What Does a Boiler Flow Control Valve Do?
The flow control valve on a boiler regulates the flow of hot water to the system. It is part of the hot water supply side of the boiler and one of the major components of a hot water boiler.
A basic flow control valve opens and closes to adjust the rate of water in the boiler. There are different types of flow control valves on the market, including needle, ball, diaphragm, plug and butterfly valves. Ball valves are some of the simplest types of valves, and butterfly valves work in a similar matter. Needle valves are usually the most precise flow control valves, as they offer more concise flow control.
One of the main advantages of using this type of valve in a boiler is that it is an easy solution to flow control. However, these devices do not always have the most efficient parts. These valves are also not totally reliable, as the flow rate may change due to temperature or pressure factors. Depending on the system, these valves may be made of a variety of materials, including carbon steel, brass, zinc or stainless steel. In a boiler, the flow control valve works automatically, but in some systems, it may require manual operation.
