As their name implies, flow control valves control the flow or pressure of a fluid. In some cases, flow control valves can be used to regulate the pressure of a gas. Typically, flow control valves act as one part of a flow control system, receiving signals from flow meters or other types of gauges. Pneumatic flow control valves use compressed air to adjust the flow rate, while adjustable flow control valves automatically compensate for changes in pressure.
The type of flow control valve your business needs depends solely on the application. Although the concept is the same, an pneumatic flow control valve used in the dental and medical industries isn't appropriate for use in an industrial factory. When shopping for flow control valves, consider the following:
1. Purchase an adjustable flow control valve for use in hydraulic motors and cylinders.
2. Use pneumatic flow control valves with actuators and positioners as part of a complete flow control system.
3. Order custom flow control valves to get the best performance for unique applications.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Simplify your operation with adjustable flow control valves
Adjustable flow control valves do the thinking for you. This type of valve automatically compensates for changes in pressure based on your settings. Adjustable flow control valves are commonly put to use in hydraulic motors, but are also found in the medical industry.
I recommend: An adjustable flow control valve from
Northern Tool + Equipment Catalog Co. controls the speed of hydraulic motors. The valve can start and stop the hydraulic motor or cylinder and has a wide range of speed variability. You set the speed and the valve maintains it.
Snap-tite offers adjustable flow control valves for control of hydraulic motor & cylinder actuation that can be adjusted under pressure. If you're in the market for adjustable flow control valves for medical use,
Medtronic offers a valve that allows the caregiver to non-invasively change its resistance properties.
Purchase pneumatic flow control valves
A pneumatic flow control valve operates with the use of compressed air. The force of the compressed air against the flow control valve's diaphragm is opposed by the force of a spring. This opposition of force controls the valve's opening, allowing fluid to pass. Pneumatic flow control valves are appropriate for most industrial applications.
I recommend: Browse a large inventory of pneumatic flow control valves from several flow control valves suppliers at
Advanced Fluid Power. Buy flow control valves online from
Clippard Instrument Laboratory, which prides itself on being one of the leaders in the miniature pneumatic product market.
Order custom industrial flow control valves
By ordering flow control valves that have been custom built based on your specifications, you ensure the valve functions properly from the first time it's used. This convenient option saves you maintenance costs and time during installation.
I recommend: W.A. Kates Company offers the Kates I/Q valve, which is custom built for your application. The valve is shipped fully assembled after passing flow tests at 33 different operating settings and requires no field calibration. Order custom flow control valves from
SVF Flow Controls. The company designs and manufactures custom valves for unique applications.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- A stainless steel industrial flow control valve has a longer lifespan and cleaner air flow than a flow control valve constructed of non-stainless materials.
The official source of Flow Control Valves is the Flow Control Valves page at Business.com
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