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ENGINEERING INFORMATION 12

flow data
flow factor and orifice size

Importance of properly sizing valves Conditions to be known The formulas necessary to determine the
Kv are quite complicated and for that
It is important to properly size a valve. In general, we must obtain as many of the reason ASCO/JOUCOMATIC has devel-
There are undesirable affects in both conditions surrounding the application as oped a series of flow graphs which reduce
undersizing and oversizing. possible. that problem to one of a simple multiplica-
tion or division.
Undersizing may result in: Flow required in cubic metres per hour All flow calculation work of a medium has
(m3/h) as used for liquids, Normal Cubic been simplified to a basic formula:
1) inability to pass desired flow requirements Metre per hour (nm3/h) as used for gases,
2) flashing of liquids to vapours on the or Kilogram per hour (kg/h) as used for
Flow required: Q
outlet size of the valve steam. This can be obtained by merely Kv = ---------------------
3) lowering the outlet pressure asking the customer's requirements or Graph factors: Fgm, Fsg, Fgl
4) creating a substantial pressure loss in from nameplates on pumping equipment,
a piping system boiler room charts or calculations. The graph factors Fgm, Fsg, Fgl can be
easily picked out by aligning known pres-
Oversizing may result in: Inlet Pressure (p1) - This is usually known sure conditions on the graphs I to X on the
by knowing the source of the supply or following pages (for calculations see next
1) unnecessary cost in oversized equipment readily obtained by placing a gauge near page).
2) variable flow through the valve or er- the valve inlet.
ratic control of the flow The tables below can be used to estimate
3) shorter life of some valve designs Outlet Pressure (p2) - This can be ob- a Kv if the orifice size is known or relate
through oscillating of internal parts tained by gauge observations but usually the approximate orifice size if the Kv is
caused by lack of flow to maintain re- is tied in with specifications regarding known. The chart is based on the ASCO/
quired internal pressure differentials allowable system pressure drop. If we JOUCOMATIC design of in-line globe type
4) erratic operation of some designs such know the inlet pressure and the pressure valves. The flow charts must be used for
as failure to shift position due to lack of drop, we, of course, know the outlet pres- precise sizing and converting Kv factors
required flow in 3- and 4-way valves sure. to actual flow terms and the catalogue
5) erosion or wire drawing of seats in sheet must be consulted for the actual Kv
some designs because they operate at Pressure Drop (∆p) - In large or compli- of a particular valve.
nearly closed position cated systems, it is desirable to keep the
pressure drop across a valve to a mini-
Definition of Kv mum and often the customer will have
definite specifications concerning the fac-
The flow coefficient Kv in cubic metres per tor. Of course, if the valve is discharging Approx. Approx.
orifice approx. Kv orifice approx. Kv
hour or litres per minute is a special volu- to atmosphere, the pressure drop is equal
size size
metric flow rate (capacity) through a valve to the inlet pressure when dealing with (mm) (m3/h) (l/min) (mm) (m3/h)(l/min)
at a specified travel and at the following liquids. With gases and steam, although
conditions: the valve may be discharging to atmos- 0.8 0,02 0,33 13 3 50,0
phere, when sizing a valve, only 50 per-
- the static pressure loss (∆pKv) across cent of the inlet pressure can be used for 16 4 66,7
the valve is 105 Pa (1 bar) the pressure drop used in the formulas 1.2 0,05 0,83
- the fluid is water within a temperature (commonly called critical pressure drop). 18 4,5 75,0
range of 278 K to 313 K (5°C to 40°C) In all other cases the pressure drop is, the
1.6 0,08 1,33 19 6,5 108
- the unit of the volumetric flow rate is the difference between inlet and outlet pres-
cubic metre per hour or liters per minute sures.
25 11 183
2.4 0,17 2,83
The value of Kv can be obtained from test Note: It often is difficult to understand the
32 15 250
results with the help of the following equa- meaning of the term "minimum operating
tion: pressure differential" (see page V1210). 3.2 0,26 4,33
38 22 366
Certain pilot operated valves operate by
∆pKv . ρ
Kv = Q differential pressures created internally 51 41 683
∆p . ρw by "pilot" and "bleed" arrangements. This
3.6 0,31 5,17

where: differential is measured as the difference 64 51 850


Q is the measured volumetric flow rate in between inlet and outlet conditions on all 4.8 0,45 7,50
cubic metres per hour or liters per minute valve construction. If pressure conditions 76 86 1433
∆pKv is the static pressure loss of 105 Pa (see are not known, but only flow information,
we can use the graphs or formulas to 6.4 0,60 10,0 80 99 1650
above)
∆p is the measured static pressure loss solve the resulting pressure drop.
If the drop is less than assigned minimum 100 150 2500
across the valve in pascals 1,5 25,0
differential, the valve is oversized. In these 8
ρ is the density of the fluid in kilograms per 125 264 4400
cubic metre situations, offer a valve with a lower min.
ρw is the density of water (see above) in operating pressure differential, or go to a 9 1,7 28,3 150 383 6375
kilograms per cubic metre (according to smaller sized valve with a closer Kv.
IEC 534)
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V1215-GB-R2 12
ENGINEERING INFORMATION SECTION 12

SAMPLE PROBLEMS

LIQUIDS (tables I and III) AIR AND GASES (tables I and IV - VII) STEAM (tables VIII - X)

To find Kv: What Kv is required to pass To find Kv: A valve is required to pass 14 To find Kv: A valve is required to pass 25
22 litres of oil per minute with a specific nm3/h at an inlet pressure of 4 bar and a kg/h of saturated steam at an inlet pres-
gravity of 0,9 and a pressure drop of 1,5 pressure drop (∆p) of 0,5 bar. sure of 1 bar and a ∆p of 0,2 bar.
bar? Find the Kv if the medium is carbon diox- What is the Kv?
ide.
The viscosity is less than 9° Engler.

Solution: The formula is: Solution: Refer to the 1-10 bar graph. Solution: Refer to the appropriate Steam
The formula used is: Graph.
Use the formula:

Q (m3 /h) Q (Nm3 /h) Q (kg/h)


Kv (m3 /h) = Kv (Nm3 /h) = Kv (m3 /h) =
Fgm . Fsg Fgm . Fsg Fgm

Q (m3 /h) Q (Nm3 /h) Q (kg/h)


Kv (l/min) = Kv (Nl/min) = Kv (l/min) =
Fgl . Fsg Fgl . Fsg Fgl

Locate Fgm at the intersection of 4 bar Locate Fg on graph corresponding to 1


To find Fg, use the Liquid Flow Graph. inlet pressure and 0,5 bar pressure drop bar inlet pressure and a ∆p of 0,2 bar
∆p (along curve). Read down to Fgm = (along curve).
The Fgm factor is that which corresponds 43,5. Fgm = 13,8 and the Fgl = 0,83
to a pressure drop of 1,5 bar and equals Fgl factor is 2,61
1,25.
The Fgl factor is 0,075. Locate Fsg corresponding to specific grav-
ity of carbon dioxide (= 1,5) on Fsg Chart.
The Fsg factor can be obtained from the Fsg = 0,81.
Fsg chart and is that which corresponds
to 0,09 specific gravity and equals 1,05.

Insert values into formula : Insert values into formula :


Insert values into formula :
−3
Q (Nm3 /h) 14 Q (kg/h)
Kv = 60.22.10 = 1 m3 /h Kv = = = 0, 4 Nm3 /h Kv = = 25 = 1, 8 m3 /h
1, 25.1, 05 Fgm . Fsg 43, 5.0, 81 Fgm 13, 8
−3
Q (Nm3 /h) 14 Q (kg/h)
Kv = 60.22.10 = 16, 7 l/min Kv = = = 6, 62 Nl/min Kv = = 25 = 30 l/min
0, 075.1, 05 Fgl . Fsg 2, 61.0, 81 Fgl 0, 83

Formula for liquids Formula for gases (with temperature correction)


∆p ∆p(2P1 − ∆p)
Q (m3 /h) = Kv Q (Nm3 /h) = Kv.18, 9 ⋅ 293
S.G. (S.G.) (273 + t 2 )

∆p ∆p(2P1 − ∆p)
Q (dm3 /min) = Kv1 Q (Ndm3 /h) = Kv.18, 9 ⋅ 293
S.G. (S.G.) (273 + t 2 )

S.G. : specific gravity related to water for liquids and to air for gases
t2 : fluid temperature (in °C)

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V1215-2
TECHNICAL INFORMATION SECTION 12
Table I : Calculation factor Fsg Table II : Calculation factor Ft for temperature correction
Factor Fsg

Factor Ft

FLUID TEMPERATURE t2 (°C)


Specific gravity (S.G.)
The correction for temperature in
OTHER GRAVITIES OTHER TEMPERATURES the range of -7°C to 65°C is very
small and, therefore, can be ignored
specific gravity (for 1 bar absolute and 15°C) in ordinary applications

Table III : Flow calculation Fgm and Fgl for liquids

0,54
Factor Fgm (m3/h)
Factor Fgl (l/min)

0,48

0,42

0,36

0,30

0,24

0,18

0,12

0,06

0,03

Pressure drop ∆p (bar)

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V1215-3 12
ENGINEERING INFORMATION SECTION 12
Table IV : Flow calculation Fgm and Fgl for air/gas

Pressure drop ∆p (bar)


Inlet pressure 0,01 to 0,1 bar gauge)

Limiting flow curve - Do not read


beyond this curve

Factor Fgm (m3/h)


0,17 0,18 0,21 0,24 0,27 0,30 0,36 0,42 0,48 0,54
Factor Fgl (l/min)

Table V : Flow calculation Fgm and Fgl for air/gas


Pressure drop ∆p (bar)

Limiting flow curve - Do not read


Inlet pressure of 0,1 to 1 bar (gauge)

beyond this curve

Factor Fgm (m3/h)


0,24 0,30 0,36 0,42 0,48 0,6 0,72 0,84 0,96 1,08 1,2 1,32 1,44 1,56 1,68 1,8 1,92 2,04
0,54 0,66 0,78 0,9 1,02 1,14 1,26 1,38 1,5 1,62 1,74 1,86 1,98 2,1
Factor Fgl (l/min)
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V1215-4
ENGINEERING INFORMATION SECTION 12
Table VI : Flow calculation Fgm and Fgl for air/gas
Pressure drop ∆p (bar)
Inlet pressure of 1 to 10 bar (gauge)

Limiting flow curve - Dot not read


beyond this curve

Factor Fgm (m3/h)


0,6 1,2 1,8 2,4 3,0 3,6 4,2 4,8 5,4 6 6,6 7,2 7,8 8,4 9 9,6 1,02 1,08
Factor Fgl (l/min)

Table VII : Flow calculation Fgm and Fgl for air/gas


Pressure drop ∆p (bar)
Inlet pressure 10 to 100 bar (gauge)

Limiting flow curve - Do not read


beyond this curve

Factor Fgm (m3/h)


0 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72 78 84 90 96 102
Factor Fgl (l/min)
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V1215-5 12
ENGINEERING INFORMATION SECTION 12
Table VIII : Flow calculation Fgm and Fgl for steam
Pressure drop ∆p (bar)
Inlet pressure of 0,1 to 1 bar (gauge)

Limiting flow curve - Do not read


beyond this curve

Factor Fgm (m3/h)


0,18 0,3 0,42 0,54 0,66 0,78 0,9 1,02 1,08 1,14 1,2 1,26 1,32 1,38 1,44 1,5 1,56 1,62 1,68
0,24 0,36 0,48 0,6 0,72 0,84 0,96
Factor Fgl (l/min)

Table IX : Flow calculation Fgm and Fgl for steam Pressure drop ∆p (bar)
Inlet pressure 1 to 10 bar (gauge)

Limiting flow curve - Do not read


beyond this curve

Factor Fgm (m3/h)


0 0,6 1,2 1,8 2,4 3,0 3,6 4,2 4,8 5,4 6,0 6,6 7,2 7,8 8,4 9,6
Factor Fgl (l/min)

Table X : Flow calculation Fgm and Fgl for steam Pressure drop ∆p (bar)
Inlet pressure of 10 to 100 bar (gauge)

Limiting flow curve - Do not read


beyond this curve

Factor Fgm (m3/h)


0 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72 78 84
Factor Fgl (l/min)
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V1215-6
ENGINEERING INFORMATION SECTION 12

ADDITIONAL FLOW FORMULAS AND Definition of Kv- (or Cv-) coefficient expressed in units volume "A" per time
PHYSICAL DATA unit "B", that will pass through a valve
Valve flow coefficient Kv (or Cv) is the with a pressure drop equal to pressure
flow of water (specific gravity = 1), unit "C".
(See table below)

Kv- and Cv-conversion table


units
symbol conversion formulas
volume "A" time "B" press. "C"
litre min. bar Kvl 16,7 Kv = 17,3 Cve = 14,4 Cv
cubic metre hour bar Kv 0,06 Kvl = 1,04 Cve = 0,865 Cv
imp. gallon min. psi Cve 0,058 Kvl = 0,963 Kv = 0,833 Cv
U.S. gallon min. psi Cv 0,069 Kvl = 1,16 Kv = 1,2 Cve

Flow calculation Air and Gases Steam and vapours (e.g. refrigerants)

General: Pressure drop values for which For steam:


no curves are shown, may be determined Fgm = 18, 9 ∆p (2p1 − ∆p) (m3/h)
by interpolation in the graphs. However, Fgm = 15, 83 ∆p(2P1 − ∆P) (m3/h)
Fgl = 1, 13 ∆p (2p1 − ∆p) (l/min)
more accurate results can be obtained for
Fgl = 0, 95 ∆p(2P1 − ∆P) (l/min)
the calculation of the required values by
using the following equations (on which Example: ∆p = 0,4 bar; p1 = 3 bar
the flow graphs are based): gauge or 4,013 bar absolute. Example : ∆P = 7 bar,
P1 = 40 bar or 41,013 bar abs.
p1 = absolute inlet pressure (bar) = Calculation:
gauge pressure plus atmospheric Calculation :
Fgm = 18, 9 0, 4(8, 026 − 0, 4) = 33 m3 /h
pressure of 1,013 bar
83837(82,
= =15,15, 7(82, − 7−) 7=) =363
3
Fgm
Fgm 026
026 mm
363 /h3 /h
p2 = absolute outlet pressure (bar) = Fgl = 1, 13 0, 4(8, 026 − 0, 4) = 1, 97 l/min
gauge pressure plus atmospheric
pressure of 1,013 bar Note: The gas equations only apply accu- FglF=gl = 0, 957(82,
0, 95 7(82,
026 − 7−) 7=) =21,21,
026 8 l/8min
l/ min
∆p = p1 - p2 = pressure drop across the rately to a medium temperature of 20°C
valve (bar) (for the purpose of this catalogue the
t = 0°C Note 1: The steam formulas apply to
standard cubic meter nm3 has been de-
saturated steam. For superheated steam
fined at 20°C and 1,013 bar absolute or
Note: In most systems it is desirable to a correction factor is required.
760 mm mercury).
keep the pressure drop to a minimum. If Consult your ASCO/JOUCOMATIC sup-
At a different temperature (= t2 °C) the
necessary - in case of liquids - the pres- plier.
determined Kv1-value must be adjusted
sure drop may equal the total inlet (gauge) by the following correction factor.
pressure. This also applies to air, gases Note 2: For vapours (e.g. Freon) various
and steam up to 1,013 bar inlet (gauge) other factors have to be considered.
pressure but for these media never us a Ft = 293
∆p greater than 50% of the absolute inlet 273 + t 2
pressure because excessive pressure
drops will cause an irregular flow. If∆p is Specific gravity of various liquids at
not specified and this information is needed 20°C (related to water at 4°C)
to size the valve, a rule of thumb is to take Specific gravity of various gases (at
10% of the inlet pressure as pressure Alcohol, Ethyl 0,79
20°C and atm. pressure and related to
Bezene 0,88
drop. air)
Carbon-tetrachloride 1,589
Castor Oil 0,95
Liquids Acetylene 0,91
Fuel Oil no. 1 0,83
Air 1,000
Fgm = ∆p 3
(m /h) Fuel Oil no. 2 0,84
Ammonia 0,596
Fuel Oil no. 3 0,89
et Butane 2,067
Fuel Oil no. 4 0,91
Fuel Oil no. 5 0,95 Carbon-dioxide 1,53
Fgl = 0, 06 ∆p (l/min) Chloride 2,486
Fuel Oil no. 6 0,99
Ethane 1,05
Gasoline (petrol) 0,75 to 0,78
Example: for ∆p = 1,7 bar will be found Ethyl-chloride 2,26
Glycerine 1,26
Fgm = 1,3 (m3/h) and Fgl = 0,08 (l/min) Helium 0,138
Linseed Oil 0,94
Methane 0,554
Olive Oil 0,98
Methyl-chloride 1,785
Note: if the medium viscosity is higher Turpentine 0,862
Nitrogen 0,971
than 300 SSU (approx. 9°E), the deter- Water 1,000
Oxygen 1,105
mined Kv-value must be adjusted. Con- Propane 1,56
sult your ASCO/JOUCOMATIC supplier. Kv1 Sulphur-dioxide 2,264
The actual flow factor is: Kv 2 =
Ft

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V1215-7 12
ENGINEERING INFORMATION SECTION 12

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V1215-8

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