If you need to control the flow rate of a fluid within a hydraulic circuit,
flow control valves offer the perfect solution. They do this by varying the size of the flow passage as directed by a signal from a controller, usually a flow meter. From ball valves to needle valves, there are various different types of flow control valves available, as Fluid Controls explains here.
What is a flow control valve?
A flow control valve is a type of device that is used to modify a fluid’s flow rate within a hydraulic circuit. This is achieved by adjusting the orifice size within the valve. The method by which this is done will vary depending on the type of valve. Flow control valves are typically used in control circuits for devices such as cylinders, actuators and motors. Let’s explore how flow control valves work in a little bit more detail.
How do flow control valves work?
Flow control valves have an orifice (such as a disc or a plug) that controls the rate of flow. The size of the orifice and the amount of pressure applied to force the fluid through that orifice will determine the flow rate. Then there are variable orifice valves that are designed to modify actuator speed while a machine is running.
The most common example is a needle valve, which opens and closes an orifice with a tapered end. This is raised and lowered via the turn of a handle or remotely using an actuator.
Different types of flow control valves
Fluid Controls supplies numerous different types of flow control valves, including the following:
Ball Valves
Ball valves feature a hollow ball that pivots 90 degrees around its axis to open or close the flow. Our ball valves range includes miniature ball valves, ball check valves, cryogenic ball valves, high pressure ball valves, rotary plug valves and swing out ball valves. View our ball valve collection.
Check valves allow a medium to flow in one direction to prevent potential damage caused by back flow of the fluid. Fluid Controls stocks and supplies a wide range of uni-directional flow control check valves from Parker’s Instrumentation Division. Browse our check valve selection.
Metering Valves
Metering valves provide accurate and stable control of flow rates in analytical, instrumentation and research applications. We stock metering valves from Parker for their ability to work to high flow and high pressure specifications, as well as under high temperatures. Purchase Parker metering valves.
Needle Valves
As we mentioned earlier, needle valves open or close an orifice using a tapered end and can either be controlled manually or with an actuator. Fluid Controls stocks stainless steel needle valves from industry-leading manufacturers, Parker. Source needle valves from Fluid Controls.
Solenoid Valves
Solenoid valves are
electro-mechanical valves that are commonly employed to control the flow of liquids or gases. From pilot operated solenoid valves to stainless steel solenoid valves, we can provide high-quality flow control valves for all industrial applications. Purchase solenoid valves today.
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