Matter can either be solid, liquid, or gas at any one time. To ensure that you have the right quantity of matter, you need to measure and control it. Solid matter doesn’t flow as liquid and gas do; therefore, it is hard to control any solid matter. Gas and fluid, on the other hand, can flow and requires particular instruments to control, measure, and monitor flow rate.
That is where flow controllers and regulators come in. These vital tools work hand in hand with instruments called flow meters. Although many people confuse these two instruments, you need to understand that a flow controller only regulates flow without measuring flow rate. The flow meter, on the other hand, only measures flow rate.
A control valve is an instrument used to control the flow of fluid or liquid, especially water, based on the size of the pipe, duct, channel, or tube. This is usually directed by the flow meter or a signal from a controller such as an onboard PID controller. It plays a big role in flow control, and it is widely used in industrial flow systems and domestic environments.
What usually determines or influences the type of flow controller to be used is the application or the flow system. Your mass flow meter may require a shut-off valve or a control valve based on the application. The application will also influence your choice in terms of whether to get a normally closed or opened valve. Flow controllers are categorized into groups that also have different types. Each of these flow controllers will have its own advantages, disadvantages, and parameter ranges.
In this post, we are going to look at some of the commonly used flow controllers used in industrial flow systems in various industries.
Flow controller types for mass flowmeters
In any flow control, flow controllers are viewed as instruments that play a vital role in directing and monitoring flow rate. The valve controls the amount of water passing through a channel or a duct. Let’s now look at the different types of flow controllers.
The direct control valve
In a direct flow control valve, you will find an orifice used to control flow. It is also used to determine the size of the opening where the flow can pass through.
Pros
This flow controller has many benefits, including low priced, controlled flow with little power, and relatively fast compared with flow control valves.
Cons
Although it has many benefits, you also need to look out at its disadvantages when you want to pick the correct control valve. One constraint of this flow controller is that it only handles limited flows and pressures. Compared to a
Indirect flow control valve
Getting more flow of up to and higher pressures requires 200ln/min. You need the indirect flow controller. With this type of flow control valve, you can reach higher differential and absolute pressures. Also known as the 2-phase control valve, this type of control valve has several components, including:
- A direct-controlled pilot valve that doesn’t require any extra power.
- An extra valve in the body is also known as the pressure compensation part. This part is used to maintain a constant pressure difference.
The valve is kept closed due to the pressure force over the pressure compensated part. The pressure is brought back so that it controls the flow by opening the valve. This happens only when the stop valve is open.
Conclusion
A flow controller is an essential instrument in any plant that uses fluids or liquid substances. Regulating flow allows you to avoid things like leaks, bursting pipes, and more. If you’re having a hard time picking the right kind of flow controller, then what you need to do is ask the manufacturer to guide you through the buying process. Remember, always buy quality flow controllers from reputable dealers.
