Share optimized solutions, professional valve knowledge and industry news

Please enter the relevant terms or keywords you need to consult, and relevant articles will appear in the search results. If you can’t find the answer you need, please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to help. Or you can directly send an email to [email protected]

Why Are Control Valves Smaller Than Line Size

Control valves are a vital component of any piping system, but they are often smaller than the size of the pipeline they are connected to. This is because smaller valves can regulate more precisely, take up less space and have lower pressure drops when open. By using control valves smaller than the line size, it is possible to achieve precise control over flow rate and other parameters, save on space and reduce turbulence. All these benefits make using control valves smaller than pipelines an excellent solution for many industrial applications.
Table of Contents
    Add a header to begin generating the table of contents

    In the industrial process, we often find that the size of the control valve will be smaller than the pipe size, while other on/off valves are generally the same size as the pipeline. In this article, we’ll discuss several reasons why flow control valves are usually smaller than the pipe size.

    For example, you need to install a flow meter or control valve into the system by calculating had to reduce a 1.5 inches pipe to 0.5 inches in order to install the flow meter or control valve. And by looking at the P&ID, you will find that almost all flow control valves in the area have the same reduced size, i.e., the actual size of the control valve is smaller than the pipe size.

    pid

    6 Reasons Why Flow Control Valves Smaller Than Line Size

    1. Controlling pressure drop

    Because control valves make their living generating pressure drop, and their purpose is usually to generate large pressure drops, control valves of smaller size relative to the pipe diameter are used to generate larger pressure drops to meet system requirements.

    Liquid Flow In A Control Valve As A Function Of The Pressure Drop Across The Valve
    Liquid Flow In A Control Valve As A Function Of The Pressure Drop Across The Valve

    2. Market Competition – Price First

    To a certain extent, we cannot deny the impact of the market on the professionalism of the control valve. In the selection and calculation, we will consider a variety of factors to ensure excellent control performance of the control valve, not just pressure drop or control the flow rate, temperature, and other basic parameters.

    However, in the process of participating in the bidding process, if an aspect can surface to complete the pressure reduction needs, without regard to cavitation, noise, or cavitation phenomenon, the control valve size can be selected as one or two smaller than the pipe size so that it will be cheaper. Then the probability of getting this order is greatly increased.

    In fact, we found this out during the quotation process, choosing different trim designs and sizes have a big impact on the final order. We still insist on doing what we think is right, a good control valve can help customers to increase production, and more durable normal operation in the production, reducing the cost of downtime waste.

    china control valves factory pneuamtic globe control valve manufacturer 1024x683

    3. Steam or gas service

    Many control valves for steam or gas service are specifically sized to avoid excessive release of gas into low pressure downstream systems in the event of control valve failure, resulting in unnecessary increases in relief valve, tank vent, and flare system sizes, etc.

    Most control valve sizes are usually found on drawings and in systems or connection systems that are often located some distance from the valve.

    For example, pipe size for compressible flows with M=0.1, or 100 fps for compressed air. pipe size for incompressible flows at V=5 fps. Consider that the valves and flow meters will be half the pipe size. Plan for valves and flow meters to be half the size of the pipe. After that, go to more particular part specifications.

    steam pressure reducing station
    steam pressure reducing station

    4. Control valve sizing – Sensitivity and Accuracy

    In the past, engineering designs were simply and crudely implemented by reducing the size of control valves in order to reduce the budget for plant manufacturing costs. This is dangerous, and the higher the pressure drop across the control valve, the more sensitive its control action will be in perpetuating a low-cost design.

    This is achieved by making the control valve one or two sizes smaller than the pipe to allocate about 30% of the system pressure drop to the control valve, and the accuracy of the control flow is improved due to the small diameter and narrow control range.

    Control Valve Sizing
    Control Valve Sizing

    Simply to say, a smaller flow area allows for more precise control, especially for micro-flow proportional regulation conditions.

    Oversized control valves, on the other hand, can be very sensitive, i.e., a small valve position movement can produce large flow changes, so control becomes more difficult.

    5. Smaller valves take up less space

    A control valve with a smaller pipe will obviously take up less installation space than a valve with the same pipe size. This difference is especially noticeable for large pipelines with diameters over DN100. Because the larger the bore, the larger the actuator is equipped, and the size of the actuator directly affects the space reserved for installation in the piping system.

    actuated control valves2
    actuated control valves1

    6. Lifespan

    The service life of control valves is critical to process control loops, and control valves that operate between 30-80% of their travel primarily will have a longer life than valves that are almost fully open or fully closed. If you choose an oversized control valve, the valve will have not only poor control performance but also a short service life if it is always operating below 30% at a small opening.

    In Conclusion

    An unsuitable control valve can have a significant impact on your capital expenditure and operating cost budget, especially if it forces you to perform unscheduled shutdowns. As a professional control valve manufacturer – THINKTANK, we can provide free control valve calculation and sizing services to provide unique and customized services for your project.

    Facebook
    Twitter
    LinkedIn
    Pinterest
    Print
    Picture of Will Don

    Will Don

    After earning my bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Zhejiang Normal University in 2008, l was fortunate enough to begin my career with Siemens, Fisher, and YTC, focusing on control valve accessories. Over the past dozen years, l've poured my heart and energy into understanding technology and fluid solutions for control valves.
    Now, as the marketing director for THINKTANK, a trusted branch of the Taiwan STONE valve group, I can't help butf eel proud of how far we've come. Our knowledge isn't just reaching professionals like engineer and valve distributors; it's also inspiring the next generation of automation college students.
    l genuinely hope you're enjoying our articles and finding them helpful.Your thoughts, questions, and feedback mean the world to me, so please don't hesitate to reach out to marketing[at]cncontrolvalve.com. Whether you're a seasoned expert or just curious about the field, I'm here to connect, share, and learn together.

    All Posts »

    I am the author of this article, and also the CEO and marketing director of THINKTANK, with 15 years of experience in the industrial valve industry. If you have any questions, you can contact me at any time.

    Subscribe Now

    Receive the latest product information and industry news.

    We value your privacy. Your information will be kept confidential.

    Contact Us

    Just fill out your name, email address, and a brief description of your inquiry in this form. We will contact you within 24 hours.

    The Latest News
    axial piston high pressure pump

    High Pressure Pumps Axial Piston Pumps

    In the past 5 years, we made our HPR/HPH series axial piston pumps as OEM products for a well-known brand. These pumps have been successful ...
    Read More
    breaker valve manufacturer

    VB14 and VB21 Vacuum Breaker Installation

    VB14 Vacuum Breaker Description VB14 is a small special vacuum breakers used in condensing vapour/steam or liquid systems, and it made of Brass material, and ...
    Read More
    common valve abbreviation guide

    Common Valve Abbreviation Guide

    In industrial manufacturing and instrument maintenance, you’ll see many abbreviations for valves. It’s important for engineers, maintenance people, and students to know these abbreviations because ...
    Read More
    spray & fuse coating

    Comprehensive Technical Guide on Hard Coating For Severe Service Valve

    One of the most effective ways to improve the durability and performance of valves in in severe service environments, where valves are work at extreme ...
    Read More
    dosing valve DN100 lime dosing system

    What is a Lime Dosing Valve and How Does It Work

    In the world of water treatment and chemical processing, it’s important to control lime dosing accurately. Getting the pH right and avoiding lime blockages can ...
    Read More
    concentrated solar power schematic

    Selection and Application of Molten Salt Control Valves

    In recent years, as the environmental impact of traditional energy sources such as coal and petrochemicals has become more and more of a concern, there ...
    Read More
    molten salt power system

    Comprehensive Guide of Molten Salt Valve

    In the world of advanced energy systems, molten salt valves are a critical component for controlling high-temperature fluids that are important for storing and transferring ...
    Read More
    lined ball valves akh5

    Top 10 Ceramic Valves Manufacturers in 2024

    Ceramic valves are used in highly demanding services including slurry, erosive, corrosive, and scaling applications.
    Read More
    globe control valve body

    Información sobre los tipos de válvulas industriales

    Existen numerosos tipos de válvulas industriales, que pueden alcanzar hasta varios cientos, y cada tipo de válvula está diseñado para satisfacer las necesidades específicas ...
    Read More

    Contact Us

    With expertise in valves and rich experience in the oil&gas, chemical industry, textile mills, power plants, and sugar mills. THINKTANK has become the premier manufacturer of next-generation precision control valves.

    With a customer base that includes over 42 of the world’s leading engineering&contractors and international valve brands, THINKTANK Valves offers cost-effective valves that help our customers achieve automated process control without paying high prices.

    Why are more and more international valve brands choosing THINKTANK for OEM service?

    Brand is reputation, which not only requires high valve technology, but also great comercial support and fast response after-sales service and delivery time. They will not gamble their brand on an unknown product

    Get an Instant Quote

    Avoid your inquiry is delay response, please enter your WhatsApp/Wechat/Skype along with the message, so we can contact you at the very first time.

    We will reply you within 24 hours. If for urgent case, please add WhatsApp: +86 185 1656 9221, or WeChat: +86 199 2125 0077. Or call +86 189 5813 8289 directly. 

    Get An Instant Quote

    Joy Preview

    Get An Instant Quote

    We will reply you within 24 hours. If for urgent case, please add WhatsApp: +86 199 2125 0077, or WeChat: +86 199 2125 0077. Or call +86 189 5813 8289 directly. 

    Direct to Control Valve Factory With Competitive Price & Reliable Quality

    Joy Preview
    Joy Preview

    Get An Instant Quote

    Just leave your name, email, and simple message or requirements, We will contact you within 1 hour.

    WhatsApp: +86 199 2125 0077

    Skype ID: sowell85

    Wechat ID: +86 199 2125 0077