Control Valve: How It Works | Advantages & Disadvantages

07 Oct.,2024

 

Control Valve: How It Works | Advantages & Disadvantages

Control Valve: How It Works | Advantages & Disadvantages

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July 14,

July 14,

What is a control valve?

Control valve is used to regulate the fluid flow by changing its size or course as directed by the signal from a controller. It helps in directly controlling the flow rate and thus helps in regulating the other vital processes quantities such as temperature, liquid level/flow, and pressure. It is also refereed as &#;final control element&#; in automatic control terminology.

In other words, control valve is used to control the flow, pressure, liquid level, and temperature of the system by completely or partially opening or closing it based on the signals received by the controllers. The electric, hydraulic and pneumatic actuators automatically controls the opening and closing of the control valve while the positioners control the closing and opening of these actuators.

How it works?

The process plant comprises of numerous control loops in order to deliver consistent quality products. These control loops have a set pressure, temperature, flow, level in order to maintain the required operating range. Each of these control loops experience internal disturbance and these disturbances are measured by sensors and transmitters. The information collected is then processed by the controllers to decide what should be done to rectify these load disturbances. Once the data collected is analyzed, measured, compared and calculated then a controlling element is implemented. This is where the control valve comes into the picture and work to reduce these disturbances.
Thus, the control valve working principle revolves around the manipulation of the flowing fluids such as water, gas, steam or chemical compounds to ensure minimizing the load disturbance and regulating the process variable to the closest value of the desired set point.

Values categorization: It&#;s advantages and disadvantages

On the basis of stem movement, valves can be broadly classified as linear or rotary type. Furthermore, based on the types of services it offers, it can be classified as:
For ON-OFF Services &#; Gate, Diaphragm Ball, Plug, Butterfly valves.
For THROTTLING Services &#; Globe, Diaphragm, Butterfly, Pinch
For NON-REVERSE FLOW &#; Check valves

Gate Valves

Gate valve comprises of flat barrier which is adjusted to effect the area of flow. It is best suited to regulate the high temperature and pressure for variety of liquid flow and has an on-off application. This design or body is used for the valves that manages the automatic emergency shut off and also for the hand-operated valves.

Advantages of Gate Valve

    • It has a good Closing feature
    • Can be used in either ways in circuit
    • It provides laminar flow and hence the loss of pressure is minimum

Disadvantages of Gate Valves

        • Closing and opening feature is not very prompt.
        • Assembling these valves and then erecting it, starting it and maintaining it requires large space.
        • Prone to leakage when system operate in high temperature that fluctuates periodically.
        • It creates vibration

Globe Valve

Globe valve is used for throttling purpose and the term &#;globe&#; implies to the exterior shape of the valve. The globe valves have a stem that adjusts itself linearly in up-down motion in order to change the position of the plug. It has a short stem travel with high seating capability and large pressure drop and high flow controllability.

Advantages of Globe Valve

        • Has a good full closing feature.
        • Faster opening and closing time in comparison to gate valve as the strokes are smaller.
        • Has a good throttling feature.
        • Can work as a stop check valve with little change in shaft disconnection.

Disadvantages of Globe Valve

        • Higher pressure loss in comparison to gate valve.
        • It requires actuator that has a larger torque in order to close under high pressure.

Plug Valves

Plug valve comprises of plug, body, and cover and is used for on-off services basically in refinery, chemical industry, and petrochemical. Normally small in size, require less headroom and available in wide range of materials. They provide tight shut off, quick opening and low pressure drop

        • It comprises of few parts and has a simple design.
        • Opens and closes easily.
        • It can be maintained and repaired easily at the place of operation.
        • They have low flow resistance and has a reliable leak-proof feature

Disadvantages of Plug Valves

        • It creates high friction due to fast movement and hence requires large amount of force.
        • Valve transitions usually narrows flows due to conic plug.
        • Expensive than the ball valves.

Ball Valves

Ball valve is used to control pressure and flow of the corrosive fluids, normal liquids and gasses and also of slurries. It also regulates high temperature and pressure.

Advantages of Ball Valves

        • Offers leak-proof service.
        • Fast open and close service.
        • In comparison to gate valves has a very small dimension.
        • It is light weight in comparison to gate valves.
        • Has a multi-way design flexibility to reduce the number of valves required.
        • Provides reliable and safe service under high temperature and pressure conditions.
        • Requires less force to control in comparison to gate and globe valves.

Disadvantages of Ball Valves

        • Not an apt solution for permanent throttling.
        • It can cause leakage, abrasion and more such problems because the residual fluids collide and sticks to the base.

Diaphragm Valves

Diaphragm valve is used for corrosive fluids under low temperature and pressure conditions. The diaphragm valve varies the resistance to flow by deforming one surface by the force from the valve stem.

Diaphragm Valves Advantages

        • The diaphragm completely keeps the working parts in isolation from the process fluids.
        • Simple in construction, easier to operate and maintain.
        • It has hassle-free operation with simple construction and ease of operation.
        • It can be used for opening, throttling, and closing, purposes.
        • Based on the internal sheathing of the body, it provides good chemical resistance.
        • No shaft leakage as the fluid remains isolated from the bonnet group.
        • Suits heavy chemical, chemicals, and radioactive fluids.
        • It can prevents microbial contamination to the system as the fluid remains isolated from the bonnet group and thus can be used in food, pharma, and beer sector.

Disadvantages of Diaphragm Valves

        • Complete discharge of the pipeline is prevented as the valve transition has sets.
        • Operating temperature and pressure has limits based on the diaphragm material.
        • There is a limitation to the hydrostatic pressure that can be applied to the diaphragm.
        • It has limited dimensions of diaphragm valves.

Conclusion:

For more information on various control valves specifically required for your industrial plants / business, Contact Flowspec and we will be happy to answer your questions and give you all the details you need.

Want more information on different types of control valves and their applications? Feel free to contact us.

Different Types of Control Valves and Their Applications



Control valves are devices that regulate the flow of fluids in various industrial processes. They can control the flow rate, pressure, temperature, or level of the fluid by opening or closing partially or fully in response to a signal from the controller. Control valves are essential for optimizing the performance, efficiency, and safety.

There are many types of control valves available in the market, each with its own features, advantages, and disadvantages. Choosing the right type of control valve for a specific application depends on several factors, such as:

&#; The type and properties of the fluid (liquid, gas, steam, etc.)
&#; The operating conditions (pressure, temperature, flow rate, etc.)
&#; The desired control action (on/off, throttling, etc.)
&#; The required accuracy and reliability
&#; The available space and budget

You can also get the best control valves from an experienced control valve suppliers. Let us see some of the most common types of control valves and their applications.

Rotary Control Valves

Rotary control valves are valves that use a rotating element to control the flow of the fluid. The rotating element can be a ball, a disc, or a plug that fits into a seat or an opening in the valve body. Rotary control valves are typically used for on/off or throttling applications where fast and precise control is needed.

Some examples of rotary control valves are:

Ball valves: Ball valves have a spherical ball with a hole in it that aligns with the flow path when open and blocks it when closed. Ball valves are simple, durable, and easy to operate. They provide excellent sealing and low head loss. They are suitable for high-pressure and high-temperature applications.

Butterfly valves: Butterfly valves have a disc that rotates around a central axis to regulate the flow. Compared to other valves butterfly valves are cost efficient, smaller in size, and require less maintenance. As opined by leading butterfly valve supplier, It is most suitable for ship-building and food processing applications.

Plug valves: Plug valves have a cylindrical or conical plug that rotates inside the valve body to control the flow. Plug valves can withstand extreme pressure and temperature conditions and provide tight shutoff. They are suitable for oil piping systems and corrosive media applications. However, they cannot be used in throttling applications and may require lubrication.

Linear Control Valves

Linear control valves are valves that use a linear motion to control the flow of the fluid. The linear motion can be achieved by a stem that moves a plug, a diaphragm, or a piston into or out of a seat or an opening in the valve body. Linear control valves are typically used for throttling or modulating applications where precise and accurate control is required.

Some examples of linear control valves are:

Globe valves: Globe valves have a plug that moves up and down inside a spherical valve body to regulate the flow. Globe valves offer good control performance and can handle high-pressure drops and high-temperature fluids. They are suitable for wastewater plants, power plants, and process industries etc. A highly experienced and reputed globe valves supplier can provide you the best globe valve that meets your specifications.

Diaphragm valves: Diaphragm valves have a flexible diaphragm that moves up and down to adjust the flow area. Diaphragm valves are ideally suited for corrosive applications where the body and diaphragm materials can be chosen for chemical compatibility. They are also suitable for abrasive applications where the body lining can be designed to withstand abrasion and the diaphragm can be easily replaced.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, control valves play a vital role in industrial processes by regulating the flow of fluids. The choice of control valve depends on factors such as the fluid type, operating conditions, control requirements, accuracy, reliability and more. If you are searching for the best control valve suppliers then Fevisa is the right place for you, we are the finest control valve suppliers and Valve Stockist in UAE. Feel free to contact us anytime we are always available to provide assistance.

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