Fluid handling valves are used for controlling the flow of liquids, gases, and slurries in a pipe or other enclosure, as directed by a signal from a controller. Control valves enable the direct control of flow rates of fluids, therefore controlling process quantities such as fluid level, temperature, and pressure.
Process control valves are most useful in situations that require precise control over fluids, steam, and gases. Process control valves allow for the management of flow rates of fluids, liquids, or gases, as well as for the management of temperature, pressure, and level. Of course, for each of these applications, a different valve is most suitable. Also, the type of valve depends on the size of the pipe, the overall pressure present in the fluid processing system, and process conditions among other factors.
Butterfly valves, diaphragm valves, knife gate valves, needle valves, and globe valves are some of the most common valves. The material used for producing a process control valve depends on the application. While most valves are made from metal, valves for hygienic applications are almost exclusively manufactured using stainless steel.
To achieve the desired flow rates of fluids, controls valves use a simple but effective mechanism of opening and closing powered by electrical, hydraulic, or pneumatic actuators. Process control valves usually consist of a valve actuator, a valve positioner, and a valve body.
A fluid valve is used to regulate the flow of fluid within a hydraulic circuit or system to close a line or redirect pressure to a specific portion of the hydraulic circuit. A fluid valve controls the flow rate by regulating the speed of motors and cylinders. The actuator within a fluid valve allows for the control of the pressure within the hydraulic circuit, by controlling the force and accounting for the length of the circuit. The most common types of fluid valves are ball, diaphragm, needle, and butterfly.
Selecting the right process control valve is of crucial importance to ensure that a valve is the most cost-effective, and suitable for your application. To figure out what the best valve is for your industrial fluid system some important elements should be considered such as the size of the valve, the temperature conditions, and the pressure conditions under which the valve will be operating.
The size of a valve determines the capacity of processible flow, this needs to be aligned with the flow rates of the system. The size and geometry of the valve’s flow path ultimately determine the flow capacity, depending on the flow capacity required, the size of the valve components should be adjusted.
Another important factor to consider when selecting the right valve for your industrial fluid system is the temperature of the fluid handling system, as well as the temperature of the environment wherein the system operates. Sealing materials expand and contract when the temperature fluctuates hence why selecting a valve consisting of the most suitable materials is crucial.
A third factor to keep in mind is the pressure the valve needs to hold and operate under. To select the right valve, the system’s normal operating pressure, as well as the valve’s maximum pressure limit, should be considered.
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