In any water transmission system, the role of control valves is immense. These valves are considered one of the most vital components of your water system. Control valves are specially constructed for easily controlling the fluid flow in pipelines by the reaction to changes in the system. There are different types of control valves used but one of the most preferred control valves to control the fluid flow is the flow control valve. Stay with us to dive deep into the flow control valves.
What are flow control valves?
Many people are less aware of the usage of flow control valves, their uses and their importance. Flow control valves are used in various applications to limit and regulate fluid flow. The flow control valves are also referred to as the “speed control valves”. The main function of flow control valves – is to control the flow in any pneumatic system & help regulate the pressure of the fluid flows. These types of control valves are used in water distribution or transmission projects to control the fluid volume that is supplied to various parts of your hydraulic system. If we need to carry out an effective and easy regulation operation then we need devices like flow control valves.
One of the common examples of using flow control valves is our household tap. These valves in the household taps consist of a water flow adjustment screw consisting of a ball. When you rotate the fluid flow adjustment screw, the area of the orifice gets varied. When the area gets reduced then the fluid flow will be minimized or even restricted.
How do the flow control valves work?
The flow control valves consist of an aperture which closes and opens for increasing or slowing down the fluid flow rate. The flow of fluid is varied or can be easily regulated through varying the place via which the fluid passes. When the fluid flows and is controlled then there will be a drop in pressure. This pressure drop needs to be considered at the time of choosing flow control valves. One of the simplest options among flow control valves – is ball valves. These valves contain a ball attuned to the handle. The ball valves consist of a hole via the centre & when you turn the handle, the hole gets aligned to the openings of the flow control valve to allow fluid flow.
Do you want to get more information about flow control valves? Then there is good news for you all. The WETEX exhibition is back with its 2022 edition. Dutco Tennant LLC will be proudly showcasing a broad variety of solutions perfect for potable water project requirements. So, come and join us at Hall: H7, Stand no. 7B12 from 27th September to 29th September 2022.
What are the different important components of flow control valves?
There are loads of vital components of flow control valves that make these valves work. They are:
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Body of the valves
It is used as the main pressure boundary of the flow control valves. It is also called -” shell”. With the help of the valve body, everything is held together
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Bonnet
Bonnet is the cover that is offered for the valve’s body opening.
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Trim
Trim refers to those elements which are there in the valves’ internal portion – sleeves, seat, disc, stem.
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Actuator
The actuator is the element through which the disc and stem assembly gets operated. The actuator can be operated through an electric motor or manually.
What are the major applications for flow control valves?
Flow control valves are specially used for controlling the pneumatic actuators’ speed. Any process depending on the controlled fluid flow, especially those of finished products, requires the use of flow control valves with appropriate precision. Apart from the water transmission & distribution projects, flow control valves are used in several applications – conveyors, processing machines, material handling devices etc.
Different kinds of flow control valves:
There are a variety of flow control valves used throughout the world for multiple applications to control or regulate fluid flow:
a) Butterfly valves
Butterfly valves contain a disc that rotates inside the pipe. You can easily change the disc orientation and the orifice can be simply controlled. The area of the passage can also be controlled. The discs of these valves are constructed of steel or plastic. If nickel is added then they will offer high corrosion resistance. Butterfly valves are highly preferred due to their lighter weight.& less cost.
b) Globe valves
Globe valves are known as plug valves. The plug is a type of tapered and cylindrical shaped component. The plugs’ position inside the flow of fluid is efficiently controlled through adjustment screws.
c) Ball valves
Ball valves are used widely in numerous industries because of their versatility and high-supporting pressure (it can be up to 1000 bar). Ball valves can operate simply at high temperatures (up to 250° C). That’s are operated through a lever and this lever has a stem. Ball valves are mainly used for shut-off applications.
d) Balanced valves
Balanced valves are used for controlling the fluid flow rates in every branch of the buildings to convey the adequate and desired fluid flow in low temperature, hot water applications, and chilled. You can see balancing valves in heat exchangers to offer the necessary fluid flow rate for maintaining energy and comfort.
What are the benefits of installing flow control valves?
Flow control valves offer benefits:
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Helps in saving money
When you use flow control valves in the faucets, these valves can aid in water conservation. It means that users of flow control valves can help in saving money on sewer and water bills at factories, offices, and homes.
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Avoids clogging
One of the best functions which flow control valves offer is – they don’t restrict the fluid flow. Dust, dirt, small particles and so on do not clog the fluid because of the unique design of these valves.
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Environmental-friendly
Nowadays, most industries, especially those dealing with potable water distribution & transmission projects need to maintain ecological & global standards. Flow control valves are one of the most environmentally-friendly valves that reduce the waste of our natural resources. So, cheers to sustainability.
Conclusion
All these were the most important things you required to explore about flow control valves. Want to control the fluid flow in your pneumatic system as well as regulate the fluid flow? Then flow control valves are the ultimate one. Select the one that suits your applications. You can contact a trusted supplier of flow control valves in the Middle East and GCC region.
Dutco Tennant LLC is going to showcase a gamut of top-class solutions ideal for potable water project requirements. Are you excited to know more about such solutions? Then come to the WETEX exhibition 2022. You can visit us at Hall: H7, Stand no. 7B12.
