Control valves are valves used to control conditions such

as flow, pressure, temperature, and liquid level by fully or partially opening or

closing in response to signals received from controllers that compare a "setpoint"
to a "process variable" whose value is provided by sensors that monitor changes in
such conditions. Control valves automatically regulate pressure and/or flow rate,
and are available for any pressure. If different plant systems operate up to, and at
pressure/temperature combinations that require Class 300 valves, sometimes
(where the design permits), all control valves chosen will be Class 300 for
interchange-ability. However, if none of the systems exceeds the ratings for Class
150 valves, this is not necessary. The "controller" receives the pressure signals,
compares them with pressure drop for the desired flow and if the actual flow is
different, adjusts the control valve to increase or decrease the flow.
Comparable arrangements can be devised to control any of numerous
process variables. Temperature, pressure, level and flow rate are the most common
controlled variables.