Valve Performance
The right valve type and size must be used to ensure it works properly and maintains the desired setpoint within an acceptable range. This course covers several design properties that determine valve performance, including the valve coefficient, flow characteristic, pressure class, and rangeability.









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Course Details
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Describe valve coefficient
- Differentiate between linear, equal percentage, and quick-open flow characteristics
- Describe how valve stroke affects flow characteristics
- Differentiate between inherent and installed flow characteristics
- Describe pressure and shutoff classes
- Differentiate between feedback and feedforward control loops
- Describe rangeability
Specs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the valve coefficient?
What is the valve stroke?
What is the flow characteristic?
What are valve pressure classes?
What are valve shutoff classes?
What are actuator-controlled valves?
What are control loops?
Whtat is rangeability?
Sample Video Transcript
It is important to properly match the valve coefficient to a valve’s intended use in a system. If the valve coefficient is too small, not enough fluid will pass through the valve and upstream equipment, such as pumps, can be damaged. If the valve coefficient is too large, the following problems could occur. The valve may be more expensive, larger, or heavier than necessary. The valve or pipes may be damaged as a result of too much flow, or the valve may experience the “bathtub stopper” effect. This occurs when the valve is near its closed position and is rapidly sucked closed, sending damaging waves through the system.
Additional Resources
- Valve Manufacturers Association of America – www.vma.org
- VMA Common Valve Types – www.vma.org/?CommonValveTypes
- Werner Solken Explore the World of Piping – www.wermac.org
- Introduction to Valves http://www.wermac.org/valves/valves_general.html
- United Valve – www.unitedvalve.com
- http://unitedvalve.com/industry-information/valve-standards/