P5

CONTROL VALVE CHARACTERISTICS

Description of the experimental set-up:

The setup is designed to understand the operation and
characteristics of a linear, equal percentage, and quick-opening
pneumatic control valve. It includes a stainless steel water tank with a
pump for continuous water circulation and a rotameter for flow
measurement. An arrangement is made to measure the pressure at the
valve inlet in terms of millimeters of water. An air regulator and
pressure gauge are provided for controlling the valve actuation. If
additional requirements arise, a valve positioner can be fitted to the
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
{(log R / y )×y}
Q = Q0 × e max

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
Cv = 1.16 × Δ
(In S I P Units)
Q×

Where G is specific gravity of liquid, Q flow in m 3/h, ΔP pressure drop in

bar.
Valve Characteristics

The amount of fluid passing through a valve at any given time

depends on the opening between the plug and seat. Consequently,
there exists a relationship between the stem position, plug position,
and the rate of flow, which is quantified in terms of the flow
characteristics of a valve. There are two types of valve characteristics:
inherent and installed.

Inherent characteristics describe the flow characteristics of a

control valve when the pressure drop across the valve remains constant.
These characteristics are inherent to the valve and are not affected by
external factors. For different types of valves, the inherent flow
characteristics are as follows:

- Linear control valve: The flow is directly proportional to the stem

position.
- Quick-opening valve: The flow is proportional to the stem position,
but the relationship is not linear.
 - Equal-percentage valve: The flow is proportional to the stem
position, but the relationship is not linear.

Installed characteristics describe the flow characteristics of a valve

when the pressure drop across the valve varies with the flow. Line
resistance distorts the linear characteristics of a valve towards those of
a quick-opening valve and is equal to that of a linear valve.

Hysteresis is a predictable error that occurs when a reading is taken

from above and below the value to be measured. In the case of control
valves, different stem travel (or valve coefficients) are obtained
depending on the direction of change in the signal. The maximum error
in stem travel (or valve coefficient) expressed as a percentage for the
same actuator pressure while opening and closing the valve is known as
hysteresis.

Rangeability of equal-percentage valve

An equal-percentage valve has characteristics that allow for a given

percent change in stem position to produce an equivalent change in
flow. Generally, this type of valve does not completely shut off the flow
within its limit of stem travel. The rangeability (R) is defined as the
ratio of the maximum to the minimum controllable flow.
F
max
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. (Fmax, 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 .) For equal percent valve flow have exponential
Cv ,min

characteristics of rangeability,
m−1
F=R
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.
1.1. 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 Lift(mm Pressure Drop(cm Flow Rate, Value of

No. ) of H2O) LPH Coefficient

1 8 126.4 300 0.9884287503

2 14 132.6 200 0.6433627099

3 24 136.8 100 0.3167047687

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
 Experiment
-B
Aim of the experiment: Study of flow coefficient, inherent and
installed characteristics of Quick-opening valve
Experimental procedure:
1.
1.1. Follow the steps 1.2. to 1.11.
1.2. 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).
1.3. Close the regulating (gate) valve and the respective hose cock.
1.4. 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:
Pressure
Sr Lift(m Drop(cm of Flow Value of
No. m) H2O) Rate, LPH Coefficient

0.477154545
1 44 135.6 150 9

2 42 124.8 320 1.061060963

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
 Experiment
-C
Aim of the experiment: Study flow coefficient, inherent and
installed characteristics of linear valve
Experimental procedure:
1.

1.1. In case of control valve with valve positioner: Ensure that the
bottom pressure regulator outlet is connected to “IN” port at the
valve positioner.
1.2. Follow the steps 1.5 to 1.11.
1.3. 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).
1.4. Close the regulating (gate) valve and the respective hose cock.
1.5. After completion of experiment open the inlet valve of Equal %
valve, drain the overhead tank and then close the valve.
Observa
tion:
Table 3:

Lift(mm Flow Rate,

Sr No. ) Pressure Drop(cm of H2O) LPH Value of Coefficient
1 24 125.8 190 0.6274959568
2 36 110.2 300 1.058590784
3 52 88.8 400 1.572357005
 CONTROL VALVE CHARACTERISTICS - II
Description of the experimental set-up:
The setup is designed to understand the operation and
characteristics of a linear, equal percentage, and quick-opening
pneumatic control valve. It includes a stainless steel water tank with a
pump for continuous water circulation and a rotameter for flow
measurement. An arrangement is made to measure the pressure at the
valve inlet in terms of millimeters of water. An air regulator and
pressure gauge are provided for controlling the valve actuation. If
additional requirements arise, a valve positioner can be fitted to the
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
{(log R / y )×y}
Q = Q0 × e max

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:
Cv = 1.16 × G
(In S I Units)
Q× Δ
P
Where G is specific gravity of liquid, Q flow in m 3/h, ΔP pressure drop in
bar.
Valve Characteristics
The amount of fluid passing through a valve at any given time
depends on the opening between the plug and seat. Consequently,
there exists a relationship between the stem position, plug position,
and the rate of flow, which is quantified in terms of the flow
characteristics of a valve. There are two types of valve characteristics:
inherent and installed.
Inherent characteristics describe the flow characteristics of a
control valve when the pressure drop across the valve remains constant.
These characteristics are inherent to the valve and are not affected by
external factors. For different types of valves, the inherent flow
characteristics are as follows:
- Linear valve: The flow rate increases linearly with stem position.
- Quick-opening valve: The flow rate increases rapidly with stem
position.

- Equal-percentage valve: The flow rate increases by a fixed

percentage with stem position.

Installed characteristics describe the flow characteristics of a valve

when the pressure drop across the valve varies with flow. Line
resistance distorts the linear characteristics of a valve towards those of
a quick-opening valve and is equal to that of a linear valve.
Hysteresis is a predictable error that occurs when a reading is taken
from above and below the value to be measured. In the case of control
valves, different stem travel (or valve coefficients) are obtained
depending on the direction of change in the signal. The maximum error
in stem travel (or valve coefficient) expressed as a percentage for the
same actuator pressure while opening and closing the valve is known as
hysteresis.
 Equal-percentage valve has characteristics where a given percent
change in stem position produces an equivalent change in flow.
Generally, this type of valve does not completely shut off the flow in its
limit of stem travel. The rangeability (R) of an equal-percentage valve is
defined as the ratio of the maximum to the minimum controllable flow.
F
max
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. (Fmax, 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 .) For equal percent valve flow have exponential
Cv ,min

characteristics of rangeability,
m−1
F = R R is the rangeability of the valve and m is its fractional stem
Where
position.
 Experiment
-A
Aim of the experiment: Study of the hysteresis of control valve
with valve positioner (Linear Valve)
Experimental procedure:
1.
1.1. Follow the steps 1.2 to 1.11.
1.2. Note the pressure drop when the control valve is at fully open
condition.
1.3. Slowly increase/decrease the air pressure in the steps of 3 psi by
actuator pressure regulator to close the control valve fully.
1.4. Note the actuator pressure, pressure drop across the control valve
and the flow rate.
1.5. Slowly increase/decrease the air pressure in the steps of 3 psi by
regulator to open the control valve fully.
1.6. Note the actuator pressure, pressure drop across the control valve
and the flow rate.
1.7. After completion of experiment open the inlet valve of Equal %
valve, drain the overhead tank and then close the valve.
Observatio
n Table 4:
Pressur Pressur
Actuato e Actuato e
r Flow Drop(m Value of Flow r Drop(m Value of
Pressur rate(LP m of Coeffici rate(LP Pressur m of Coeffici Hystere
Sr No. e(psig) H) H2O) ent H) e H2O) ent sis(%)
Increasi Decreasi
ng ng
Actuator Actuator
Pressure Pressure
1.69346
1 0 0 149.5 0 420 15 84.4 3024 0 0
0.18960 1.45805 1.87962 0.15777
2 3 60 137.4 75102 380 12 93.2 2936 4465 67649
-
0.48620 1.05859 2.00826 0.52021
3 6 150 130.6 26505 300 9 110.2 0784 6809 19063
-
1.01595 0.52021 2.51763 1.05859
4 9 290 111.8 5645 160 6 129.8 19063 0396 0784
 -
1.45493 0.15777 0.18416 1.45805
5 12 380 93.6 4103 50 3 137.8 67649 89684 2936
1.69346 1.69346
6 15 420 84.4 3024 0 0 149.4 0 0 3024
.
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
 Experiment - B
Aim of the experiment: Study of the rangeability of equal % valve
Experimental procedure:
1.
1.1. Follow the steps 1.2 to 1.11.
1.2. Set the actuator pressure at 3psig using the actuator pressure
regulator.
1.3. Note the pressure drop and flow rate.
1.4. Set actuator pressure to 15psig
1.5. Note down the pressure drop and flow rate.
1.6. After completion of experiment open drain the overhead tank and
then close the Equal % valve and hose cock.
Observation:
Table 5:

Press
Fl ure
S Actuato ow Value Drop(i
r r Rate of n cm
No Lift( Pressure , Coefficie Rangeabi of
. mm) (psig) LPH nt lity H2O)
0.1894 137.
1 28 3 60 69664 6
44 1.5278 8.0637 113.
2 0 15 0 44647 95623 8

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