Control valve sizing calculation

It is well known that for the completely turbulent flow relationship between fluid flow rate and pressure drop follows the power low. Flow coefficient is the proportional constant between pressure drop and flow rate and it is determined experimentally by valve manufactures. It is expressed as the flow rate of water in gpm u.s. (m3/h) for a pressure drop of 1 psi (1 bar) across a flow passage.
note: (flow coefficient: Cv-imperial, Kv-metric)

For correct control valve sizing it is important to calculate flow coefficient using this calculator. When flow coefficient is calculated for required flow rate and known pressure drop, selection of proper control valve can be done by selecting control valve with first bigger flow coefficient.

Also using this calculator you can calculate maximum flow rate through control valve for given pressure drop and known flow coefficient or valve size.

This version of calculator can be used for turbulent flow of water or other incompressible fluid, as viscosity and expansion effect is not included. It means that for steam and gas control valve you will need to use other calculation methods. Also, possible flashing and cavitation may reduce the control valve capacity, as it is not treated in this version calculator.

Read about used theory for compressible air flow calculation.

note: calculator requires Java.

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