http://www.valvias.com/flow-coefficient.

php

Flow Coefficient Definition and

Flow Equations Dimensional Flow Coefficient (Cv and

Kv) Calculation
When flow goes through a valve or any other restricting device it loses some energy. The flow coefficient is a
designing factor which relates head drop (Δh) or pressure drop (ΔP) across the valve with the flow rate (Q).

(liquids)
Q: Flow rate
ΔP: Pressure Drop
Sg: Specific gravity (1 for water)
K: Flow coefficient Kv or Cv

Go to online calculation of the Flow coefficient Cv and Kv

Each valve has its own flow coefficient. This depends on how the valve has been designed to let the flow going
through the valve. Therefore, the main differences between different flow coefficients come from the type of
valve, and of course the opening position of the valve.

Flow coefficient is important in order to select the best valve for a specific application. If the valve is going to
be most of the time opened, probably there should be selected a valve with low head loss in order to save
energy. Or if it is needed a control valve, the range of coefficients for the different opening positions of the
valve should fit the requirements of the application.

At same flow rate, higher flow coefficient means lower drop pressure across the valve.

1
Depending of manufacturer, type of valve, application the flow coefficient can be expressed in several ways.
The coefficient can be non-dimensional or with units if parameters such as diameter or density are considered
inside the coefficient or just in the equation.

Most of valve industry have standardized the flow coefficient (K). It is referenced for water at a specific
temperature, and flow rate and drop pressure units. Same model valve has different coefficient for each
diameter.

Kv is the flow coefficient in metric units. It is defined as the flow rate in cubic meters per hour [m3/h] of water
at a temperature of 16º celsius with a pressure drop across the valve of 1 bar.
Cv is the flow coefficient in imperial units. It is defined as the flow rate in US Gallons per minute [gpm] of
water at a temperature of 60º fahrenheit with a pressure drop across the valve of 1 psi.

Kv = 0.865 · Cv
Cv = 1,156 · Kv

(Equivalence between flow coefficients Kv and Cv)

At valves which discharge the flow directly into the environment it is used the non-dimensional Discharge
Coefficient(C).

http://www.valvias.com/flow-equations-flow-coefficient-cv-kv.php

Flow Equations Dimensional Flow Coefficient (Cv and Kv) Calculation

A: Area
C: Discharge coefficient
d: density ( water density = 1000kg/m³ )
D: Diameter
g: Gravity 9.8 m/s²
K: Flow coefficient (Kv)(Cv)
Q: Flow rate
SG: Specific gravity (1 for water)
v: Flow velocity
Δh: Head Drop (high of fluid)
ΔP: Pressure Drop

K = Q / sqrt( ΔP / SG )
1

2
K = Cv, when K is referenced in [gpm] [psi] units.
K = Kv, when K is referenced in [m³/h] [bar] units.

K = C · sqrt( 2 / d )·( D ) ² · π/4

1000

K = Cv, when K is referenced in [gpm] [psi] units.

K = Kv, when K is referenced in [m³/h] [bar] units.

K = C · sqrt(2/(1000· SG )) · ( D ) ² · π/4
1

K = Cv, when K is referenced in [gpm] [psi] units.

K = Kv, when K is referenced in [m³/h] [bar] units.

K1 <=======> K2

K = Cv, when K is referenced in [gpm] [psi] units.

K = Kv, when K is referenced in [m³/h] [bar] units.

Kv = 0.86488 · Cv

[m³/h] [bar] [gpm] [psi]

Cv = 1.15622 · Kv

[gpm] [psi] [m³/h] [bar]

CONCEPTS
http://www.valvias.com/flow-coefficient.php#referencias

Flow Coefficient References

http://www.valvias.com/flow-coefficient-ball-valve.php

Cv Flow Coefficient in 100% opened Ball valves

http://www.valvias.com/flow-coefficient-butterfly-valve.php
Cv Flow Coefficient of Butterfly valves depending on the opening
position
http://www.valvias.com/discharge-coefficient.php
3
Discharge Coefficient
http://www.valvias.com/reynolds-number.php
Reynolds Number

FLOW EQUATIONS – ONLINE CALCULATOR

http://www.valvias.com/flow-equations-flow-coefficient-cv-kv.php
Flow Equations
Dimensional Flow Coefficient (Cv and Kv) Calculation
http://www.valvias.com/flow-equations-pressure-drop-coefficient-zeta.php
Flow Equations
Pressure Drop Coefficient - zeta (ζ) Calculation
http://www.valvias.com/flow-equations-discharge-coefficient-c.php
Flow Equations
Discharge coefficient (C) Calculation
http://www.valvias.com/flow-equations-flow-rate.php
Flow Equations
Flow Rate (Q) Calculation
http://www.valvias.com/flow-equations-flow-velocity.php
Flow Equations
Flow Velocity (v) Calculation
http://www.valvias.com/flow-equations-head-drop.php
Flow Equations
Head Drop (Δh) Calculation
http://www.valvias.com/flow-equations-cavitation-number.php
Flow Equations
Cavitation Number Calculation