What is the primary function of a control valve?

The primary function of a control valve is to regulate flow rate within a system. Control valves manage the flow of fluids by varying the size of the flow passage, which allows for precise control of the flow rate based on the system requirements. This regulation is essential in various applications, including maintaining desired process conditions such as temperature, pressure, and level, which ultimately ensures the process operates efficiently and safely.

In practical terms, by adjusting the opening and closing of the valve based on signals from a controller, the control valve can either increase or decrease the flow rate of the fluid passing through it. This adjustment can respond to changing conditions in the system, thus providing a dynamic solution to manage fluid flow effectively.