Air flow control

[macmet]

Hello everyone, I just have a simple question. I tried using the search and google but had some difficulties getting an exact/proper answer...

Can a globe valve be used to control air flow from an air compressor or should I use a regulator? Typically we use a regulator.

I am using air to keep a sensor clean from dust. The air source is a compressor also used to open small air cylinders and operate our sootblowers.

 

[ScottyUK]

Suggest a post in forum408 might get better response. But yes, in principle there is no reason why not. You just need a pressure transducer and some form of controller for the valve. Using modern technology these would typically be electronic, but not necessarily so. You should consider what happens to the system when there is no flow: is the downstream side adversely affected by high pressure due to leakage through the valve?


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Sometimes I only open my mouth to swap feet...

 

[quark]

A regulator( I presume the spring loaded ones) is also a valve with built in control mechanism. It ensures a constant downstream pressure irrespective of upstream pressure (ofcourse there are mechanical flow regulators but are generally used in pneumatic circuits).

Usage of valve depends upon what kind of control you want to have. If you want to maintain constant flowrate for your equipment, a pressure regulator and manual valve combination gives you good control if your load is fairly constant. Or you can use a autovalve flowmeter combination to acheive this.

For your application, a good pressure regulator designed for an average flowrate (with a genuine diversity factor) is good enough to take care of your load as well as compressor. It would be better if you have an air receiver between the compressor and this control system.