In the liquid and gas industries, there are different types of flow control valves used in various applications. Inflow control valves, valve types are categorized into simple or complex or sophisticated valves. Some complex flow control valves can adjust themselves automatically according to pressure and temperature variations. No matter how flow control valves are designed, their main purpose is to react to signals generated by flow meters to monitor and regulate the pressure of fluids. Temperature gauges also provide signals just like liquid flow meters.

Main Functions of Flow Control Valves 

Depending on the type of flow control valve used within the hydraulic flow system, their functions vary. The motor speed regulation is among the most common uses of flow control valves. A flow controller can affect the rate of energy transfer in a system at any given point. This is what allows them to regulate the speed of motors. Several benefits come from increasing and reducing the pressure in a system. Flow control valves are used in system operators to quickly depressurize a hose. Flow controllers are in various home applications such as lawn watering systems, showers, and faucets. How a flow control valve is designed makes it clog-resistant. This increases its life span.

Commonly Used Flow Control Valves 

1. Gate Valves

Generally, gate valves are used for on/off or non-throttling as service valves. These types of flow controllers have been used, particularly in applications that need a straight-line flow of fluid. When a user operates a gate valve, he or she turns the stem clockwise to close (CTC) motion or clockwise to open (CTO) motion. Gate valves are also suitable for applications that require minimum pressure loss and a free bore.

2. Globe Valves

A globe valve operates in a linear motion stop/start to regulate flow. The closure is initiated in globe valves by a plug. This plug has a convex or flat bottom, lowered onto a seat that is horizontally placed at the center of the valve. The plug will rise once the user opens the valve allowing fluid to flow. A globe flow controller produces slightly higher pressure drops than other valves. However, they are used in applications that don’t need pressure drops as controlling factors through the valve.

3. Pinch Valves

A pinch valve is a cost-effective flow control valve for applications that mostly use suspended solids in liquids. When using a pinch valve, a user closes it by pinching rubber-like tubes to turn off the flow. The body of the valves acts as an actuator. This makes hydraulic, pneumatic, or electric operators unnecessary, making pinch flow control valves cost-effective.

Conclusion 

Although flow control comes in many different types, they are purposely designed to regulate liquid or gas flow, making them vital components in many applications and industries. There are many other types of flow control valves that we haven’t mentioned here. These are the most commonly used.