Control Valves

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Baelz North America is a distributor of a broad selection of high-quality control components and systems. One of our core product offerings is control valves, which are available in two-way and three-way models with electrical and pneumatic operation.

Valves are mechanical or electromechanical devices designed to regulate and/or redirect the flow of fluids through process heating systems by partially or completely blocking flow passages. This function is critical to the success of a wide range of industrial applications. For this reason, they are available in many variations, each of which may differ in regard to design, construction, and size. In the industrial sector, one of the most commonly employed types of valves is the control valve.

Industrial control valves work by selectively opening and closing passages to control fluid flow level, direction, pressure, and temperature. As such, they help facility workers maintain consistent conditions throughout an operation, resulting in better product and process quality.

The following article provides an overview of control valves, outlining key advantages, the importance of proper maintenance and repair, typical industrial applications, and the products available at Baelz North America.

Control Valves
  • Advantages of Control Valves

    When selected, installed, and maintained properly, control valves benefit processing facilities in several ways, including in regard to the following:

    Process Consistency

    Control valves help system operators ensure operating conditions remain within the acceptable range, resulting in better process consistency throughout an operation and between operations.

    Product Quality

    Consistency and quality go hand-in-hand. Variability in processing operations inevitably leads to products of varying quality. By using control valves—which enable better process consistency — processing facilities minimize the risk of variation between products and product batches, resulting in better overall product quality.

    Production Efficiency

    Reduced process variability also translates to less material waste, as fewer substandard products will need to be scrapped. Additionally, the greater precision offered by control valves results in less time spent making adjustments to the process throughout an operation.

    Energy Efficiency

    Many processing operations require specific operating temperatures, pressures, and other flow conditions. Control valves help equipment maintain the desired conditions throughout the process, reducing the amount of energy needed for optimal processing performance.

    All of the above advantages add up to substantial cost savings, which can significantly impact the profitability of a manufacturing or processing facility. However, experiencing these benefits necessitates the proper selection, installation, and maintenance of the control valve employed.

  • The Importance of Proper Maintenance & Repair for Control Valves

    Control valves play a critical role in fluid handling and processing systems. However, even if the right control valve is installed in a system, it will not function as intended without proper maintenance throughout its service life.

    Some of the common problems that occur in an improperly or inadequately maintained control valves are:

    Deadband

    Deadband occurs when a valve lags or fails to respond to a controller’s initial signal. When the controller sends a second signal to compensate, the valve responds but travels further than it should, resulting in greater process and, consequently, product variability.

    Hysteresis

    Similar to deadhead, hysteresis results in the valve responding inaccurately or inconsistently to a controller signal. In this case, the valve response differs between the upstroke and downstroke. For instance, consider a pressure control valve exhibiting hysteresis. A 10% increase in signal might cause a 100 psi jump in pressure, while a 10% decrease causes a reduction of only 80 psi. The result is process variation that can compound into larger-scale equipment failure if left unaddressed.

    Stiction

    Stiction is a combination of “stick” and “friction” used to describe a valve stuck in a certain position. The controller must send a larger signal to force the valve to change position, which causes the valve to overshoot the desired position and get stuck in the new undesired one.

    Fortunately, these problems can be avoided by developing and implementing a comprehensive maintenance plan. If and when repairs become necessary, they will likely result from issues, such as internal or external leakage, poorly maintained process fluids, or uncalibrated actuators. Read more.

  • Industrial Applications of Control Valves

    Control valves find application in the fluid handling and processing equipment of a wide range of industries, including the following:

    Chemical

    Due to the often hazardous nature of the chemicals employed, processing facilities in the chemical industry require precise control over fluids. Control valves allow facility workers to maintain appropriate pressure, temperature, and flow levels during operations, including for abrasive, acidic, corrosive, and other chemicals.

    Food and beverage processing

    In food and beverage processing operations, control valves (and other equipment components) must comply with strict sanitation standards. They are used to control the flow of materials ranging from steam and water to slurry and mash.

    Marine

    In the marine industry, control valves are used for precise liquid flow regulation and control to ensure systems maintain optimal operating conditions.

    Power generation and distribution

    Control valves are found in a wide range of power plant equipment and systems, including boilers, blowers, heat exchangers, and turbines.

    Water and wastewater treatment

    In water and wastewater treatment facilities, control valves regulate water flow and pressure. In particular, they are often employed in boiler systems to control the feeding and discharge of treated water and negate the effects of corrosion and scaling.

    Wood

    Control valves are used in wood drying and pressing operations to mix or divert thermal fluid flow, depending on how much moisture is present in the raw wood material.

A Guide to Selecting Control Valves

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Types of Control Valves at Baelz North America

At Baelz NA, we offer high-performance two-way (2-way) and three-way (3-way) control valves.

Baelz_2way_Valve

Our 2-way valves feature a simple design that allows customers to reduce their operating and energy costs. While they are ideal for use in simple on/off applications, they are also suitable for managing conditions in variable flow systems with changing pressures. These valves accommodate use with hot and cold oil, water, and steam. Various sizes are available.

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Baelz_3way_Valve

Our 3-way valves can be configured as mixing or diverting valves. In mixing applications, two openings are designated as inlets and one as an outlet, whereas in diverting applications, two openings serve as outlets to a single inlet. These valves are easily converted into 2-way valves by capping the “B” port. They are designed and built for excellent leakage protection with a stainless steel spindle and plug for maximum durability.

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Both of these valve types feature three main components: a valve body, an electric or pneumatic actuator, and a spindle or plug. They are available in several variations to suit different fluid media (e.g., water, steam, oil, etc.) and fluid conditions (e.g., flow rate, pressure, temperature, etc.), all of which are designed and constructed for durability and reliability. For example, our stainless steel bellows can withstand temperatures up to 350° C (662° F) for over 120,000 up and down reps.

Contact the Valve Experts at Baelz North America for Control Valves

Control valves serve a key role in many different industrial equipment and systems. For this reason, it is essential to source quality control valves from a reputable supplier to ensure the components function as intended. If you need high-performance control valves, turn to the experts at Baelz NA.

MTR/CRN CertifiedComply with American and Canadian requirements for ANSI and DIN standards

Confident in Your InvestmentAll of our valves are factory tested to verify they are industry compliant

For additional information about our control valves and other control components or assistance choosing one for your needs.

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