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Flow Control Valves
Valveforce provide high quality flow control valves that are designed to regulate the pressure or flow of a liquid. When actuated, the control valves are used in many industries for control of fluids. There are many types of flow control valve in our extensive range which covers products such as mixing and diverting, electric, pneumatic for high pressure applications and two way flow control valves.
A flow control valve is used for many industries such as food and beverage, heating, water, energy, paper and pulp. Valveforce prides itself on being the ‘one stop shop’ for all your control valve requirements, from product specification to product supply or maintenance and installation. We will always provide you with the best flow control valves for your application.
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Flow Control Valves Explained
What is a Flow Control Valve?
Flow Control valves are designed to regulate the flow of a fluid or gas. The valves open either partially, fully, or close in a similar manner to manage the amount of fluid or gas allowed to pass from one direction to another.
Flow control valves are used throughout industrial processes to control the volume, speed, pressure, or temperature of a fluid or gas in a variety of applications.
How Does a Flow Control Valve Work?
Automatic flow control valves are controlled with some form of electronic positioner, working together with sensors and control points set within a PLC control system or something similar.
Based upon the process measurements read by the sensors, the process controller PLC calculates what action needs to be taken in order to keep the process aligned to the required set points and the process controller tells the control valve how much to move and in which direction to move.
Considerations for Choosing a Flow Control Valve
Flow Rate Control - what is the minimum and maximum controllable flow rate required for a component or process? This can also relate back to the port size of the unit
Precision and Accuracy - what precision and accuracy of flow is required? Is the process cyclical?
Configuration - consider the configuration of your systems and what valve will match up with your needs
Connection - what type of connection is required? Which valve will provide this connection?
Control Method - are you able to manually adjust your valve or would a remote actuated method be better suited?
Working Environment - factors relating to aggressive environments may limit the choice of the valve material
Working Pressure - what is the minimum and maximum operating pressure of the system or application? We need to consider the differential pressure across the valve
Working Temperature - consider minimum and maximum operating temperature
Flow Control Valve Services
Specification & Design
Valveforce offers a wide range of flow control valves for diverse industrial requirements.
The flow control types available include Ball Valves, Check Valves, Butterfly Valves, Gate Valves and Globe Valves.
All valves are manufactured by reputable brands such as Somas and Von Rohr, ensuring quality performance, durability, and compatibility across a wide range of applications.
Ball Valves
Ball valves have either a perforated, hollow, and pivoting ball that is utilised to either isolate or control the flow. The flow opens up when the hole of the ball lines up and closes when it has pivoted through 90 degrees.
Ball valves are often seen as very reliable, cost effective and durable, even when they have been through many cycles, there is a significant amount of seats, body materials and actuation options available.
Check Valves
Check valves prevent the reversal of fluid flow in piping, as they remain open when the fluid is flowing or close if this fluid is reversed. This type of valve includes lift checks and swing checks, but only allows fluid to flow in one set direction. Check valves are used for numerous different applications due to their simple design and functionality.
Check valves are typically used on fluid systems where flow reversal could cause issues on a particular process, or it could be deemed as dangerous.
Butterfly Valves
Butterfly valves can either regulate or isolate flow. Butterfly valves have a similar system design to that of a ball valve in the sense that they are specially designed to achieve a fast shut-off whenever necessary. Inside a butterfly valve there is a disk in the centre of the pipe and a rod connected to an actuator, which is then passed through the disk. The disk is always present within the flow, meaning a pressure drop can always be induced irrespective of the valves positioning.
Butterfly valves are typically 80 mm+ and pick up where most ball valves stop. They are used extensively on water, fluid or oil and gas applications, where you need to regulate or isolate the process line.
Gate Valves
Gate valves are primarily used for on/off, non-throttling service. Gate valves tend to get used most in applications that call for a straight-line flow of fluid with minimum restriction. They operate when the user rotates the stem in a clockwise to close motion or a clockwise to open motion – the gate then moves up or down on the threaded step when an operator moves the stem. Therefore, it’s classed as a multi-turn valve, as it needs to turn several times before it can go from open to closed. The generally slow operation of gate valves is what effectively prevents water hammer symptoms. Gate valves are typically used on large pipework carrying either steam or water.
Globe Valves
Globe valves are designed to regulate or isolate flow inside a pipeline. Globe valves have a stationary ring seat along with a disk-type element, referred to as a plug. The name is derived from its typically spherical body shape, but it’s worth noting that two halves of the body are separated by an internal piece. Such valves are regularly utilized in hot water heating circuits or steam distribution lines where you may require frequent operation and throttling.
Bellows sealed globe valves are also you used where you do not want the media to be able to leak through a gland seal to the environment either from and health and safety point of view or a to reduce heat losses with steam emitting to the atmosphere.
Installation & Commissioning
Selection of the Correct Valve Type
Application Requirements: Valveforce helps you choose the appropriate valve type (e.g., globe, ball, gate, butterfly) that suits your system's flow control needs, considering factors like fluid type, temperature, pressure, control characteristics and flow rate.
Material Compatibility: We ensure the valve material is compatible with the fluid to prevent corrosion, erosion, and other material degradation issues, ensuring long-term reliability.
Size and Rating
Sizing: Proper valve sizing is crucial for efficient flow control. Valveforce ensures the valve is neither undersized, which can restrict flow, nor oversized, which can lead to poor control and stability.
Pressure Rating: We ensure the valve's pressure rating matches or exceeds the system's maximum operating pressure to ensure safety and prevent leaks or failures.
Installation Location and Orientation
Accessibility: Valveforce installs the valve in a location where it is easily accessible for maintenance and operation, facilitating long-term reliability and ease of service.
Orientation: We follow the manufacturer's guidelines on valve orientation (horizontal or vertical) to ensure proper function and longevity.
Piping Considerations
Piping Alignment: Valveforce ensures that the piping is properly aligned to avoid stress on the valve body, preventing leaks or damage.
Support: We provide adequate support for the valve and adjacent piping to prevent mechanical stress and ensure alignment
Actuator Selection and Installation
Type of Actuator: We help you choose the appropriate actuator type (manual, electric, pneumatic, hydraulic) based on your application requirements and available utilities.
Calibration: Valveforce properly calibrates the actuator to ensure accurate valve positioning according to the control signals, enhancing control precision.
Pressure and Temperature Considerations
Operating Conditions: We ensure the valve and its components are rated for the operating temperatures and pressures of your system, maintaining safe and efficient operation.
Thermal Expansion: Valveforce accounts for thermal expansion in the piping and valve materials, which can affect valve operation and sealing.
Leakage and Emission Control
Packing and Seals: We select appropriate packing and seal materials to minimise leakage and meet environmental regulations for emissions, ensuring a safe and compliant system.
Commissioning and Testing
Functional Testing: Valveforce performs thorough testing to verify the valve operates correctly across its entire control range, ensuring reliable performance.
Overhaul & Repair
Wear and Tear
We replace or repair worn valve components, including seats, stems, and discs, to eliminate leakage, restore performance, and avert valve failure, extending the valve's service life.
Corrosion
Utilizing corrosion-resistant materials and implementing effective water treatment strategies, Valveforce protects valves from acidic condensate damage, preventing leaks and structural failure.
Scaling
Our descaling procedures remove mineral deposits, ensuring valves operate smoothly without obstruction, maintaining heat transfer efficiency and full operational range.
Cavitation
Valveforce addresses cavitation risk through careful valve selection and system configuration, protecting valves from bubble-induced damage and ensuring longevity.
Flash Steam
We ensure valves are appropriately specified to handle variations in steam and condensate flow, preventing operational issues related to flash steam events.
Stem Leakage
We promptly replace or repair damaged or worn packing around the valve stem, preventing leaks and maintaining system efficiency and safety.
Actuator Failure
Valveforce troubleshoots and resolves issues related to electrical faults, air supply disruptions, or mechanical failures, ensuring automated valves operate flawlessly.
Thermal Expansion
Our solutions account for thermal expansion, implementing measures to prevent leaks or misalignment caused by temperature fluctuations.
Maintenance & Service
Whether your flow control valves need planned maintenance or you are facing an emergency situation, Valveforce is here to assist you in minimizing downtime. We provide a comprehensive range of service options and have the facilities and expertise to ensure that your valves are maintained and serviced safely and promptly.
Our team of experienced engineers can carry out flow control valve maintenance, repairs, and testing on-site or at our workshop, depending on your requirements. We offer valve diagnostics, performance analysis, and troubleshooting to address any issues and ensure your valves are operating at peak efficiency. With our fast response times and commitment to quality service, you can trust us to keep your operations running smoothly.
Routine Inspection and Diagnostics
Regular inspections are crucial for identifying early signs of wear, leaks, or performance issues in your flow control valves. Our technicians conduct thorough diagnostics, including visual inspections and performance tests, to ensure that each valve is functioning correctly and efficiently.
Preventive Maintenance
We offer customized preventive maintenance programs tailored to your specific needs. These programs include regular cleaning, lubrication, and the replacement of critical components such as seals, gaskets, and diaphragms. By addressing potential issues before they become problems, we help you avoid costly downtime and ensure consistent valve performance.
Calibration and Adjustment
Over time, flow control valves can drift from their intended setpoints due to wear or changes in system conditions. Our experts provide precise calibration and adjustment services to restore your valves to their correct settings, ensuring accurate flow control and optimal system efficiency.
Repair and Refurbishment
If a flow control valve in your system is not operating as it should, our repair services can resolve the issue quickly and effectively. We diagnose the problem, replace or repair worn or damaged components, and restore the valve to full functionality. For older valves showing significant wear, we offer complete refurbishment services to extend their lifespan.
System Performance Optimisation
Our team can analyse your entire flow control system to identify opportunities for improvement. Whether it’s upgrading to more advanced valve technologies, optimising valve placement, or adjusting system parameters, we help you achieve greater efficiency, reliability, and performance.
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