow as per the performance requirement.

 

Filling Operations

Liquid pharmaceutical and food products are finally packed in a container such as bottles or ampoules. The volume inside a container is standard, and variation in fill volume is unacceptable.

 

Figure 4. Examples of filling machines. Video used courtesy of Pack Leader Machinery

 

Control valves precisely control the fill volume of a liquid in liquid filling applications. The fill volume is adjusted and fixed from the main control panel. The control valve accurately controls the fluid flow inside the container. When desired liquid flow passes through the control valve, it stops the flow until the next container arrives at the filling station. The filling process is repeated for the following containers.

Control valves are found in many objects and industrial applications, such as water spigots or gas valves. They ensure processes are well controlled and safe. We touched on styles and applications, but there are more things to go into, which we will touch on in future articles.