In simple terms, flow control is the term used to describe the regulation of the flow or pressure of liquid. Within fluid dynamics, flow control is a fundamental concept that involves regulating the rate of flow of fluids, most commonly liquids or gases, through a specific system.
In this article, the expert team here at Fluid Controls has put together this helpful guide on what a flow control system does and how it functions within industrial fluid control systems. Keep reading to find out more!
As mentioned above, flow control involves regulating the rate of flow of fluids, such as liquids or gases. It is an extremely important concept that is applicable to a wide range of industries and applications, including manufacturing, chemical processing, energy production, and transportation.
The chief purpose of flow control is to ensure that fluids move through a system at the desired or intended rate in order to achieve optimal performance and efficiency. As with most applications, efficiency is key and flow control is vital to ensuring this efficiency.
In many cases, the flow of fluids needs to be accurately controlled to maintain safety, product quality, and environmental or industrial standards. Not only this, but in order for various applications to maintain specific standards around consumption and efficiency, flow control can help to reduce energy consumption, increase the life of a system, and help to improve the overall productivity of a system.
Now, this is where specific components come into play. One common method of controlling flow is using flow control valves. Valves are mechanical devices that are used to regulate liquids and gases. This is done through the opening or closing of a passage.
There are various different types of valves, including ball valves, globe valves, and flow control valves. Each type of valve has its own advantages and disadvantages, and these must be taken into consideration for the specific requirements of the application at hand.
When looking in more detail at flow control valves, we have to consider what they are and how they work. A flow control valve works by controlling and adjusting the volume flow of air within a pneumatic system. Commonly referred to as mass flow controllers, there are a range of functions of a flow control valve.
One great function of flow control valves is that they don’t obstruct the flow of fluid. As these valves are specifically designed in such a way, small particles do not clog the flow of the fluid, limiting the chances of clogging and disruption to the application or process.
With environmentalism at the forefront of many industries and applications, flow control valves are essential to saving water. With some of these valves being able to conserve up to 85% of the water they use, they don’t put unnecessary pressure on the water supply.
When flow control valves are used within certain applications, they can help in water conservation. This, in turn, means that costs can be cut and money can be saved on a wider scale.
The importance of flow control within a range of industries cannot be overstated or simplified.
Take the chemical processing industry, for example. Precise flow control is crucial to ensure the correct measurement of chemicals is added to a process in order to achieve the desired reaction.
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Another real-life example is within the oil and gas industry. Here, flow control is crucial for preventing spillages and maintaining strict environmental standards. In the food and beverage industry, flow control is essential to ensuring that products and processes meet quality standards.
As we’ve discussed, flow control is a crucial concept in fluid dynamics that involves the regulation of fluid flow through a system. Fluid Controls has been supplying high-quality flow control valves since 1988.
We are committed to delivering the very best quality valves as we understand the importance of flow control within applications. Our vast range of valves comes from global leaders like Parker, Bürkert and Thompson Valves.
As a fully accredited ISO 9001:2008 company, we provide installation options and service facility for certain products we supply. We also offer full pressure testing and repairs and in-house or on-site training to maximise your experience.For more information about any of our different types of flow control valves or to discuss your application requirements in more detail, please contact Fluid Controls today on +44 (0)118 970 2060 or email fluid@fluidcontrols.co.uk. Our engineers will be only too happy to provide expert support and advice.
Consider how often your crew is dispensing fluids. Then consider how much money you could save if you could account for all of it.
Bulk fluids cost you thousands of dollars annually. Add up what you’re missing with every drop that’s spilled or misplaced, and you’re losing out on significant profit opportunities.
An effective fluid control system dispenses only precise, pre-authorized volumes to create efficiencies for your entire shop operation. Here are the top 4 reasons why you need fluid control:
Fluid control systems can regulate every ounce of fluid in your shop or dealership. In fact, they can be programmed to dispense only the correct fluid and authorized amount. This ensures that every vehicle or machine receives the appropriate amount of fluid for more accurate billing. In addition, you can minimize dispensing errors — and even identify where inaccuracies originate.
Storing bulk fluids can be complicated — and frustrating. Most shops and dealerships must plan ahead when transitioning from an empty container to a new one. If a new drum is ordered too soon, it may take up much-needed space for an excessive time period. If it’s ordered too late, common services can’t be performed. With a fluid control system, you can track the amount of fluid dispensed so you always know when it’s time to reorder drums.
Customers demand fast service. The faster you perform a job, the sooner you can move on to the next one. With fluid control, your technicians don’t have to guess, and subsequently check and even redispense, the amount of fluid used. Only the correct amount of fluid is dispensed — once — so your crews can complete a service order and move on to the next one quickly.
Waste cuts into your profits — whether it’s from wasted materials or wasted efforts from your team. Use fluid control systems to enhance profitability by optimizing your resources. Use more of the bulk fluids you’ve purchased and tie them directly to service orders. Additionally, by maximizing the productivity of your crew, you can churn through more service orders in less time to improve profitability.
Graco offers an innovative, wire-free way to control your fluids: the Pulse FC Fluid Control System. With Pulse FC, you dispense only precise volumes to create efficiencies for your entire shop operation and:
For more information, please visit Fluid Control Solutions.