WORKING PRINCIPLE OF

CONTROL VALVES

Eng.
Mohammed
Shoebuddin
Lead Mechanical Engineer, PMP

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Control valves regulate the flow of fluids, gases, or steam for a variety of applications.
Uses for control valves range from controlling the temperature and pressure in a heating
system to regulating the flow of chemicals in a manufacturing process.

Knowing how control valves work is critical to ensure safe and efficient operation.

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the inner workings of control valves. We’ll
explore different types of control valves, their parts, and how they function.

Read on for a comprehensive overview of how control valves work and their importance
in regulating fluid flow!

Control Valve Parts

Before you can understand how a control valve works, you need an overview of each
part. Control valves are complex devices consisting of several parts that work together
to regulate the flow of fluids.

Each of these parts plays a critical role in the proper functioning of a control valve.

Body

The control valve body is the outer shell of the control valve. It contains and protects the
internal components that control the flow of fluid.

The two main parts of the body are the valve bonnet and the valve plug. The valve
bonnet houses the internal components of the control valve, while the valve plug moves
within the valve body to regulate flow.

Actuator

The actuator provides the force to move the valve plug. There are three main types of
actuators:

• Pneumatic
• Electric
• Hydraulic
Pneumatic actuators use compressed air to move the valve plug, while electric
actuators use electricity. Hydraulic actuators use pressurized fluid.

Positioner

The positioner is the component of the control valve that ensures the valve plug is in the
correct position to regulate the flow of fluid. It receives a control signal from the process
control system and adjusts the valve plug position to achieve the desired flow rate.

Control Signal

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Eng. Mohammed Shoebuddin Email: shoeebb2@gmail.com
The control signal isn’t a physical part. Rather, it’s the input to the control valve that tells
it how much fluid to allow through. The type of signal depends on the type of actuator
being used.

If any of these parts fail, it can result in a loss of control over the fluid flow. A failure can
lead to safety hazards or decreased efficiency.

How Control Valves Work: An Overview

The purpose of control valves is to regulate the flow of fluid through a pipe. The position
of the valve plug determines the amount of fluid allowed to pass through the valve.

When it receives the control signal, the positioner adjusts the position of the valve plug.
This positioning either increases or decreases the flow of fluid through the valve.

If the signal calls for an increase in flow, the positioner moves the valve plug up, which
opens the valve and allows more fluid to pass through. If the signal calls for a decrease
in flow, the positioner moves the valve plug down, restricting the flow of fluid through the
valve.

The valve body is a strong shell with several ports and channels that allow fluids to flow
through the valve and into the pipe. The valve plug is the part that moves within the
valve body and is designed to fit snugly within the valve body to prevent leaks.

Control valves often work in conjunction with other process control devices like sensors
and controllers to regulate the flow of fluid in a system. The sensors measure the flow
rate of the fluid, and the controller sends a control signal to the positioner, which adjusts
the position of the valve plug to achieve the desired flow rate.

Types of Control Valves

There are several different types of control valves, each designed to regulate the flow of
fluids in different ways.

The control valve arrangement and how the parts work together determine the type of
control valve. The choice of control valve type depends on the specific requirements of
the application.

Globe Valves

Globe valves are the most commonly used type of control valve. They have a globe-
shaped body and a valve plug that moves up and down to control the flow of fluid.
Globe valves are a popular choice for the oil and gas industries.

Butterfly Valves

Butterfly valves have a flat disc that rotates within the valve body to control the flow of
fluid. This kind of valve is suitable for applications like water distribution.

Ball Valves

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Eng. Mohammed Shoebuddin Email: shoeebb2@gmail.com
Ball valves have a ball-shaped plug that rotates inside the valve body to control the flow
of fluid. Their simpler design makes them a good choice for plumbing systems in
homes.

Diaphragm Valves

Diaphragm valves have a flexible diaphragm that stretches up and down to control the
flow of fluid. They are easy to maintain and repair and work for a broad range of
applications.

Because the diaphragm is the only part that touches the fluid, this kind of valve works
well for applications requiring sterilization.

Pinch Valves

Pinch valves have a rubber sleeve that squeezes to stop the flow of fluid. They are
commonly used in clinical applications like medicine and laboratories.

Control valve site installation

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Eng. Mohammed Shoebuddin Email: shoeebb2@gmail.com