How to Select a good PICV?

With ever improving efficiency in building design, it is equally important to have very low flow possibilities for heating systems, as it is to have high flows. FlowCon’s full PICV flow range goes from low flow rates to high flows, 0.00482-76.8 l/sec (0.0763-1220 GPM). Also, for installation, selection and logistic purposes, it is extremely convenient if the same valve can cover a wider flow range.

After the flow rate selection is satisfied, the next task is to choose a valve size that suits the system design. Our complete PICV size range covers DN15-DN250 (½"-10").
 

What is the pressure range of a PICV?

Originally, there were separate ranges for low- and high-pressure application of PICVs. However, currently we offer one wide pressure range, which makes selection much easier for the HVAC practitioner.

The smaller sizes (threaded DN15-32, ½"-1¼") work in a ΔP range of 16-800 kPaD (2.3-116 psid). Medium sizes (threaded DN40-50,  1½"-2") have 16-600 kPaD (2.3-87 psid). And for the larger versions (flanged DN50-250, 2"-10") the pressure range is 30-800 kPaD (4.5-116 psid).

Essentially, with a wide pressure range, the focus should be on the minimum ΔP required to make the PICV operate correctly and not the upper values of the ΔP range, which is more than enough to satisfy the needs of the HVAC sector. To operate satis-factorily, the PICV requires a minimum differential pressure to activate diaphragm mechanism within the PICV, enabling the valve to be pressure independent. During commissioning, the pump is trimmed so that only ΔPminimum is available at the PICV on the index circuit at 100% load (= design flow). This way, the system is properly commis-sioned and will run at lowest possible energy consumption. For ΔPmax, it is confirmed to be within the valve’s ΔP range to ensure that the PICV operates effectively under part load conditions.
 

How do I select the correct actuator for my PICV?

A true PICV design should allow for full stroke modulating control at all flow settings without any stroke limitations – this will provide better actuator accuracy and flow control at partial load. Some PICV designs use the stroke of the actuator stem to set the flow rate, resulting in limited stroke and consequently limited control. This is a real concern at low flow rates and can lead to the PICV effectively working as an ON/OFF valve, regardless the presence of a modulating actuator. Therefore, it is important to select your PICV with full stroke length independent of selected flow setting.

If, on the other hand, working with a multi-rotation actuator, the reduction of a selected rotating degree is much less affective, considering the actuator's full span of 2160° or more.

Electrical modulating control will provide the optimal regulation at any load condition and is the preferred choice. Most PICV manufacturers offer standard electrical modulating actuators as failsafe and bus-communication versions.
 

How do I adjust my PICV?

When it comes to setting or adjusting the PICV, this manual procedure impacts the valve's accuracy. Therefore, it is preferred to have a stepless setting. This will make finetuning possible and allow to get closer to design flow and thereby lower the setting tolerance. Narrow flow tolerances have a positive impact on the building's energy consumption. In fact, measured over time, 1% increase in PICV accuracy will result in a reduction of ~0.5% in the building’s overall hydronic energy consumption.

FlowCon's threaded PICVs are set with an adjustment key. Setting is stepless and can be changed with the system running if required. The combination of the insert design and the wide setting range located on the top of the unit adds to the overall flexibility. Once set, the scale setting is 'hidden' with the actuator fitted, which acts as a tamper-safe solution.

For FlowCon's flanged PICVs, flow setting is set directly on the control actuator. Setting values are pre-programmed and therefore not stepless. On the other hand, the electronic setting will secure identical setting result every time, eliminating the setting tolerance. These valves' max. flow setting can also be changed during system operation and the build-in password protection makes the flow and other settings fully tamper-proof.
 

How do I service my PICV?

To obtain a preferable high repeatability, the valve control opening area should be identical from valve to valve throughout each flow setting. The shape of the control opening area can be different depending on the valve design and manufacturer. Nonmatter, the shape, FlowCon suggests that the VDI 2035 Guideline's industry recommendations on water quality are followed.

In case debris gets caught in the opening area, the FlowCon insert-based PICVs can easily be serviced, rinsed, or replaced if needed. Service will, in other words, not require any tampering of the pipework but merely a handling of the insert itself. Isolation of one valve for insert service can be done even with the main system still in operation. Even FlowCon's larger PICV valves can be disassembled and serviced directly.
 

Need more Information….?

Contact FlowCon for more information or help to select your proper Pressure Independent Control Valves. All our PICV solutions are 3rd party tested according to BSRIA BTS 01 standard which includes Pressure Independency, Accuracy, Repeatability, Control Characteristics and Seat Leakage. Or check out our website www.flowcon.com for your PICV options.