Factors to be considered for control valve selection:
The basic steps in control valve selection are
1. The first step in control valve selection involves collecting all relevant data and completing the ISA Form S20.50. The piping size must be set prior to valve sizing, and determining the supply pressure may require specifying a pump
2. The size of the valve is required; select the smallest valve Cv that satisfies the maximum Cv requirement at 90% opening. While performing these calculations, checks should be made regarding flashing, cavitation, sonic flow and Reynolds number to ensure that the proper equation and correction factors are used. As many difficulties occur due to oversized valves as to undersized valves. Adding lots of “safety factors” will result in a valve that is nearly closed during normal operation and has poor rangeability.
3. The trim characteristic is selected to provide good performance; goals are usually linear control loop behavior along with acceptable rangeability.
4. The valve body can be selected. The valve size is either equal to the pipe size or slightly less, for example, a 3-inch pipe with a 2-inch globe valve body.
When the valve size is smaller than the process piping, an inlet reducer and outlet expander are required to make connections to the process piping.
5. The actuator is now selected to provide sufficient force to position the stem and plug.
6. Finally, auxiliaries can be added to enhance performance. A booster can be increase the volume of the pneumatic signal for long pneumatic lines and large actuators. A positioner can be applied for slow feedback loops with large valves or valves with high actuator force or friction. A hand wheel is needed if manual operation of the valve is expected.