Understanding Flow Control Valves

Working with hydraulics and compressed air requires valves for proper usage. In these systems (pneumatic systems and others), flow valves are responsible for controlling several key functions:

• Direction
• Rate
• Pressure

When shopping for a pneumatic flow control valves, there are several different options on the market that all serve specific functions. For instance, some valves can allow a steady stream while also regulating the pressure of the flow. Other valves can allow for flow, stoppage, and the switching of flow direction. Traditional valves are built to have easy interchangeability of apertures (one that can close and open to increase flow rate). Different flow control valve includes:

1. Needle Control Valve: This variable control valve does not have pressure compensation. It can create pressure differentials between the down and upstream. This is accomplished by varying how much the needle is obstructing the flow.
2. Ball Valves: This control is perforated and hollow, but has a pivoting ball in the center that is used to control flow. When the ball lines up with the flow, it opens, and then it shuts when pivoted by the valve handle.
3. Butterfly Valve: These valves are used to isolate and/or regulate flow. A disk, located in the center of a pipe is connected to an actuator that passes through the disk. The disk is always present when using butterfly valves.

Pneumatic Valves

We carry a wide array of different pneumatic valves. If you are uncertain of the best flow control valve for your system, give us a call, and we will support you in figuring out the best purchase to make.

Related Reading

• EPA and Pneumatic Devices
  The publication gives detailed information about pneumatic controllers, pneumatic pumps, and pneumatic controllers.
• Common Pneumatic Devices
• Are Pneumatic Systems Right for your Business?