What Is a Flow Control Valve?
A flow control valve is a device used to regulate the discharge of fluid, commonly used to adjust airflow rates in systems like actuators driving a robot’s joints. There are various types of flow control valves, including throttle valves for fine adjustments and stop valves that can completely seal the outlet, reducing the flow rate to zero. Some valves also feature a compensating function to maintain a consistent flow rate despite changes in pressure or temperature.
Uses of Flow Control Valves
Flow control valves are typically installed on the discharge side of pumps to manage the flow rate precisely. They enable controlled fluid discharge, essential in various industrial applications. Many of these valves are designed to work in conjunction with sensors, automatically adjusting the valve opening based on feedback signals, thus ensuring stable pressure even with fluctuating flow rates.
Principle of Flow Control Valves
There are several structures and types of flow control valves, including throttle valves, compound flow control valves, and stop valves. Throttle valves, for example, are cylindrical and control the fluid flow rate by adjusting the gap size between the primary and secondary cavities. This type allows for precise, stepless adjustments. Flow control valves, similar to throttle valves, additionally include a mechanism to compensate for pressure and temperature variations, ensuring a constant set flow rate regardless of external conditions.