Control Valve Sizing

Link: https://processpocket.streamlit.app/

This tool was developed for process engineers to estimate a control valve Cv/Size on site
quickly. As a part of a larger project to develop what is similar to Carl Branan’s book “process
engineers Pocket Handbook” these tools would allow a process engineer to quickly
calculate/estimate equipment efficiencies or sizing using standardized calculations

The aim here is to take little-known data from the field (flow, pressures, temperatures,
compositions..etc.) and use it as input for a rough estimation without having to return to the
office to use commercial software or calculations Excel sheets to validate or to calculate.
Additionally, these tools may also serve as a gathered data validation tool.

Nomenclature

T Temperature (oC or oK) P Pressure (kPa or bar)

Gg gas Specific gravity µ Viscosity (mPa.s/cP)
ρ Density (kg/m3) SG Specific gravity

Di Tube inside diameter (mm) V Velocity (m/s)

Do Tube outside diameter (mm) Z Gas compressibility factor. dimensionless
Re Reynold’s number P1 Upstream or inlet pressure (kPa or bar)
Q Volume flow rate (m3/hr) or (Nm3/hr) P2 Downstream or outlet pressure (kPa or bar)
Cv Control Valve flow coefficient (gpm/psi) Pc Absolute critical pressure (kPa or bar)
Kv Control Valve flow coefficient (m3.hr-1/bar) Pv Absolute vapor pressure at T1
D1 Inlet pipe diameter (mm) △P Pressure drop across the valve (△P =P1-
P2) (kPa or bar)
d Normal valve size (mm or in.) △Pmax(L) Maximum allowable liquid sizing
pressure drop (kPa or bar)
D2 outlet pipe diameter (mm) △Pmax(LP) Maximum allowable sizing pressure drop
with attached fittings (kPa or bar)
Fd Valve style modifier, dimensionless q Volume flow rate (m3/hr)
FF Liquid critical pressure ratio factor, Qmax Maximum flow rate at given valve
dimensionless upstream condition (m3/hr)
Fk Ratio of specific heat factor, T1 Absolute upstream temperature (oK)
dimensionless
FL Rated liquid pressure recovery factor. W Mass rate of flow (kg/h)
dimensionless
FLP Combined liquid pressure recovery x Ratio of pressure drop to the upstream
factor and piping geometry factor of a or inlet pressure (△P/P1)
valve with attached fittings,
dimensionless (Note: if no fitting
attached, FLP=FL)
Fp Piping geometry factor. dimensionless xT Rated pressure drop ratio factor,
dimensionless
k Ratio of specific heats, dimensionless Y Expansion factor (ratio of flow coefficient
for a gas to that for a liquid at the same
Reynolds number). dimensionless
 K Head loss coefficient of a valve due to N Numerical constant
installed fittings attached to the valve,
dimensionless
M Molecular weight, dimensionless  Specific weight at the valve inlet
condition (Note: The standard condition
is defined as 15.56 oC and 1 atm)
Input Required

Calculate Cv (D,Q,△P Known) Calculate Cv,D (Q,△P Known)

D1,d,D2 [Note 1] in
Flow Rate [Note 1] Flow Rate [Note 1]
(Gas) Nm3/hr (Gas) Nm3/hr
3
(Liquid) m /hr (Liquid) m3/hr
(steam) kg/hr
Inlet pressure kg/cm².a Inlet pressure kg/cm².a
Outlet pressure kg/cm².a Outlet pressure kg/cm².a
Inlet temperature ºC Inlet temperature ºC
[Note 2] [Note 2]
Molecular weight - Molecular weight -
Compressibility factor[Note 2] - Compressibility factor[Note 2] -
[Note 2]
Avergage k (Cp/Cv) - Avergage k (Cp/Cv) -
Viscosity[Note 2] cP Viscosity[Note 2] cP
Critical Pressure[Note 2] kg/cm².a Critical Pressure[Note 2] kg/cm².a
[Note 1] [Note 1] [Note 3]
xT - xT -
FL[Note 3] - FL[Note 3] -
[Note 3] [Note 3]
Fd - Fd -
Note 1: parameter required depending on the case selected (Liquid, Gas or Steam)
Note 2: Alternative option: Use the tool properties estimator
Note 3: Alternative option: Use ANSI/ISA table for these factors using “Modify assumptions)
Output Obtained

Summary Table
Calculation - D inlet assumed in.
Inlet pressure kg/cm².a D outlet assumed in.
Flow Rate Nm³/hr FL -
Outlet pressure kg/cm².a Fd -
Inlet temperature ºC xT -
Molecular weight - FP -
Compressibility factor - xTP -
Avergage k (Cp/Cv) - FR -
Viscosity cP choked -
Shortcut Cv gpm/psi Y -
Kv m³.hr-1/bar Rev -
Cv gpm/psi laminar -
Control Valve size in.
Control Valve Specifications sheet Table of matching valves
Shortcut Cv

1. General shortcut[1]
2
C v =10 d d: Control valve diameter (in.)

2. A more specific shortcut[2]

2
C v =C d . d d: Control valve diameter (in.)

Control valve sizing

Rules of thumb for Estimating △Psizing and QSizing[3][4]

Estimate △Psizing using the following guidelines:

“The sum of the following pressure drops at maximum flow may be used for this purpose:

1. 20% of the friction drop in the circuit (excluding the valve). (A circuit generally
includes all equipment between the discharge of the pump, compressor, or vessel
and the next point downstream of which pressure is controlled. In most cases this
latter point is a vessel)
2. 10% of the static pressure of the vessel into which the circuit discharges up to the
pressure of 200 psig, 20 psig from 200 psig to 400 psig, and 5% above 400 psig.” [Note]

Control valve at Pump discharges[4]

System friction losses ΔPcv or sizing
∑ ∆ Pfric < 5.0 kg/cm2 ΔPcv = 0.5*∑ ∆ Pfric
5.0 kg/cm2 < ∑ ∆ Pfric < 6.25 kg/cm2 ΔPcv = 2.5 kg/cm2
6.25 kg/cm2 < ∑ ∆ Pfric < 10 kg/cm2 ΔPcv = 0.4*∑ ∆ Pfric
10 kg/cm < ∑ ∆ Pfric 13.4 kg/cm
2 2
ΔPcv = 4*∑ ∆ Pfric
13.4 kg/cm < ∑ ∆ Pfric
2
ΔPcv = 0.3*∑ ∆ Pfric
NOTE: Another rule of thumb suggests that for good control where possible, make the
control valve take 50-60% of the system flowing head loss [2]

Minimum pressure drop[4]

1) Liquid service ΔPcv = 0.7 kg/cm2

2) Vapor service ΔPcv = 0.2 kg/cm2

Estimate QSizing using the following guidelines:

“In order to ensure that the valve is in a controlling position at the maximum flow rate, the
valve Cv is the maximum process value determined above divided by 0.8. The reasons for
using this factor are that:
1. It is not desirable to have the valve fully open at maximum flow since it’s not then in
a controlling position.
2. The valves supplied by a single manufacturer often vary as much as 10-20% in Cv.
3. Allowance must be made for pressure drop, flow rate, etc. values which differ from
design.” [1]
Another Rule of thumb is to use the greater of the following [2]
1. QSizing = 1.3* QNormal or 2*QNormal [4]
2. QSizing = 1.1* QMaximum

Velocity & Mach number [8] [2]

Keep the valve outlet velocity below the following guidelines [8]
Liquids 50 feet per second (15.24 m/s)
Gases Approaching Mach 1.0
Mixed Gases and Liquids 500 feet per second (152.4 m/s)

For saturated steam keep the control valve outlet velocity below 0.25 mach. Branan Also
suggests keeping the inlet velocity below 300 ft/s for 2” pipes and below 200 ft/s for larger
sizes. [2]
The above figures are guidelines for typical applications.
In general, smaller-sized valves handle slightly higher velocities and large valves handle
lower velocities. Special applications have particular velocity requirements;
a few of which are provided below.
Liquid applications – where the fluid temperature is close to the saturation point –
should be limited to 30 feet per second (9.1 m/s) to avoid reducing the fluid pressure
below the vapor pressure. This is also an appropriate limit for applications designed to
pass the full flow rate with a minimum pressure drop across the valve.
Valves in cavitating service should also be limited to 30 feet per second (9.1 m/s) to
minimize damage to the downstream piping. This will also localize the pressure recovery
which causes cavitation immediately downstream from the vena contracta.
In flashing services, velocities become much higher due to the increase in volume
resulting from vapor formation.
For most applications, it is important to keep velocities below 500 feet per second.
(152.4 m/s) Expanded outlet-style valves – such as the Mark One-X – help to control
outlet velocities on such applications. Erosion damage can be limited by using chrome-
moly body material and hardened trim. On smaller valve applications that remain closed
for most of the time – such as heater drain valves – higher velocities of 800 to 1500 feet
per second (243.84 - 457.2 m/s) may be acceptable with appropriate materials.
Gas applications where special noise attenuation trim is used should be limited to
approximately 0.33 Mach. In addition, pipe velocities downstream from the valve are
critical to the overall noise level. Experimentation has shown that velocities around 0.5
Mach can create substantial noise even in a straight pipe. The addition of a control valve
to the line will increase the turbulence downstream, resulting in even higher noise levels.
Noise
Typical Noise limitation: 85-90 dB(A) [4][5]
Caution: Noise levels over 110 dBA may cause vibration in valves/piping resulting in
equipment damage. [8]

ANSI/ISA 75.01.01 Equations for Control Valve Sizing[6]

Incompressible fluids
There are six steps for a control valve size selection for liquids:
1) Specify the variables required to size the valve.
2) Determine the equation constant (N).
3) Determine the piping geometry factor (FP).
4) Determine the maximum flow rate upstream of the valve (qmax) and the allowable
pressure drop (ΔPmax).
5) Solve for required flow coefficient (Cv) value using an appropriate equation. (Use Annex B.1)
6) Select the appropriate flow coefficient table and the calculated flow coefficient
valve to select the suitable valve size.
Turbulent flow
Non-choked flow (without fittings) (ΔP < FL2(P1-FFPv) )

√
Q ρ /ρ N1: 0.865
1 o
Cv= Eq.1
N1 ∆P Q in m3/hr

Non-choked flow (with fittings) (ΔP < (FLP/Fp) 2(P1-FFPv) ) P in bar

ρ in kg/m3
Cv=
Q
N 1 FP √ ρ1 / ρo
∆P
Eq.2
ρ0 : 1000 kg/m3

Choked flow (without fittings) (ΔP > FL2(P1-FFPv) )

Cv=
Q
√ρ1 / ρ o
N 1 F L P1−F F P v
Eq.3

Choked flow (with fittings) (ΔP > (FLP/Fp) 2(P1-FFPv) )

Cv=
Q
√
ρ1 / ρ o
N 1 F LP P1−F F P v
Eq.4

Non-Turbulent flow (without fittings)

Cv=
Q
N 1 FR √ ρ1 / ρo
∆P
Eq.5
Specify the Variables Required to Size the Valve[5] The values of FL for the globe, v-notch ball, and butterfly valves can
• Process fluid (e.g. oil and water); be extracted from Table 2. Ball valves with standard design are not
• Service conditions and fluid physical properties such as volume rate suitable for flow control; however, a v-notch ball valve with a unique
of flow (q), mass rate of flow (w), Upstream and downstream pressure v-shaped hole in the ball allows precise flow control. Furthermore,
values (P1 and P2), pressure drop across the valve (ΔP = P1 − P2), butterfly valves can be used for fluid control or throttling in addition
upstream temperature (T1), Specific gravity (SG), Viscosity (µ), Vapor to fluid isolation.
pressure (Pv), Critical pressure (Pc), and solid%. If the valve is installed with fittings such as reducers attached to it, the
• Constants FL & Fd: After selecting required Valve type, trim type and combined liquid pressure recovery factor and piping geometry factor
flow direction, these valves can be estimated using Table 2. of a valve with attached fittings known as parameter FLP is applied
instead of FL in Eq. (35) for maximum flow rate (qmax) calculation.
Determine Piping Geometry Factor (FP) FLP is calculated as per Eq. (30).
FP is a correction factor that accounts for the pressure losses due to
piping fittings that are used to change the direction or size of the Maximum Pressure Drop Calculation for Valves Without Any
piping or take branches from the headers such as tees, elbows, and Attached Fittings
reducers. If fittings are used before or after the valve, the effect of ΔPmax = FL2(P1-FFPv)
piping geometry must be considered for the valve sizing. However, if Maximum Pressure Drop Calculation for Valves With Attached
no fitting is attached to the valve, FP is equal to one and does not Fittings
impact the valve sizing process. Equation (36) shows how to
ΔPmax = (FLP/Fp) 2(P1-FFPv)
calculate the piping geometry.
Solve for Flow Coefficient
Determine the Maximum Flow Rate (qmax) and Maximum Pressure
Equation (1 & 2) is used to calculate the modified flow efficient (Cv)
Drop (ΔPmax)
value if ΔPmax > ΔP meaning that the flow will not be choked.
As its name implies, the maximum flow rate, also called limiting flow
Equation (3 & 4) applies to adjusted flow coefficient calculation if
rate (qmax) or choked flow calculated from Eq. (35), cannot be
ΔPmax < ΔP when the flow will be choked.
increased even by increasing the pressure drop across the valve. For
1. Select FL from Table 2
example, flashing the vapor from liquids when the static valve
2. Calculate FF from Eq. 31
pressure drops below the liquid vapor pressure can cause a maximum
flow rate. It is important to calculate the maximum allowable pressure 3. Calculate ∆Pmax and determine if flow is choked or not.
drop (ΔPmax) for selecting the correct size of the valve if it is possible 4. Calculate Ci by Eq. 1 (non-choked) or Eq. 3 (Choked)
for the choked flow to develop. The calculated ΔPmax value is 5. Calculate Rev using Eq. 28, Obtain Fd from Table 2.
compared with the actual pressure drop across the valve specified by 6. If Rev > 10000, flow is turbulent and If valve size = pipe
the process engineer, and the lesser of these two is applied to the valve size Use Ci previously Calculated. If not, Calculate Fp and
sizing process. If ΔPmax > ΔP, the flow will not be choked and there is subsequently its Cv using the iteration method described in
no need to determine the maximum flow rate as per step 4. However, flowchart.
if a choked flow condition exists (ΔPmax > ΔP), then step 5 for sizing 7. If Rev < 10000, flow is non-turbulent. Calculate FR and its
valves for liquids shall be changed by replacing the actual service subsequently its Cv using the iteration method described in
pressure differential (ΔP = P1 − P2) with ΔPmax. flowchart.
Maximum Flow Rate (qmax)

Qmax =N 1 F L CV
√ P1 −F F PV
SG
Eq.35 Select the Correct Valve Size
As a general rule, the smallest valve with a flow coefficient larger
than that calculated based on either Eq. (1 & 2) or Eq.(3 & 4),
according to the information provided in Fisher representative Table
The liquid critical pressure ratio factor (FF) can be calculated by using
shall be selected. Select the desired flow Characteristic and calculate
Eq. (31), or Figure 5 for water. When a liquid pressure drops below
the estimated opening for the chosen valve.
its vapor pressure, the fluid state alters from a liquid to gas, that is
Alternative option for selecting valve size: Use the equation described
called choked flow or vena contracta pressure condition. FF is the ratio
of the vena contracta pressure at choked flow condition to the vapor in section (Another method for estimating control valve size
pressure of the liquid at inlet temperature. (if tables not available)

Check Noise levels , velocity and Cavitation index

P 1−PV
Cavitationindex=
P1−P2
Compressible fluids

There are six steps for a control valve size selection for steam or gases:
1) Specify the variables required to size the valve.
2) Determine the equation constant (N).
3) Determine the piping geometry factor (FP).
4) Determine expansion factor (ϒ).
5) Solve for required flow coefficient (Cv) value using an appropriate equation. (Use
Annex B.2)
6) Select the appropriate flow coefficient table and the calculated flow coefficient
valve to select the suitable valve size.

Turbulent flow
Non-choked flow (without fittings) (ΔP/P1 < Fϒ.xT )

W N6 : 27.3
Cv= Eq.6 N7 : 417
N 6 Y √ x P1 ρ 1
N8 : 94.8

√
N9 : 2120
W T1Z
Cv= Eq.7 W in kg/hr
N 8 P1 Y xM
Q in Nm3/hr
P in bar
Cv=
Q
N 9 P1 Y √ M T1Z
x
Eq.8a Density in kg/m3
T in kelvin

Cv=
Q
N 7 P1 Y √ ¿T1Z
x
Eq.8b

Non-choked flow (with fittings) (ΔP/P1 < Fϒ.xTP )

W
Cv= Eq.9
N 6 F P Y √ x P1 ρ 1

Cv=
W
N 8 F P P1 Y √ T1Z
xM
Eq.10

Cv=
Q
N 9 F P P1 Y √ M T1 Z
x
Eq.11a

Cv=
Q
N 7 F P P1 Y √ ¿T1Z
x
Eq.11b

Choked flow (without fittings) (ΔP/P1> Fϒ.xT )

 W
Cv= Eq.12
0.667∗N 6 √ F ϒ xT P1 ρ1

Cv=
W
0.667∗N 8 P1 √ T1 Z
Fϒ x T M
Eq.13

Cv=
Q
0.667∗N 9 P1 √ MT1Z
F ϒ xT
Eq.14a

Cv=
Q ¿ T1 Z
0.667∗N 7 P1 F ϒ xT √ Eq.14b

Choked flow (with fittings) (ΔP/P1> Fϒ.xTP)

W
Cv= Eq.15
0.667∗F P N 6 √ Fϒ x T P1 ρ1

Cv=
W T1Z
√
0.667∗F P N 8 P1 F ϒ x T M
Eq.16

Cv=
Q M T1Z
0.667∗F P N 9 P1 F ϒ xT √ Eq.17a

Cv=
Q ¿T 1 Z
0.667∗F P N 7 P1 Fϒ x T √ Eq.17b

Non-Turbulent flow (without fittings)

√
W T1 Eq.18
Cv= N27: 0.67
N 27 F R ΔP ( P 1+ P2 ) M
N22: 1500
Cv=
Q
N 22 F R √ MT1
ΔP ( P1 + P2 )
Eq.19

Specify the Variables Required to Size the Valve [5] Solve for the Required Flow Coefficient (Cv)
• Process fluid (e.g. oil and water); Flow coefficient value is different from volumetric flow rate than
• Service conditions and fluid physical properties such as volume rate mass flow rate units. When the gas-specific gravity, Gg, is known for
of flow (q), mass rate of flow (w), Upstream and downstream pressure volumetric flow rate units,
values (P1 and P2), pressure drop across 1. the flow coefficient is calculated as per Eq. (15 & 16).
the valve (ΔP = P1 − P2), upstream temperature (T1), gas-specific 2. If the molecular weight, M, is known for volumetric flow rate
gravity that is defined as a dimensionless number equal to the ratio of units, the flow coefficient is calculated as per Eq. (17a).
the flowing gas density to the density of air with both at standard 3. If the specific weight at the valve inlet, γ, is known for mass flow
conditions (Gg), molecular weight (M), the ratio of specific heats (k), rate units, the flow coefficient is calculated as per Eq. (17b).
gas compressibility factor (Z), viscosity (µ) and solid% . 4. If the molecular weight, M, is known for mass flow rate units, the
• Constants FL, Fd and xT: After selecting required Valve type, trim flow coefficient is calculated as per Eq. (16).
type and flow direction, these valves can be estimated using Table 2. 1. Select xT from Table 2
2. Calculate Fγ from Eq. 34
3. Calculate FγxT and determine if flow is choked or not. (x <
Determine Piping Geometry Factor (FP) FγxT)
FP is a correction factor that accounts for the pressure losses due to 4. If flow is choked Y = 0.667 if not Calculate Y.
piping fittings that are used to change the direction or size of the 5. Calculate Ci by Eq. 6,7,8 (non-choked) or Eq. 12,13,14
Determination of correction factors[6]

Fp The piping geometry factor

∑ K =K 1 + K 2 + K B 1 + K B 2 Eq. 21 For an inlet reducer

( )
2 2
Where, d
K 1=0.5 (1− ) Eq. 23
K1 = Resistance coefficient of upstream D1
2

K2 = Resistance coefficient of downstream fittings

For an outlet reducer
KB1 = Inlet Bernoulli coefficient

( )
2 2
KB2 = outlet Bernoulli coefficient d
K 2=1.0∗(1− 2
) Eq. 24

( )
d
4
D1
K B 1=1− Eq. 22
D1 For a valve installed between identical reducers
(assumed in tool)
(D )
4
d
K B2 =1−
( )
Eq. 22 d
2 2
2 K 1 + K 2=1.5∗(1− 2
) Eq. 25
D1

N1 : 0.865

[ ]
2 −1 /2 q
∑ K ( Cv ) C v= N2: 0.00214

√
F P= 1+ Eq.
∆ Psizing Q in m3/hr
N 2 d2 N1 FP
ρ1 / ρo P in bar
36
Density in kg/m3
ρ in kg/m3
The FP values calculated with the above factors generally lead to the selection of valve
ρ0 : 1000 kg/m3
capacities slightly larger than required. This calculation requires iteration. Proceed by
D and D in mm
calculating the flow coefficient C for non-choked turbulent flow.

Next, establish Ci as follows:

Ci = 1.3C (Equation 26)

Using Ci from Equation 26, determine FP from Equation 36. If both ends of the valve are the
same size, FP may instead be determined from Figure 2a/b. Then, determine if
C/Fp ≤ Ci (Equation 27)

If the condition of Equation 27 is satisfied, then use the Ci established from Equation 26. If
the condition of Equation 27 is not met, then repeat the above procedure by again
increasing Ci by 30%. This may require several iterations until the condition required in
Equation 27 is met. An iteration method more suitable for computers can be found in
Annex B in ANSI/ISA 75.01.01.
For graphical approximations of FP, refer to Figures 2a and 2b.
Reynolds number factor FR 0.33 F L
0.5
ℜv
The Reynolds number factor FR is required F R =1+( 0.25
)log 10 ( )
n 10000
when non-turbulent flow conditions are 1
established through a control valve Where:
because of a low pressure differential, a high
viscosity, a very small flow coefficient, or a N2
combination thereof. n1 = 2
The FR factor is determined by dividing the Ci
flow rate when non-turbulent flow conditions ( )
d2
exist by the flow rate measured in the same
installation under turbulent conditions. 2. For laminar flow
Tests show that FR can be determined from
the curves given in Figure 3a or 3b using a 0.026
valve Reynolds number calculated from the FR=
FL
√ n1 ℜv (not to exceed FR =1)
following equation:
For reduced trim valves where Ci /d2 at rated
2 2 0.25
N4 Fd Q F C L I travel is less than 0.016 N18 and Rev ≥ 10,
ℜv = ( +1) Eq.28 calculate F from the following equations:
v √C i F L N 2 D4

1. For Transitional flow

This calculation will require iteration. 0.5
0.33 F L ℜv
Proceed by calculating the flow coefficient C F R =1+( 0.25
)log 10 ( )
for turbulent flow. The valve style modifier Fd n 2
10000
converts the geometry of the orifice(s) to an
2 /3
equivalent circular single flow passage. See Ci
Table 2 for typical values and Annex A in n2= 1 + N32 ( 2
)
ANSI/ISA 75.01.01 for details. d
Next, establish Ci as per Equation 26. 2. For laminar flow
Apply Ci as per Equation 26 and determine
0.026
FR. FR is determined from Figure 3a for full- FR=
FL
√ n2 ℜv (not to exceed FR =1)
size trim valves.
FR is determined from Figure 3b for reduced
trim valves where Ci /d 2 at rated travel is Liquid pressure recovery factor without
less than 0.016 N18. attached fittings FL
C/FR ≤ Ci Eq. 29 FL is the liquid pressure recovery factor of
the valve without attached fittings. This
If the condition of Equation 29 is satisfied, factor accounts for the influence of the valve
then use the Ci established from Equation internal geometry on the valve capacity at
26. If the condition of Equation 29 is not choked flow. It is defined as the ratio of the
met, then repeat the above equation by actual maximum flow rate under choked flow
again increasing Ci by 30 percent. This may conditions to a theoretical, non-choked flow
require several iterations until the conditions rate which would be calculated if the
required in Equation 29 are met. pressure differential used was the difference
The equations defining non-turbulent flow for between the valve inlet pressure and the
full size and reduced trim valves are stated apparent vena contracta pressure at choked
in Annex G in ANSI/ISA 75.01.01. flow conditions. The factor FL may be
(Summarized below) determined from tests in accordance with
ANSI/ISA-75.02-1996. Typical values of FL
For full size trim where Ci /d2 ≥ 0.016 N18 and versus percent of rated flow coefficient are
Rev ≥ 10, calculate FR from the following shown in Figure 4.
equations: 1. For Transitional flow
Combined liquid pressure recovery factor accounts for the change in the vena
contracta area as the pressure differential is
and piping geometry factor with attached
varied.
fittings FLP Theoretically, Y is affected by all of the
FLP is the combined liquid pressure recovery following:
factor and piping geometry factor for a a) ratio of port area to body inlet area;
control valve with attached fittings. It is b) shape of the flow path;
obtained in the same manner as FL. c) pressure differential ratio x ;
To meet a deviation of ±5% for FLP, FLP shall d) Reynolds number; and
be determined by testing. When estimated e) specific heat ratio .
values are permissible, the following The influence of items a), b), c), and e) is
equation shall be used: accounted for by the pressure differential
FL ratio factor xT.
F LP = The Reynolds number is the ratio of inertial

√ Eq.30
2 2 to viscous forces at the control valve orifice.
FL C
1+ K 1 ( 2i ) In the case of compressible flow, its value is
N2 d generally beyond the range of influence,
except where the flow rate or the Cv is very
low or a combination of both exist .
Liquid critical pressure ratio factor FF The pressure differential ratio xT is
FF is the liquid critical pressure ratio factor. influenced by the specific heat ratio of the
This factor is the ratio of the apparent vena fluid.
contracta pressure at choked flow conditions
to the vapor pressure of the liquid at inlet x
temperature. At vapor pressures near zero, Y =1− Eq.32
3 F γ xT
this factor is 0.96.
Values of FF may be determined from the
curve in Figure 5 or approximated from the
The value of x for calculation purposes shall
following equation: not exceed FϒxT. If x > FϒxT, then the flow
becomes choked and Y = 0.667. See 8.6
F F =0.96−0.28
√ Pv
Pc
Eq.31
and 8.7 for information on x, xT and Fϒ.
Pressure differential ratio factor without
fittings xT

Specific heat ratio factor Fϒ xT is the pressure differential ratio factor of a

The factor xT is based on air near control valve installed without reducers or
atmospheric pressure as the flowing fluid other fittings. If the inlet pressure P1 is held
with a specific heat ratio of 1.40. If the constant and the outlet pressure P2 is
specific heat ratio for the flowing fluid is not progressively lowered, the mass flow rate
1.40, the factor Fis used to adjust xT. Use through a valve will increase to a maximum
the following equation to calculate the limit, a condition referred to as choked flow.
specific heat ratio factor: Further reductions in P2 will produce no
further increase in flow rate.
γ This limit is reached when the pressure
F ϒ= Eq.34 differential x reaches a value of FϒxT. The
1.4
limiting value of x is defined as the critical
differential pressure ratio. The value of x
used in any of the sizing equations and in
Expansion factor Y the relationship for Y (Equation 32) shall be
The expansion factor Y accounts for the held to this limit even though the actual
change in density as the fluid passes from pressure differential ratio is greater. Thus,
the valve inlet to the vena contracta (the the numerical value of Y may range from
location just downstream of the orifice where 0.667, when x = FϒxT, to 1.0 for very low
the jet stream area is a minimum). It also differential pressures.
Representative values of xT for several types
of control valves with full size trim and at full
rated openings are given in Table 2. Caution
should be exercised in the use of this
information. When precise values are
required, they should be obtained by test.

Pressure differential ratio factor with

attached fittings xTP

If a control valve is installed with attached

fittings, the value of xT will be affected.
To meet a deviation of ±5% for xTP, the
valve and attached fittings shall be tested as
a unit. When estimated values are
permissible, the following equation shall be
used:

xT
2
FP
x TP = Eq.33
x ∑ k Ci 2
1+ T ( 2)
N5 d

In the above relationship, xT is the pressure

differential ratio factor for a control valve
installed without reducers or other fittings.
is the sum of the inlet velocity head loss
coefficients (1 + B1) of the reducer or other
fitting attached to the inlet face of the valve.
If the inlet fitting is a short-length,
commercially available reducer, the value of
may be estimated using Equation 23.