CEB3062

Chemical Engineering Laboratory 3

September 2020

Experiment : 01 – Control Valve Characteristics

Group : 3-3
Group members : Zhuo Xuan Kang 18002967
Teh Men Qi 17006475
Ming Chuan Ee 16002836
Ess Natasha Darius 17006120
Muhamad Aqil Bin Azhar 17005060
Lab Instructor : Muhammad Zia Ul Mustafa
Date of Experiment : 15th December 2020
 ABSTRACT

The experiment focuses on the determination of the characteristic curve of inherent flow
characteristic valves, including linear control valve, equal percentage control valve and quick
opening control valve. These valves are operated under the same differential pressure of 1psig
throughout the experiment. The characteristics of the control valve are measured by increasing
the stroke percentage from 0% to 100% with equal increment of 25% interval and recording
the flowrate of the valve. The flowrate of each valve corresponding to respective stroke
percentage are then converted into flowrate percentage by dividing its value at each stroke
percentage with the value of 100% stroke percentage. Graphs of flowrate percentage versus
stroke percentage are then plotted for the three control valves mentioned. It can be deduced
that the flowrate of a linear control valve increases as the stoke percentage increases until it
reaches the maximum flowrate at 100% stroke percentage. For the equal percentage control
valve, it is designed to have equal increments of flowrate percentage increase with equal
increments of stroke percentage increase. On the other hand, the quick opening valve produces
a large increase in flow for a small initial change, where a near maximum flow is created at
first, which then becomes almost constant with increasing stroke percentage. Based on the
findings, linear control valve shows linear relationship; the curve of an equal percentage valve
shows exponential trend line; the curve of a quick opening valve shows a parabolic curve.
 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

A control valve manipulates a flowing fluid and keeps the regulated process variable
as close as possible to the desired set point. (Prasad, 2016). The amount of fluid passing
through a valve at any time depends upon the opening between the plug and seat. Hence, the
flow characteristics of a valve can be explained by the relationship between the stem position,
plug position and the rate of flow. Generally, there are three types of inherent flow
characteristics, namely linear, fast opening and equal percentage. Despite having the same
volumetric flowrate and differential pressure, different valve characteristics will give
different valve openings for the same orifice pass area. (Sivaranjith, 2018).

Flow equation that best describes the flow rate of a fluid through a valve is 𝑞 =
△𝑝
𝐶𝑣 √ 𝐺 , where Cv is the valve flow coefficient (a dimensionless value that relates to a valve’s
flow capacity), Δp is the pressure difference across the valve and G is the specific gravity
(relative density) of the fluid. Usually the flow rate q, is measured in gallons per minute
(gpm) and the pressure difference Δp, in pounds per square inch (psi). The inherent valve
characteristic f(x), is intimately linked to the flow rate q through a valve. Therefore, we may
△𝑝
replace Cv with Cvf(x) to rewrite the valve equation in the form of 𝑞 = 𝐶𝑣 𝑓(𝑥)√ 𝐺 (Patel,
Mehdi, Jm, Mohtasham, & Raem, 2020).

Since valve flow is a function of both the valve travel and the pressure drop across the
valve, conducting flow characteristic tests at a constant pressure drop provides a systematic
way of comparing one valve characteristic design to another. Typically, these characteristics
are plotted on a curve where the horizontal axis is labelled in percent travel and the vertical
axis is labelled as percent flow (LLC, 2005). Theoretically, linear valves’ flow is directly
proportional to the percent travel. Meanwhile for equal percentage valves, the fluid flow
increases exponentially with percent of rated travel. In contrast with linear and quick opening
valves, the flow produced is large when the rated travel applied is low for quick opening
valves. (Dwyer,2017).

Figure 1: Graph of Rated Flow Coefficient vs Rated Travel

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 To determine the characteristic curve of a valve, a graph of the flowrate percentage
against the stroke percentage can be plotted. The stroke percentage indicates the ratio of
valve travel to the maximum valve travel while the flowrate percentage indicates the
percentage of maximum flow. From the graph, we can observe the graph trend of different
inherent valves.

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 CHAPTER 2: METHODOLOGY

Open the corresponding hand

valves to allow water to flow
across the valve and keeping
other hand valves in closed
position.

Switch on pump P-501 to allow

water circulation in the system.

Adjust the potentiometer at the

control panel to inject control
signal for respective control valve.

Adjust HV530 and HV523 to

achieve pressure reading of
1psig.

Adjust the stroke percentage

from 0% to 100& for equal
increment of 25%.

Record the flowrate for

respective stroke percentage.

Plot a graph of flow percentage

against stroke percentage for all
valve.

*Opening of hand valve for

Linear control valve: HV522, HV524, HV525, HV530, HV 532, HV533
Equal percentage control valve: HV522, HV526, HV527, HV530, HV 534, HV535
Quick opening control valve: HV522, HV528, HV529, HV530, HV 536, HV537

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 CHAPTER 3: RESULT AND DISCUSSION
In this laboratory session, three experiments were conducted in order to determine the
characteristics curve of each control valve, which is the linear control valve, equal percentage
control valve and quick opening valve. Each experiment is repeated by setting the valve
opening to 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% while maintaining the differential pressure
constantly at 1psig. The experimental data is tabulated in Table 1 in appendix.

After observing the data, the flow rate percentage is obtained by the following equation
and is tabulated in Table 2 in appendix:
𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑜𝑏𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 (𝐿/)
𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 = × 100%
𝑀𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑚 𝑓𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒 (𝐿/)

For example, in the case of 25% stroke percentage of linear control valve:
8.2 𝐿/𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 = × 100%
34.88 𝐿/𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 = 23.51%

Based on Figure 2, it can be observed that for the linear control valve, a linear and
proportional line is shown between the flow rate percentage and the stroke percentage. When
the stroke percentage is increased, the flow rate percentage increases proportionally. From the
graph, it is observed that at 50% stroke percentage, the flow rate percentage is also
approximately 50%. This is due to the linear relationship between the flowrate and the orifice
pass area (Spirazsarco, 2020). The usage of the linear control valve is for instance or situations
where the pressure drop in a system is relatively constant and does not have a large variation
in differential pressure.

The equal percentage valve shows an exponential line, where only small changes are
produced during low stroke percentage but large changes during high stroke percentage. From
the graph, it is observed that below 50% of stroke percentage, only a small increment in flow
rate is produced. This is mainly due to the fact that the equal percentage valve is designed to
portray an equal increment of flow rate percentage increase with equal increments of stroke
percentage increase (Inst Tool, 2020). Therefore, equal percentage valves are used in processes
where only a small percentage of the total pressure drop is permitted by the valve. However,
during the 75% of stroke percentage, it is observed that the flowrate of a quick opening valve
is at 35.27 L/min, which is higher than when the valve is fully opened at 100% at 34.87 L/min.
We believe this is mainly due to human error such as parallax error when reading the scale or
the delay in starting or stopping the stopwatch during the procedures.

The quick opening valve shows a logarithmic curve with decreasing slope with the
increase of stroke percentage. The graph shows a steep slope at low stroke percentage and
became relatively flat after 50% stroke percentage. This shows that the increase in flow rate
percentage decreases as the stroke percentage increases. According to Jon F. Monsen (2015),
this is resulted by the quick opening valve producing a large increase in flow for a small initial
change. Therefore, quick opening valves are used for frequent on-off service and for processes
where instant large flow is needed (Inst Tool, 2020).

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 Graph of Flow Rate Percentage,% vs Stroke Percentage, %
120

100
Flow Rate Percentage, %

80

60

40

20

0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120
Stroke Percentage, %

Flowrate (L/min) Linear Flowrate (L/min) Equal Percentage Flowrate (L/min) Quick Opening

Figure 2: Graph of Flow Rate Percentage, % vs Stroke Percentage, %

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 CHAPTER 4: CONCLUSION
The main objective of this experiment is to determine and study the characteristic curve
for a linear control valve, equal percentage control valve and quick opening control valve. By
learning the different characteristics of each valve, we will be able to apply the valve for
different purposes.

For the linear control valve, the curve shows a linear and directly proportional
characteristic. It is suitable to be used in steady state systems. The equal percentage valve
shows an exponential curve where the increase of the flow rate increases as the stroke
percentage goes higher. The equal percentage valve is normally used for processes where large
changes in pressure drop are expected. For the quick opening control valve, a curve with
decreasing slope is shown. The increase of the flow rate decreases as the stroke percentage
increases. It is suitable to be used for processes which require instant large flow.

In conclusion, different types of control valves have different features and serve
different purposes. The right use of valves will significantly increase the efficiency of a system.

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 REFERENCES
Control Valve Handbook - Emerson Electric. (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://www.emerson.com/documents/automation/control-valve-handbook-en-
3661206.pdf

Dwyer. (2017). Control Valves Trim Styles and Flow Characteristics. Retrieved from:
http://blog.dwyer-inst.com/2017/05/23/control-valve-trim-styles-and-flow-
characteristics/#sthash.zevnyVKa.UrG23wSi.dpbs

Jon F. Monsen, (2015). Control Valve Flow Characteristics. Retrieved from Valin:
https://www.valin.com/resources/blog/control-valve-flow-characteristics

Inst tool. (2020). Retrieved from Valve Characteristics:

https://instrumentationtools.com/valve-characteristics/

Patel, N., Mehdi, Jm, Mohtasham, Q., & Raem. (2020, July 12). Valve Characteristics - Quick
Opening, Linear & Equal Percentage. Retrieved from
https://instrumentationtools.com/valve-characteristics/

Prasad, A. (1970, January 1). Study the Characteristics of Control Valve. Retrieved from
http://technlab.blogspot.com/2016/08/objective-tostudy-characteristic-of.html.

Sivaranjith. (2018, April 4). Control valve characteristics. Retrieved from

https://automationforum.co/control-valve-characteristics/.

Spirazsarco. (2020). Retrieved from control hardware:

https://www.spiraxsarco.com/learnabout-steam/control-hardware-electric-pneumatic-
actuation/control-valvecharacteristics

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 APPENDICES
Appendix A: Data of Experimental Value

Table 1: Experimental Flow Rate of Control Valves

Stroke Flow Rate (L/min)

Percentage, % Linear Valve Equal Percentage Quick Opening
0 0 0 0
25 8.2 1.12 24.54
50 19.74 4.88 34.31
75 28.46 19.14 35.27
100 34.88 33.76 34.87

Table 2: Experimental Flow Percentage of Control Valves

Stroke Flow Rate (L/min)

Percentage, % Linear Valve Equal Percentage Quick Opening
0 0 0 0
25 23.51 3.32 70.38
50 56.59 14.45 98.39
75 81.59 56.69 101.15
100 100 100 100

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Appendix B: Calculation of Flow Percentage for Linear Valve

1. Flow percentage of Linear Valve at 25% Stroke Percentage,

8.2 𝐿/𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 = × 100%
34.88 𝐿/𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 = 23.51%

2. Flow percentage of Linear Valve at 50% Stroke Percentage,

19.74 𝐿/𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 = × 100%
34.88 𝐿/𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 = 56.59%

3. Flow percentage of Linear Valve at 75% Stroke Percentage,

28.46 𝐿/𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 = × 100%
34.88 𝐿/𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 = 81.59%

4. Flow percentage of Linear Valve at 100% Stroke Percentage,

34.88 𝐿/𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 = × 100%
34.88 𝐿/𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 = 100%

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Appendix C: Calculation of Flow Percentage for Equal Percentage Valve

5. Flow percentage of Equal Percentage Valve at 25% Stroke Percentage,

1.12 𝐿/𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 = × 100%
33.76 𝐿/𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 = 3.32%

6. Flow percentage of Equal Percentage Valve at 50% Stroke Percentage,

4.88 𝐿/𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 = × 100%
33.76 𝐿/𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 = 14.45%

7. Flow percentage of Equal Percentage Valve at 75% Stroke Percentage,

19.14 𝐿/𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 = × 100%
33.76 𝐿/𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 = 56.69%

8. Flow percentage of Equal Percentage Valve at 100% Stroke Percentage,

33.76 𝐿/𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 = × 100%
33.76 𝐿/𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 = 100%

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Appendix D: Calculation of Flow Percentage for Quick Opening Valve

1. Flow percentage of Quick Opening Valve at 25% Stroke Percentage,

24.54 𝐿/𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 = × 100%
34.87 𝐿/𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 = 70.38%

2. Flow percentage of Quick Opening Valve at 50% Stroke Percentage,

34.31 𝐿/𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 = × 100%
34.87 𝐿/𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 = 98.39%

3. Flow percentage of Quick Opening Valve at 75% Stroke Percentage,

35.27 𝐿/𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 = × 100%
34.87 𝐿/𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 = 101.15%

4. Flow percentage of Quick Opening Valve at 100% Stroke Percentage,

34.87 𝐿/𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 = × 100%
34.87 𝐿/𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 = 100%

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