Functions of the control valve
A control valve is defined as a valve that has a function to control fluids, such as; gas, liquid or even solid-fluid. The control function works when the liquid flows well into a pipe or trench or canal equipped with valves to control the flow.
For example, as seen in the irrigation system, where water flows from a dam into a channel, the valve can be defined as a flood gate. Channels as waterways can come in the form of; river, canal, or sewer. The valve’s size is determined by the flow capacity, as in this scene it is usually big, the dimension of the valve used is just as big.
As said before, the control valve used is placed in a designated location and commonly referred to as a flood gate. When a flood happens, the flood gate functions to control the flood as it is constantly controlling the amount of water flowing to the river.
There are other functions of the control valve, both manual and automatic. One can manually operate a valve to open or close a flow. But nowadays, a control valve mostly equipped with electric, pneumatic, and hydraulic components. This valve usually used for flow with big capacity and high pressure.
Type of Valves and How It Functions
There is a valve that functions to control flow to flows in one direction and cannot flow back, commonly referred to as no return valve or check valve. This kind of valve equipped with this component from the control valve is often called a one-way valve or check valve.
For the valve that functions only to open or stop the flow, it is commonly called a stop valve. The stop valve is usually worked by using an electric drive that has a contact in the form of NC or NO. From the construction form, valves that are widely known, are; the butterfly valve, ball valve, gate valve, solenoid valve, membrane valve.
For these type of control valves, there are both manual and automatic function which is widely used to control the flow of water, steam air, and gas.
Actuator Valve
As technology advances, the valve also had some development. There are valves with automatic function as to control the size of the valve opening (can be fully opened, fully closed, adjusted at specific positioning) in a set of times or in specific conditions. Valve with these functions is called the actuator valve.
To further develop the control valve automatic system, the control valve automatic system can be combined with a sensor to operate the valve. The system can also be combined with a level sensor to automatically close or open the valve, depending on the level set beforehand with the level sensor.