Flow rate control is typically accomplished by multiple components in a process system. Flow control may be necessary for a wide variety of reasons such as; controlling temperature in a process vessel to optimize a chemical reaction or to maintain a fluid viscosity; controlling mix ratios in a batching or blending process; minimizing product usage by limiting flow; dispensing accurate volumes for a variety of applications from beverage blending to custody transfer. Flow control utilizes several distinct products to work together to maintain the desired flow rate.

Custom Valve Concepts have been manufacturing flow rate controllers for every type of application from simple blending to high-pressure hydrogen gas for hydrocrackers for decades. Used worldwide in a variety of applications across multiple process industries such as wastewater, power, chemical, gas, and oil, and military for a variety of applications, Custom Valve Concepts flow control valves regulate the flow of a liquid.

self-acting temperaturecontrolvalves

They are suitable for process control and industrial applications where fluids must be mixed or diverted depending on their temperatures. They may also be applied to cogeneration systems to control temperatures in the heat recovery loop assuring proper engine cooling and maximizing heat recover.

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3-way temperaturecontrol valveworking principle

Process plants consist of hundreds, even thousands of control loops all networked together to produce a product. Each of these control loops is designed to keep some important process variables, such as pressure, flow, level, or temperature within a required operating range to ensure the quality of the end product. Each loop receives and internally creates disturbances that detrimentally affect the process variable. In addition, interactions from other loops in the network provide disturbances that influence the process variable.

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Three distinct components are typically used to accomplish flow control; a flow measurement device, a flow adjustment device, and a computation device that is adapted for the application and can receive input from the metering device and compare it to a set signal relaying an appropriate signal to the flow adjustment device. These three products are generally an in-line orifice plate with a differential pressure transmitter or a flow meter, a control valve (either electronic or pneumatic actuated), and a programmable logic controller (PLC.)

Temperaturecontrol valvetypes

The temperature element is attached to a sliding valve that will direct water (or lube oil) out the bypass port or through the outlet port depending upon the temperature of the fluid.

2-way temperaturecontrol valve

The first component is the flow control valve, which is used to regulate the flow of a fluid. A pneumatic or electronic signal will typically be used to position the valve opening; in certain applications, hydraulic actuators may be also used. The valve itself is a passive device that requires actuation and a positioner to be incorporated into a flow control loop. The signal generated by independent devices such as flow meters or temperature sensors is sent to a control device which in turn modifies the output signal to direct the action of the control valve. The control valve then restricts or increases the opening of the flow path in a system as needed A wide variety of control valves can be used and are selected based on the type of fluid to be controlled and other variables such as temperature and pressure. Ball valves, needle valves, plug valves are examples of the type of valve choices that can be selected based on your specific application and requirements.

The next factor is flow metering itself. Flow metering can be accomplished with many different devices, the most common and simplest of which is using a differential pressure transmitter across a traditional orifice which can vary from a fixed drill hole to a calibrated needle valve which acts as a fixed restriction. Magnetic flow meters, ultrasonic flow meters, and vortex flowmeters are also used to measure flow.

With so many automatic flow rate controller options and variables, it’s good to know the experts at CVC are here to work with you when it comes to matching components to the application. We offer everything from our successful line of Kates Valve Automatic Flow Rate Controllers and to PVC Automatic Flow Rate Controllers, ideal for working with corrosive mediums, to I/Q Valves to Flo-Miser Flow Rate Controllers which offer immediate response time to pressure variations, eliminating hunting and oscillation. Kates Micro-Flo Needle Valves and Mini-Flo Automatic Flow Rate Controllers round out the CVC Automatic Rate Controller lineup.

We can even assist you in selecting the Programmed Logic Controller to fit your application, the number options and varied price range can overly complicate the process.

The Programmed Logic Controller or PLC can be either a single control design loop or part of a much larger distributed control system. The PLC may be connected to a computer through standard USB, Ethernet, RS-232, RS-485, or RS-422 cabling. Under IEC 81131-3, PLCs can be programmed using standards-based programming languages; the most commonly used programming language being Ladder Diagram (LD) also known as Ladder Logic. Common control signals are 4-20ma, 1-5vdc, and 3-15psi; the PLC modifies and relays a proportional control signal from the metering device to the restrictive device to alter the flow.

Thermostatic control Valveradiator

When the thermostatic material expands, due to an increase in temperature, it pushes against a rubber plug that in turn forces the piston through a reduced piston guide. This action multiplies the movement of the piston to create a substantial actuation force.

TemperatureControl valvefor hot water

How Does an Amot Thermostatic Control Valve Work? The heart and soul of the AMOT thermostatic control valve can be found in the temperature element sitting inside the valve body. Located at the base of the temperature element is special wax material that expands and contracts in response to temperature changes. This special material remains in a semi-solid state and is very sensitive to temperature changes. It is this expansion and contraction that provides the motive force necessary to operate the valve.

All valves are equipped with positive 3-way valve action in which the water or lubricating oil is positively made to flow in the direction required.

Temperaturecontrol valveworking principle

While regulating the flow of liquids may seem to be a fairly straightforward concept, the advantage of Custom Valve Concepts Flow Control Valves, when paired with Kates Automatic Flow Rate Controllers is the ability to automatically regulate flow regardless of pressure fluctuations. That ability to regulate the flow regardless of pressure fluctuations results in reduced waste in every step of the flow process, decreased maintenance and repair costs, and better utilization of both time and money, all contributing to your organization's bottom line.

WHAT TO REPLACE DURING INSPECTION? During this inspection period it is advisable to replace the elements, the o-rings and gasket where appropriate. Parts replacement recommendations can be found on the AMOT literature for your particular valve. This will also include detailed instructions on how to tear the valve down and replace the elements. If you do not have the documentation that came with your valve, call us and we we will help.

Temperaturecontrol valvecar

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Amot thermostatic valves provide reliable, automatic control of fluid temperatures in turbines, compressors and engine jacket water and lubrication oil cooling systems or diverted depending on their temperatures.

The AMOT elements also include a return spring that re-seats the element in the valve. AMOT thermostatic valves are not affected by changes in pressure or by pressure surges.

Moving from the multiple unit flow control loop is the simpler and smaller profile Kates Automatic Flow Rate Controller. It’s self-contained unit does not require an external power source to operate. The internal regulating valve and adjustable orifice within the unit are immersed in the fluid, allowing for rapid response to pressure fluctuations while only requiring a ten-pound pressure drop to operate. The design advantage also yields set point accuracy across a greater turndown ratio of maximum to minimum flow when compared to a control valve. Longer operation and maintenance-free service are also results of exceptional design. These devices are used in a wide variety of industries including gas and oil, power, chemical, wastewater, and military.

MINIMAL MAINTENANCE UPON INSPECTION If the valves are properly applied and installed correctly, they should require minimal maintenance. However, AMOT does suggest an inspection of the valves every two to three years.

SERVICE KITS Contact our parts department with the Amot valve model number and serial number. We will help you identify the appropriate service kits required for your control valve.

To reduce the effect of these load disturbances, sensors and transmitters collect information about the process variable and its relationship to the desired set point. A controller then processes this information and decides what must be done to get the process variable back to where it should be after a load disturbance occurs. When all the measuring, comparing, and calculating are done, some type of final control element must implement the strategy selected by the controller. The most common final control element in the process control industries is the control valve. The control valve manipulates a flowing fluid, such as gas, steam, water, or chemical compounds, to compensate for the load disturbance and keep the regulated process variable as close as possible to the desired set point.

The benefit of a self-contained flow controller is its compact profile when compared to the plumbing and electrical requirements of a multiple device alternative. The ability of a Kates Flow Controller to self-adjust to pressure changes, which are the most common disruptors in a process control system with 1-2 second response time creates simplicity and accuracy when compared to three devices interacting to accomplish the same task. That simplicity and accuracy in turn allow for more efficient and cost-effective operation.