Many industries use flow control valves to regulate fluids’ flow rate and pressure in pipes or tubes. To decrease or increase the flow rate, one should change the opening points of a flow control valve to ensure an increase in the speed in the motors during the flow.
System operators should choose the right type of flow control valve depending on the application and the substances to be measured. The flow control valves are always flexible and can perform different functions in various applications.
The flow control valves are suitable for automated factories, warehouse equipment, and food processing industries. This article will discuss various types of flow control valves that are effective and can regulate the rate of flow under flow control.
Types of valves that are effective to regulate the flow control
1. Globe valves
Globe valves are flow control valves that regulate, start and stop the flow of a fluid in a pipe. Many industries always use this type of flow control valve to switch off and on of the throttling substances. They generate less pressure that passes through the valves, thus controlling the flow rate.
Globe valves differ from other valves like ball valves and gate valves that generate high pressure in controlling the flow rate. The globe valves have a plug that rises to ensure that the fluid flows horizontally in the pipe, thus enhancing the smooth running of the substance at the center of the valve.
2. Needle valves
Needle valves are suitable for calibration applications since they can be fine-tuned. This function makes them differ from globe valves. They control the flow rate of liquids or fluids traveling in a small line. The movements of the liquids are always at a right angle and flow at an orifice channel that is a cone-shaped rod.
When the position of the seat is related to the cone, then the size of the orifice changes. The similarity between the needle valves and globe valves is that they have the same structural features and benefit various industries in the same way such as, empowering the system operators to change the flow rate of the fluids using a rotating stem which is always thread-like.
3. Gate valves
Gate valves are commonly specified for controlling the flow rate of non-throttling substances. They help turn on or off the fluids in the pipes moving in a straight line at a specific level. Many industries choose gate valves in regulating the flow of neutral liquids, potable water, and wastewater.
The temperatures of the fluids should also range between negative twenty degrees Celsius to seventy degrees Celsius. System operators usually use gate valves when the engines require free bore and less pressure since they lack any obstruction in the flow path.
4. Pinch valves
Pinch valves are also types of valves that effectively regulate and control the flow rate of fluids. Industrial operators usually use them in the flow of liquids or slurries with many suspended solids. They can remove expensive pneumatic or hydraulic pressure in the tube since they have a built-in actuator body.
Pinch valves are usually used in flexible elements and are cost-effective. Therefore, it makes many industries recommend it to their operators. In addition, one should use a rubber sleeve or tube to seal the valve, thus enhancing the tightness of the valve around the solid substance.
5. Diaphragm valves
A diaphragm is a type of flow control valve with a responsive feature of pressure in the flow. It submits force to ensure the monitoring, opening, and closing of the valve. It has a disk that is always flexible and connects with the seat at the valve body top to ensure proper sealing of the diaphragm.
We usually prefer this type of flow control valve since it is easy to maintain, has a leak-proof seal, controls leakage, and is extremely clean.
Conclusion
To determine the effectiveness of flow control valves and regulators, you should know the most suitable type of valve for your application. Other types of flow control valves and regulators that are consistently effective are butterfly valves, ball valves, plug valves, e.t.c.