Characterization of a butterfly-type valve

A mathematical model and experimental measurement of the flow characteristics of a 3 in butterfly-type valve have been obtained and evaluated. Final control elements behavior plays an important role in the loop performance, so its features must be taken into account for a good controller design. This paper shows how the characterization of the valve was carried out relying on standards and technical recommendations. The inherent and installed flow characteristics of the valve were obtained by measuring flow and differential pressure across the valve. The corresponding instrumentation system setup was designed and implemented on the Pressure Tests Network in the Civil Engineering Department's Hydraulics Laboratory at the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana.