E – 1784 Control Valve Basics- Sizing and Selection

Control valves are imperative elements in any system where fluid flow must be monitored and manipulated. A complete control valve is made of the valve itself, an actuator, and, if necessary, a valve control device. The actuator is what provides the required force to cause the closing part of the valve to move and the valve control devices keep the valves in the proper operating conditions; they can ensure appropriate position, interpret signals, and manipulate responses.

Selection of the proper valve involves a thorough knowledge of the process for which it will be used. When implementing a control valve into a process, one must consider not only the appropriate type of valve and its material of construction, but also the correct sizing to ensure it performs its designated task without any adverse occurrences in the system.