Skip to content
Logo
×
Find a Distributor Request a Quote
  • Products
    • Pressure Regulators
    • Back Pressure Regulators
    • Filter Regulators
    • Precision Pressure Regulators
    • Pressure Regulators
    • Stainless Steel Regulators
    • Potable Water Pressure Regulators
    • Gauges & Accessories
    • Pressure Transducers
    • I/P Transducers (current-to-pressure)
    • E/P Transducers (voltage-to-pressure)
    • P/I Transducers (pressure-to-current)
    • I/PAC Integrated Process Air Control
    • Supply Manifold
    • Gauges and Accessories
    • Diaphragm Air Cylinders
    • Rolling Diaphragm Cylinder
    • Small Bore Compact Cylinder
    • Mini Might Cylinders
    • Pneumatic Air Filters
    • Air Relays
    • Vacuum Regulators
    • Valve Positioners
    • Volume Boosters
    • Stainless Steel Volume Boosters
    • View All Products
  • Custom Solutions
  • Industries
    • Food and Beverage Processing Markets
    • Control Valve Products
    • Oil & Gas Markets
    • Waste Water Processing and Treatment
    • View All Industries
  • About
    • About Us
    • News
    • Who We Help
    • Career Opportunities
  • Resources
    • Blog
    • CAD Models & Product Specifier
    • Certifications
    • Catalogs
    • FAQ
    • How to Determine the Appropriate Regulator
    • Product Selection Guides
    • White Papers
    • Visual Product Reference Guides
    • Videos
  • Contact
    • Request a Quote
    • Ask an Expert
    • Contact
    • Request Help From Our Sales Team
  • Find a Distributor
  • Request a Quote
(603) 886-9400 | Distributor Login

Steam Valves & Pneumatics

A steam valve is a mechanical device used to control the flow of steam in a piping system.  It is typically installed in a steam line to regulate the amount of steam flowing through it.  Steam valves can be used for a variety of purposes, including starting or stopping the steam flow, adjusting the flow rate, and controlling the pressure and temperature of the steam.

There are many types of steam valves, including globe, gate, ball, and butterfly valves.  Each type of valve has its own unique design and operating characteristics and is suited for different applications and steam flow requirements.

Steam valves are an important component of many industrial processes that use steam as a heating or power source.  They are used in a variety of industries, including power generation, chemical processing, oil and gas production, and food and beverage processing, among others.  Proper selection, installation, and maintenance of steam valves is critical to ensure safe and efficient operation of the steam system.

Steam valves can be controlled using a variety of methods, depending on the specific application and system requirements.  Here are some common ways to control steam valves:

  1. Manual control: In this method, the valve is operated by a person who turns a handwheel or lever to open or close the valve. This is typically used in smaller systems where the flow rate and pressure are relatively low and there is not a high demand for precise control.
  2. Pneumatic control: Pneumatic actuators use compressed air to open and close the valve. A control signal from a control system, such as a PLC, sends a signal to a valve positioner which then adjusts the air pressure to the actuator.  This method is commonly used in industrial applications requiring fast response times and precise control.
  3. Electric control: Electric actuators use an electric motor to turn the valve stem and control the flow of steam. They can be controlled by a variety of signals, such as analog signals or digital signals from a control system.  Electric actuators are commonly used in process control systems where precise control is needed and where pneumatic systems are not feasible.
  4. Hydraulic control: Hydraulic actuators use hydraulic fluid to operate the valve. A control signal from a control system adjusts the pressure of the hydraulic fluid to open or close the valve.  This method is commonly used in large valves or high-pressure applications.

Here is a brief description of Air Filter Regulators, I/P Transducers and Valve Positioners and how they work in a steam valve application.

Air Filter Regulators play an important role in ensuring that actuators operate correctly. Air filter regulators regulate the air pressure that is used to operate pneumatic actuators. These units also offer protection from contamination by use of an integrated filter.

Air filter regulators work by reducing the pressure of compressed air from a higher supply pressure to a lower regulated pressure that is required for the pneumatic actuator to operate. The regulator typically consists of a diaphragm, a spring, and a valve that is controlled by the diaphragm. The regulator senses the pressure upstream of the valve and adjusts the valve position to maintain a consistent downstream pressure.

In steam valve applications, air filter regulators are used to ensure that the pneumatic actuators that control the steam valves operate at a consistent pressure, regardless of changes in the upstream air pressure. This allows for precise control of the steam flow rate or pressure, and ensures that the valve operates reliably and safely.

I/P (current-to-pressure) Transducers used in steam valve applications convert an electrical control signal from a controller into a pneumatic signal that can be used to control a pneumatic actuator.

Our Type 500-AC is one of the most common I/P transducers for the pneumatic control of your steam valve.  The I/P transducer receives an electrical signal from the controller, which is typically a 4-20 mA current signal and modulates the pressure between 3 to 15 psi . The transducer converts this signal into a proportional pneumatic pressure signal, which is used to control the pneumatic actuator. As always, we recommend you protect these transducers with an air filter regulator.

In steam valve applications, the I/P transducer controls the position of a pneumatic actuator, which in turn controls the position of the steam valve. The position of the steam valve regulates the flow of steam through the system, allowing for precise control of steam flow rate or pressure.

I/P transducers are commonly used in steam valve applications because they offer a number of benefits, including fast and accurate response times, precise control of pressure or flow, and compatibility with a wide range of electrical control signals. They are also reliable and easy to maintain, making them a popular choice in industrial processes such as power generation, chemical processing, and manufacturing.

Valve Positioners like ControlAir’s Type 2000 are devices used in steam valve control systems to precisely control the position of a valve’s stem, which in turn controls the flow of steam through the valve. Valve positioners are used to ensure that the valve opens and closes at the desired times, and to maintain a precise flow rate through the valve.

The basic operation of a valve positioner involves comparing the actual position of the valve with the desired position, and then adjusting the valve’s position as necessary to achieve the desired position. The valve positioner typically receives input from a controller that provides a setpoint for the valve position, based on the desired steam flow rate. The valve positioner then measures the actual position of the valve, usually using a feedback sensor such as a potentiometer, and compares it to the setpoint.

If the actual position of the valve is not the same as the setpoint, the valve positioner will send a signal to the actuator that controls the valve’s position, telling it to adjust the valve’s position accordingly. This feedback loop continues until the actual position of the valve matches the setpoint.

Overall, the method used to control a steam valve will depend on the system’s specific requirements, including the valve’s size, the pressure and temperature of the steam, and the need for precise control.

If you have any questions regarding your next application, don’t hesitate to contact our technical support team.

[email protected]

Post navigation

 The Importance of In-Place Transducer CalibrationChoosing the Correct Regulator: Part III 

Ask an Expert

Contact our technical experts for help with your pneumatic application or ControlAir Product.

Question

First Name*

Last Name*

Email*

Company*

Country*

State/Province*

City*

How did you hear about us*

Click here if you want to be on our mailing list

I accept the terms of our Data Privacy Policy.

Data Privacy Policy

ControlAir’s purpose to collect any personal data is to respond to your request for product help, quotation and processing of orders. We take your privacy seriously. Here are some relevant questions and answers regarding our collection and use of personal data.

What information is being collected?

ControlAir will collect names, email addresses, phone numbers and local addresses so we may fulfill your request for product help, quotes or order shipment.

Who is collecting it?

ControlAir has a sales and marketing department that oversees the collection and use of this data. We do use a Customer Relationship Management system to process this information.

How is it collected?

Data is collected using our Webforms (Get a Quote, Ask the Expert, White Paper Sign Up, etc), via phone calls, incoming emails and during any email campaigns that are sent to you for marketing purposes.

Why is it being collected?

This information is being collected for the purpose to respond to your request and for later follow up to ensure that we provided you with a good customer experience. This information may be used to contact you in the future regarding ControlAir products.

How will it be used?

This information will be entered into a CRM database, so we can contact you via email, phone or mail to fulfill your request and follow up with appropriate product information.

Who will it be shared with?

Your information will not be sold to a third party. Your information maybe shared with one of our local partners (distributors and/or local field agent) so we can fulfill your request for product information and quotation.

What will be the effect of this on the individuals concerned?

The purpose of transferring this information to these individuals/companies will be to fulfill your request for product information and quotation. You may receive emails to alert you of order, quote or shipment status. You may also receive follow up emails to gauge your customer experience and alert you to product information.

Is the intended use likely to cause individuals to object or complain?

We do not expect individuals to object with the use of this data to fulfill an action that they requested of ControlAir. We will remove persons from any future emails if they choose to opt out of future emails.

Please let us know if you have any further questions regarding the processing and use of your information. We can be reached at 1-603-886-9400 or by email at [email protected]

Lead Source

Enter the Captcha*

Reload
Call (800) 216-3636

Sign up for the ControlAir newsletter.

Get news, updates, and offers direct to your inbox.

Industries We Serve
  • Food & Beverage
  • Oil & Gas
  • Control Valve
  • Water Treatment

Products

  • Pressure Regulators
  • Back Pressure Regulators
  • Filter Regulators
  • Precision Pressure Regulators
  • Pressure Regulators
  • Stainless Steel Regulators
  • Potable Water Pressure Regulators
  • Gauges and Accessories
  • Pressure Transducers
  • I/P Transducers (current-to-pressure)
  • E/P Transducers (voltage-to-pressure)
  • P/I Transducers (pressure-to-current)
  • I/PAC Integrated Process Air Control
  • Supply Manifold
  • Gauges and Accessories
  • Diaphragm Air Cylinders
  • Rolling Diaphragm Cylinder
  • Small Bore Compact Cylinder
  • Mini Might Cylinders
  • Pneumatic Air Filters
  • Air Relays
  • Vacuum Regulators
  • Valve Positioners
  • Volume Boosters
  • Stainless Steel Volume Boosters
  • View All Products
Resources
  • Blog
  • CAD Models
  • Certifications
  • Catalogs
  • FAQ
  • How to Determine the Appropriate Regulator
  • Product Selection Guides
  • Whitepapers
  • Visual Product Reference Guide
  • Videos

ControlAir

International HQ
8 Columbia Dr
Amherst, NH 03031 USA

603-886-9400
1 (800) 216-3636
Send us a message


Privacy Policy | Site Map | © 2019 ControlAir. All rights reserved

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
In case of sale of your personal information, you may opt out by using the link Do not sell my personal information.
Cookie settingsACCEPT
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
Save & Accept