Control valve
Control valve is a valve used to control fluid flow by varying the size of the flow passage
as directed by a signal from a controller.[1] This enables the direct control of flow rate and
the consequential control of process quantities such as pressure, temperature,
and liquid level.
In automatic control terminology, a control valve is termed a "final control element".
he opening or closing of automatic control valves is usually done
by electrical, hydraulic or pneumatic actuators. Normally with a modulating valve, which
can be set to any position between fully open and fully closed, valve positioners are used
to ensure the valve attains the desired degree of opening. [2]
Air-actuated valves are commonly used because of their simplicity, as they only require a
compressed air supply, whereas electrically operated valves require additional cabling
and switch gear, and hydraulically actuated valves required high pressure supply and
return lines for the hydraulic fluid.
The pneumatic control signals are traditionally based on a pressure range of 3–15 psi
(0.2–1.0 bar), or more commonly now, an electrical signal of 4-20mA for industry, or 0–10
V for HVAC systems. Electrical control now often includes a "Smart" communication
signal superimposed on the 4–20 mA control current, such that the health and verification
of the valve position can be signalled back to the controller.
The HART, Fieldbus Foundation, and Profibus are the most common protocols.
An automatic control valve consists of three main parts in which each part exist in several
types and designs:
Valve actuator – which moves the valve's modulating element, such as ball or
butterfly.
Valve positioner – which ensures the valve has reached the desired degree of
opening. This overcomes the problems of friction and wear.
Valve body – in which the modulating element, a plug, globe, ball or butterfly,
is contained
he fundamental function of a positioner is to deliver pressurized air to the valve actuator,
such that the position of the valve stem or shaft corresponds to the set point from the
control system. Positioners are typically used when a valve requires throttling action. A
positioner requires position feedback from the valve stem or shaft and delivers pneumatic
pressure to the actuator to open and close the valve. The positioner must be mounted on
or near the control valve assembly. There are three main categories of positioners,
