P5

CONTROL VALVE CHARACTERISTICS

Description of the experimental set-up:

The setup is designed to understand the control valve operation and its flow
characteristics. It consists of pneumatic control valves of linear, equal% & quick opening
type, stainless steel water tank with pump for continuous water circulation and rotameter
for flow measurement. An arrangement is made to measure pressure at the valve inlet in
terms of mm of water. An air regulator and pressure gauge is provided for the control
valve actuation. In case of additional optional requirement a valve positioner is fitted on
linear valve.

Fig.1: Experimental diagram

 Fig. 2: Control valve
Theory
Depending upon the valve plug design the control valves can be classified as quick
opening, linear and equal percent type
Linear: Flow is directly proportional to valve lift.
Q = ky
Where
Q = flow at constant pressure drop
y = valve opening
k = constant
Equal%: Flow changes by a constant percentage of its instantaneous value for each unit
of valve lift.
Q = b × eay
Where
Q = flow at constant pressure drop
y = valve opening
e = base of natural logarithms
a and b = constants
Constants a and b can be evaluated to give more convenient form
Q = Q0 × e{(log R / ymax)×y}
Where
Q0 = Flow at constant drop at zero
R = Flow range of valve, maximum to minimum at constant drop.
ymax = maximum rated valve opening
Quick opening: Flow increases rapidly with initial travel reaching near its maximum at a
low lift. It is generally not defined mathematically.
Control valve flow coefficient
The flow rate through the valve is given by
Q = K ΔP -------------------(1)
The correction factor K in above equation allows selection of proper size of valve to
accommodate the rate of flow that the system must support. This correction factor is
called as valve coefficient and is used in valve sizing.
Valve coefficient:
G
C v  1.16  Q  (In S I Units)
P

Where G is specific gravity of liquid, Q flow in m3/h, ΔP pressure drop in bar.

Valve Characteristics
The amount of fluid passing through a valve at any time depends upon the opening
between the plug and seat. Hence there is relationship between stem position, plug
position and the rate of flow, which is described in terms of flow characteristics of a
valve. Inherent and installed are two types of valve characteristics.
Inherent characteristics:
The inherent flow characteristic of a control valve is the relation between the flow and
the valve travel at constant pressure drop across the valve. Following are the inherent
characteristics for different types of valves.
Installed characteristics:
The Inherent characteristics of the valves described are subject to distortion due to
variations in pressure drop with flow. Line resistance distorts linear characteristics
towards that of quick opening valve and equal% to that of linear.
Hysteresis of control valve
Hysteresis is a predictable error resulting from the differences in the transfer functions
when a reading is taken from above and below the value to be measured. In case of
control valves for same actuator signal different stem travel (hence valve coefficients) are
obtained depending upon the direction of change in the signal. The maximum error in
stem travel (or valve coefficient) expressed in % for same actuator pressure while
opening and closing the valve is indicated as hysteresis.
Rangeability of equal % valve
Equal% valve has characteristics such that given percent change in stem position
produces an equivalent change in flow. Generally this type of valve does not shut off the
flow completely in its limit of stem travel. The Rangeability (R) is defined as the ratio of
maximum to minimum controllable flow.
Fmax
R
Fmin

Where Fmax is the flow when the valve stem is at extreme open position F min is the flow
when valve stem is at extreme closed position. (F max, Fmin represents flow rates measured
at constant pressure drop across control valve. Hence rangeability R also can be defined
as ratio of Cv,max to Cv ,min.) For equal percent valve flow have exponential characteristics of
rangeability,
F = Rm−1
Where R is the rangeability of the valve and m is its fractional stem position.
 Experiment - A
Aim of the experiment: Study of flow coefficient, inherent and installed characteristics
of equal percentage valve
Experimental procedure:
1.1. Clean the “Supply Tank”. Fill with Distilled or DM water.
1.2. Close all the hose cocks provided to the pressure indication tube.
1.3. Close all regulating valve Provided at the inlet of control valve.
1.4. Ensure that actuator pressure regulator outlet is connected to the valve actuator (see
Fig.2: control valve) of the control valve under study.
1.5. Keep open the vent valve.
1.6. Switch on the pump and wait for 1 minute and ensure that water overflows to supply
tank from the overhead tank.
1.7. Open the regulating (gate) valves provided at the inlet of control valve under study.
1.8. Also open the hose cock in the respective line.
1.9. Ensure the air supply line is connected to the air regulator, now supply the air
pressure to the system
1.10. Using valve positioner, adjust the air regulator pressure (inlet of air) to 15 psi.
1.11. Ensure that rotameter lifts to its maximum range. Note the pressure drop (∆P) at
control valve at fully open condition (∆P as shown in Fig.1).
1.12. Slowly increase or decrease the air pressure to the actuator by regulating the
actuator pressure regulator to travel the stem by 4mm and note down the pressure
drop (in mmH2O) and flow rate (in LPH).
1.13. Close the regulating (gate) valve and the respective hose cock.
Note: For longer shut down, remove water from the supply tank and clean it.

Observation
Type of Control Valve: Equal % valve
Sr. No. Lift (mm) Pressure (∆P), Flow rate, Valve Coefficient,
psig LPH

1
2
3

Calculation
Calculate valve coefficient, C V by the following equation

= 1.16* Q * ;

Where
Q = Flow rate in m3/h
ΔP = Pressure in bar
G = Specific Gravity of water

Conclusions
 Experiment - B
Aim of the experiment: Study of flow coefficient, inherent and installed characteristics
of Quick-opening valve
Experimental procedure:
2.1 Follow the steps 1.2. to 1.11.
2.2 Slowly increase or decrease the pressure to the actuator by regulating the actuator
pressure regulator to travel the stem by 4mm and note down the pressure drop (in
mmH2O) and flow rate (in LPH).
2.3 Close the regulating (gate) valve and the respective hose cock.
2.4 After completion of experiment open the inlet valve of Equal % valve, drain the
overhead tank and then close the valve.
Note: For longer shut down, remove water from the supply tank and clean it.
Observation:
Table 2:
Sr. No. Lift (mm) Pressure(∆P), Flow rate, Valve
psig LPH
Coefficient,
1
2
3

Calculation
Calculate valve coefficient, C V by the following equation

= 1.16* Q * ;

Where
Q = Flow rate in m3/h
ΔP = Pressure in bar
G = Specific Gravity of water

Conclusions:
 Experiment - C
Aim of the experiment: Study flow coefficient, inherent and installed characteristics of
linear valve
Experimental procedure:
3.1. In case of control valve with valve positioner: Ensure that the bottom pressure
regulator outlet is connected to “IN” port at the valve positioner.
3.2. Follow the steps 1.5 to 1.11.
3.3. Slowly increase or decrease the pressure to the actuator by regulating the actuator
pressure regulator to travel the stem by 4mm and note down the pressure drop (in
mmH2O) and flow rate (in LPH).
3.4. Close the regulating (gate) valve and the respective hose cock.
3.5. After completion of experiment open the inlet valve of Equal % valve, drain the
overhead tank and then close the valve.
Observation:
Table 3:
Sr. No. Lift (mm) Pressure(∆P), Flow rate, Valve
psig LPH
Coefficient,
1

Conclusions
 CONTROL VALVE CHARACTERISTICS - II

Description of the experimental set-up:

The setup is designed to understand the control valve operation and its flow
characteristics. It consists of pneumatic control valves of linear, equal% & quick opening
type, stainless steel water tank with pump for continuous water circulation and rotameter
for flow measurement. An arrangement is made to measure pressure at the valve inlet in
terms of mm of water. An air regulator and pressure gauge is provided for the control
valve actuation. In case of additional optional requirement a valve positioner is fitted on
linear valve.

Fig.1: Experimental diagram

 Fig. 2: Control valve
Theory
Depending upon the valve plug design the control valves can be classified as quick
opening, linear and equal percent type
Linear: Flow is directly proportional to valve lift.
Q = ky
Where
Q = flow at constant pressure drop
y = valve opening
k = constant
Equal%: Flow changes by a constant percentage of its instantaneous value for each unit
of valve lift.
Q = b × eay
Where
Q = flow at constant pressure drop
y = valve opening
e = base of natural logarithms
a and b = constants
Constants a and b can be evaluated to give more convenient form
Q = Q0 × e{(log R / ymax)×y}
Where
Q0 = Flow at constant drop at zero
R = Flow range of valve, maximum to minimum at constant drop.
ymax = maximum rated valve opening
Quick opening: Flow increases rapidly with initial travel reaching near its maximum at a
low lift. It is generally not defined mathematically.
Control valve flow coefficient
The flow rate through the valve is given by
Q = K ΔP -------------------(1)
The correction factor K in above equation allows selection of proper size of valve to
accommodate the rate of flow that the system must support. This correction factor is
called as valve coefficient and is used in valve sizing.
Valve coefficient:
G
C v  1.16  Q  (In S I Units)
P

Where G is specific gravity of liquid, Q flow in m3/h, ΔP pressure drop in bar.

Valve Characteristics
The amount of fluid passing through a valve at any time depends upon the opening
between the plug and seat. Hence there is relationship between stem position, plug
position and the rate of flow, which is described in terms of flow characteristics of a
valve. Inherent and installed are two types of valve characteristics.
Inherent characteristics:
The inherent flow characteristic of a control valve is the relation between the flow and
the valve travel at constant pressure drop across the valve. Following are the inherent
characteristics for different types of valves.
Installed characteristics:
The Inherent characteristics of the valves described are subject to distortion due to
variations in pressure drop with flow. Line resistance distorts linear characteristics
towards that of quick opening valve and equal% to that of linear.
Hysteresis of control valve
Hysteresis is a predictable error resulting from the differences in the transfer functions
when a reading is taken from above and below the value to be measured. In case of
control valves for same actuator signal different stem travel (hence valve coefficients) are
obtained depending upon the direction of change in the signal. The maximum error in
stem travel (or valve coefficient) expressed in % for same actuator pressure while
opening and closing the valve is indicated as hysteresis.
Rangeability of equal % valve
Equal% valve has characteristics such that given percent change in stem position
produces an equivalent change in flow. Generally this type of valve does not shut off the
flow completely in its limit of stem travel. The Rangeability (R) is defined as the ratio of
maximum to minimum controllable flow.
Fmax
R
Fmin

Where Fmax is the flow when the valve stem is at extreme open position F min is the flow
when valve stem is at extreme closed position. (F max, Fmin represents flow rates measured
at constant pressure drop across control valve. Hence rangeability R also can be defined
as ratio of Cv,max to Cv ,min.) For equal percent valve flow have exponential characteristics of
rangeability,
F = Rm−1
Where R is the rangeability of the valve and m is its fractional stem position.
 Experiment - A
Aim of the experiment: Study of the hysteresis of control valve with valve positioner
(Linear Valve)
Experimental procedure:
4.1. Follow the steps 1.2 to 1.11.
4.2. Note the pressure drop when the control valve is at fully open condition.
4.3. Slowly increase/decrease the air pressure in the steps of 3 psi by actuator pressure
regulator to close the control valve fully.
4.4. Note the actuator pressure, pressure drop across the control valve and the flow rate.
4.5. Slowly increase/decrease the air pressure in the steps of 3 psi by regulator to open the
control valve fully.
4.6. Note the actuator pressure, pressure drop across the control valve and the flow rate.
4.7. After completion of experiment open the inlet valve of Equal % valve, drain the
overhead tank and then close the valve.

Observation
Table 4:
Sr.N Actuat Flow Pressu Valve Flow Pressu Valve Hysteres
o. or (LP re drop coefficie (LP re drop coefficie is (%)
Pressur H) (mm of nt, Cv H) (mm of nt, Cv
e (psig) H2O) H2O)
Increasing actuator Decreasing actuating
pressure pressure
1 0
2 3
3 6
4 9
5 12
6 15
Plot the graph of actuator pressure versus valve coefficient. Ratio of maximum different
between flow coefficients at same actuating pressure to that of maximum flow coefficient
termed as hysteresis.
Calculation:
Calculate valve coefficient, C V by the following equation

= 1.16* Q * ;

Where
Q = Flow rate in m3/h
ΔP = Pressure in bar
G = Specific Gravity of water

Conclusions
 Experiment - B
Aim of the experiment: Study of the rangeability of equal % valve
Experimental procedure:
5.1. Follow the steps 1.2 to 1.11.
5.2. Set the actuator pressure at 3psig using the actuator pressure regulator.
5.3. Note the pressure drop and flow rate.
5.4. Set actuator pressure to 15psig
5.5. Note down the pressure drop and flow rate.
5.6. After completion of experiment open drain the overhead tank and then close the
Equal % valve and hose cock.
Observation:
Table 5:
Sr. No. Pressure (∆P), Flow rate, Valve Coefficient, Rangeability
psig LPH

1 3

2 15

Calculation:
Calculate valve coefficient, CV by the following equation

= 1.16* Q * ;

Where
Q = Flow rate in m3/h
ΔP = Pressure in bar
G = Specific Gravity of water

Rangeability R=Cv max/Cv min

Conclusions