Flow Regulating Valve
FLUID FLOW REGULATING AND CONTROL VALVES
Grease and lubricating fluid flow control equipment encompasses a diverse range of valves, each serving specific purposes in managing flow, pressure, and application requirements. From basic on/off valves to adjustable valves with manual or automatic control, and versatile combination valves, these devices are integral components in fluid handling systems across industries.
Flow Control Purpose and Methods
Two factors determine the amount of flow in a system: lubrication or grease fluid pressure and the total pressure drop in the system. We control flow in a system to meet the customer’s requirements for the pressure, flow, and application quality. The devices that exist for controlling flow in a system fall into three main categories: on/off valves, adjustable valves, and combination valves.
On/Off Valves
An on/off valve is a flow control device with two operating positions: on and off. The valve may be operated manually, activated by a programmable logic controller (PLC), or meters may be used to measure the volume of fluid and to create a package that turns the valve off after the predetermined volume has been delivered. Several types of on/off valves are used in fluid handling systems, including: ball valves, check valves, solenoid valves, and air-operated valves.
Adjustable Valves
Adjustable valves have an infinite number of operating positions for flexibility in a variety of applications. Pressure and flow are almost always related. Because of this relationship, by controlling flow with an adjustable valve, we also impact system pressure.
Adjustable valves may be adjusted manually by turning a knob or screw, or automatically from a mechanical or electronic controller. This function can be automated with meters and a control device to create a package that adjusts a needle valve to maintain a predetermined flow rate.
Manual Adjustable Valves
By manually turning a screw, you can adjust a tapered needle to slide in and out of the fluid stream. Manual adjustable valves are often used to control the flow rate of fluid in a circulating system. Extrusion guns are manual adjustable valves and are often used to lay a bead of material. For example, spa manufacturers use manual needle valves to extrude adhesive from 5- and 55-gallon containers to lay ceramic tile around portable spas.
Automatic Adjustable Valves
A fluid pressure regulator is one example of an automatic, adjustable valve. A diaphragm or spring is used to adjust the valve. In this case, the flow is adjusted to maintain constant pressure. Or, a material manufacturer may use an automatic needle valve to fill tubes of caulking silicone from a 55-gallon container. In this application, a priming piston pump on a ram with heaters would help the flow of the silicone.
Automatic adjustable valves may also be controlled electronically; the valve position is adjusted by a computer, which also monitors the system flow rate. These type of valves are often used in the robotic application of sealants and adhesives in production lines, such as window glazing and gasketing applications.
Combination Valves
Combination valves can be manually or automatically operated and may be set to be full-on or full-off, or finely adjusted anywhere in between full-on and full-off. One example of combination valves is airspray guns, including high volume low pressure (HVLP) guns and electrostatic guns. Another example is extrusion guns. Window manufacturers use manual extrusion valves to apply caulking material around windows. In automotive assembly plants, automatic extrusion valves apply material that seals the seams between body sheet metal components