Block 6 Control Hardware: Electric / Pneumatic Actuation

Control Valve Capacity Module 6.2

SC-GCM-55 CM Issue 1 Copyright 2005 Spirax-Sarco Limited

Module 6.2

Control Valve Capacity

The Steam and Condensate Loop

6.2.1

Block 6 Control Hardware: Electric / Pneumatic Actuation

Control Valve Capacity Module 6.2

Introduction to Valve Capacity

A control valve must, as its name suggests, have a controlling influence on the process. Whilst details such as connection sizes and materials of construction are vitally important, they do not give any indication of the control exerted by the valve. Control valves adjust processes by altering:
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Flowrate - For example, the amount of steam or water that enters the process equipment. With a two-port valve for example, as the valve moves to the closed position, less steam flows, and less heat is added to the process. With a three-port valve for example, as the valve plug moves to a new position, it diverts hot water away from the process.

And /or
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Differential pressure - This is defined as the difference between the pressure at the valve inlet and the pressure at the valve outlet (see Figure 6.2.1). For any given valve orifice size, the greater the differential pressure the greater the flowrate, within certain limitations. With saturated steam, the lower its pressure, the lower its temperature, and less heat transfer will occur in the heat exchanger.
Actuator force

Valve plug held in position by an actuator

10 bar g

7 bar g

The differential pressure drop across the valve = 3 bar g Fig. 6.2.1 Differential pressure across a valve

These two factors (a) Flowrate and (b) Differential pressure are brought together as a flow coefficient or capacity index as it is sometimes termed. The flow coefficient allows: o The performance of valves to be compared. o The differential pressure across a valve to be determined from any flowrate. o The flowrate through a control valve to be determined for a given differential pressure. Because many different units of measurement are used around the world, a number of flow coefficients are available, and it is worthwhile understanding their definitions. Table 6.2.1 identifies and defines the most commonly encountered capacity indices. 6.2.2
The Steam and Condensate Loop

Block 6 Control Hardware: Electric / Pneumatic Actuation

Control Valve Capacity Module 6.2

Table 6.2.1 Symbols and definitions used to identify and quantify flow through a control valve

Kv Kvs Kvr Cv Av

Flowrate in m/h of water at a defined temperature, typically between 5C and 40C, that will create a pressure drop of one bar across a valve orifice. (Widely used in Europe) The actual or stated Kv value of a particular valve when fully open, constituting the valve flow coefficient, or capacity index. The Kvr is the flow coefficient required by the application. The flowrate in gallons per minute of water at a defined temperature, typically between 40F and 100F that will create a pressure drop of one pound per square inch. (Widely used in the US, and certain other parts of the world). Care needs to be taken with this term, as both C v Imperial and Cv US exist. Whilst the basic definition is the same, the actual values are slightly different because of the difference between Imperial and US gallons. Flowrate in m/s of water that will create a pressure drop of one Pascal.

For conversion: Cv (Imperial) = Kv x 0.962 658 = Kv x 1.156 099 Cv (US) Av = 2.88 x 10-5 Cv (Imperial) The flow coefficient, Kvs for a control valve is essential information, and is usually stated, along with its other data, on the manufacturers technical data sheets. Control valve manufacturers will usually offer a number of trim sizes (combination of valve seat and valve plug) for a particular valve size. This may be to simplify the pipework by eliminating the need for reducers, or to reduce noise. A typical range of Kvs flow coefficients available for a selection of valves is shown in Table 6.2.2
Table 6.2.2 Kvs values for a typical range of valves Sizes DN15 4.0 2.5 1.6 1.0 DN20 6.3 4.0 2.5 1.6 DN25 10.0 6.3 4.0 2.5 DN32 16.0 10.0 6.3 4.0 DN40 25.0 16.0 10.0 6.3 DN50 36.0 25.0 16.0 10.0 DN65 63.0 36.0 25.0 16.0 DN80 100.0 63.0 36.0 25.0 DN100 160.0 100.0 63.0 36.0

Kvs

The relationship between flowrates, differential pressures, and the flow coefficients will vary depending upon the type of fluid flowing through the valve. These relationships are predictable and satisfied by equations, and are discussed in further detail in:
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Module 6.3 - Control Valve Sizing for Water Systems. Module 6.4 - Control Valve Sizing for Steam Systems.

The Steam and Condensate Loop

6.2.3

Block 6 Control Hardware: Electric / Pneumatic Actuation

Control Valve Capacity Module 6.2

Questions
1. What two basic properties enable control valves to control? a| Temperature and pressure b| Pressure and valve movement c| Pressure and flowrate d| Temperature and flowrate 2. For a given orifice size, which of the following is true? a| The greater the pressure drop, the less the flow b| The greater the flow, the less the pressure drop c| The greater the pressure drop, the greater the flow d| The less the flow, the greater the pressure drop

3. Which of the following is recognised as a valve flow coefficient for a fully open valve? a| Kv b| Cv c| Av d| Kvs

Answers
6.2.4
1: c, 2: c, 3: d,
The Steam and Condensate Loop