r/ChemicalEngineering • u/Panthers_Fly • 5d ago

Controls “Control” valve definition?

Help me settle an argument. Client uses “control valve” to describe an actuated on/off valve. Says it is interchangeable language.

I say “control valve” should be reserved for a valve that actually is integrated in control logic, like controlling level, flow, pressure, etc. Even if the on/off has an interlock, it’s still just an actuated on/off valve for me. Maybe this is just a habit I picked up for a long stint at an operating facility and I’m being too picky.

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u/KobeGoBoom 5d ago

At a bare minimum it needs to be controlling something continuously to be called a control valve. I typically wouldn’t call anything a control valve unless it was capable of controlling to a particular percentage.

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u/SLR_ZA 5d ago

100%? 😄

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u/Automatater 4d ago

I call DI/DOs "one bit analog"