CONTROL VALVES

One of the most common final control elements in industrial control systems is the control valve control valve works to restrict the flow of fluid through a pipe at the command of an automated signal, such as the signal from a loop controller or logic device (such as a PLC). Control valves are comprised of two major parts: the valve body, which contains all the mechanical components necessary to influence fluid flow; and the valve actuator, which provides the mechanical power necessary to move the components within the valve body.

Pneumatic Control Valve

Working Principle of a Control Valve:The main instrument air supply supplies air to the overall plants of pressure 5-7 kg. Since the diaphragms sensitivity to pressure is very high; hence, the pressure fed to the instrument from the main instrument air supply might damage the diaphragm. In order to prevent any instrument damage, the air pressure regulator regulates the pressure from 1-1.4 kg. This regulated air pressure is fed to the i/p converter(current to pneumatic). Electronic signal of 420 mA coming from the DCS is also fed to the i/p converter. The i/p converter converts the electronic signal and the pneumatic pressure to a standard pneumatic pressure ranging from 0.2-1 kg/cm2. This o/p is then supplied to the positional, which amplifies the pressure to cause the diaphragm movement. Since, the positional cannot operate without any initiating supply, an air regulator supply is provided. Thus, the air entering the control valve controls the flow.