TECHNICAL REFERENCE

STEAM VALVE SIZING INFORMATION

RECOMMENDED PRESSURE DROPS FOR STEAM Cv (FLOW COEFFICIENT) DETERMINATION

t
Refer to specific valve data for maximum allowable pressure The Steam Valve Capacity Table on the following page is
drops and closeoff ratings. based on the following formula:

n
QK
Two Position Zone Valves and Direct Radiator Valves Cv =
3 √∆P x P2

e
Use a minimum of 10% of inlet pressure (psig).
Where: Cv = Coefficient of flow

Proportional Control Valves Q = lb per hour of steam

Low pressure (15 psig or less): ∆P of 80% of gauge inlet

m
∆P = Differential pressure in psig (pressure drop)
pressure.
P2 = Outlet pressure in psia (absolute)

u
When Cv required is between two valve sizes and closer to psig + 14.7 = psia (absolute)
the smaller valve size, resize for Cv using 42% of the

c
K = 1 + (0.0007 x ˚F super-heat)
absolute inlet pressure as pressure drop. Use the valve that
is larger than the calculated Cv. Note: K normally is 1 (K = 1 for saturated steam).

TECHNICAL REFERENCE
For steam pressures greater than 15 psig: 42% of the Other forms of the formula are:
absolute inlet pressure.
3Cv √∆P x P2

D
Q =
When Cv required is between two valve sizes, select the K
Note: K normally is 1.
larger size.

d
2
Note: Do not size steam valves on higher system pressures
using a pressure drop greater than 42% of the
∆P = ( 3QKCv ) x
1
∆P2

e
Note: K normally is 1.
absolute inlet pressure.
2

( 3QKCv ) 1

iv
P2 = x
∆P
Note: K normally is 1 (K = 1 for saturated steam).

h
These formulas can be used to calculate one of the quantities if the
others are known.

c
See next page for Steam Valve Capacity Table

r
USEFUL STEAM INFORMATION

A
1 Boiler hp = 34.5 lb/hr
EDR
(equivalent direct radiation) = 240 Btu/hr per FT2 STEAM DATA
1 Therm = 100,000 Btu psig Temperature (°F) Latent Heat (hfg)
To convert Btu/hr to lb/hr of steam, divide Btu/hr by the 0 212 970
latent heat of vaporization (h fg ) at the corresponding 5 237 954
steam pressure. 15 250 945
Example: 50 298 912
100,000 Btu/hr = 105 lb/hr of 5 psig steam 100 338 880

( 100,000 Btu/hr
954 ( = 105 lb/hr

2004 KELE CATALOG • www.kele.com • USA 888-397-5353 • International 901-382-6084

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