What is fluid control?

Field of fluid dynamics

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Flow control is a field of fluid dynamics. It involves a small configuration change to serve an ideally large engineering benefit, like drag reduction, lift increase, mixing enhancement or noise reduction. This change may be accomplished by passive or active devices.

Passive vs active

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Passive devices by definition require no energy. Passive techniques include turbulators or roughness elements geometric shaping, the use of vortex generators, and the placement of longitudinal grooves or riblets on airfoil surfaces.

Active control requires actuators that require energy and may operate in a time-dependent manner.[1] Active flow control includes steady or unsteady suction or blowing,[2] the use of synthetic jets, valves and plasma actuators. Actuation may be pre-determined (open-loop control) or be dependent on monitoring sensors (closed-loop control).

Aircraft wings

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Airplane wing performance has a substantial effect on not only runway length, approach speed, climb rate, cargo capacity, and operation range but also noise and emissions. Wing performance can be degraded by flow separation, which depends on the aerodynamic characteristics of the airfoil. Aerodynamic and non-aerodynamic constraints often conflict. Flow control is required to overcome such difficulties. Techniques developed to manipulate the boundary layer, either to increase lift or decrease drag, and separation delay come under the general heading of flow control.

Aurora Flight Sciences is a DARPA CRANE (Control of Revolutionary Aircraft with Novel Effectors) grantee. It initially involved testing a small-scale plane that uses compressed air bursts instead of external moving parts such as flaps. The program seeks to eliminate the weight, drag, and mechanical complexity involved in moving control surfaces. The air bursts modify the air pressure and flow, and change the boundaries between streams of air moving at different speeds. The company built a 25% scale prototype with 11 conventional control surfaces, as well as 14 banks fed by eight air channels.[3] In , the aircraft received its official designation as X-65.[4] In January , DARPA and Aurora started CRANE Phase 3, building the first full-scale X-65 aircraft using active flow control actuators for primary flight control.[5][6] The 7,000-pound X-65 will be rolled out in early with the first flight planned for summer of .[7]

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For more Fluid Control Solutionsinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

In simple terms, flow control is the term used to describe the regulation of the flow or pressure of liquid. Within fluid dynamics, flow control is a fundamental concept that involves regulating the rate of flow of fluids, most commonly liquids or gases, through a specific system. 

In this article, the expert team here at Fluid Controls has put together this helpful guide on what a flow control system does and how it functions within industrial fluid control systems. Keep reading to find out more!

What does flow control do?

As mentioned above, flow control involves regulating the rate of flow of fluids, such as liquids or gases. It is an extremely important concept that is applicable to a wide range of industries and applications, including manufacturing, chemical processing, energy production, and transportation.

What is the purpose of flow control?

The chief purpose of flow control is to ensure that fluids move through a system at the desired or intended rate in order to achieve optimal performance and efficiency. As with most applications, efficiency is key and flow control is vital to ensuring this efficiency. 

In many cases, the flow of fluids needs to be accurately controlled to maintain safety, product quality, and environmental or industrial standards. Not only this, but in order for various applications to maintain specific standards around consumption and efficiency, flow control can help to reduce energy consumption, increase the life of a system, and help to improve the overall productivity of a system.

What does a flow control valve do?

Now, this is where specific components come into play. One common method of controlling flow is using flow control valves. Valves are mechanical devices that are used to regulate liquids and gases. This is done through the opening or closing of a passage.
There are various different types of valves, including ball valves, globe valves, and flow control valves. Each type of valve has its own advantages and disadvantages, and these must be taken into consideration for the specific requirements of the application at hand.

Flow control valves & how they work

When looking in more detail at flow control valves, we have to consider what they are and how they work. A flow control valve works by controlling and adjusting the volume flow of air within a pneumatic system. Commonly referred to as mass flow controllers, there are a range of functions of a flow control valve.

Prevention of clogging

One great function of flow control valves is that they don&#;t obstruct the flow of fluid. As these valves are specifically designed in such a way, small particles do not clog the flow of the fluid, limiting the chances of clogging and disruption to the application or process.

They save water

With environmentalism at the forefront of many industries and applications, flow control valves are essential to saving water. With some of these valves being able to conserve up to 85% of the water they use, they don&#;t put unnecessary pressure on the water supply.

Cost efficient

When flow control valves are used within certain applications, they can help in water conservation. This, in turn, means that costs can be cut and money can be saved on a wider scale.

Why is flow control so important?

The importance of flow control within a range of industries cannot be overstated or simplified.

Take the chemical processing industry, for example. Precise flow control is crucial to ensure the correct measurement of chemicals is added to a process in order to achieve the desired reaction. 

Another real-life example is within the oil and gas industry. Here, flow control is crucial for preventing spillages and maintaining strict environmental standards. In the food and beverage industry, flow control is essential to ensuring that products and processes meet quality standards.

Flow control at Fluid Controls Ltd

As we&#;ve discussed, flow control is a crucial concept in fluid dynamics that involves the regulation of fluid flow through a system. Fluid Controls has been supplying high-quality flow control valves since . 

We are committed to delivering the very best quality valves as we understand the importance of flow control within applications. Our vast range of valves comes from global leaders like Parker, Bürkert and Thompson Valves. 

As a fully accredited ISO : company, we provide installation options and service facility for certain products we supply. We also offer full pressure testing and repairs and in-house or on-site training to maximise your experience.For more information about any of our different types of flow control valves or to discuss your application requirements in more detail, please contact Fluid Controls today on +44 (0)118 970 or . Our engineers will be only too happy to provide expert support and advice.

The company is the world’s best Electro Pneumatic Valve supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.