Cooling Applications with
Pressure Independent Control Valves (PICV)

How do PICVs benefit your Cooling Application?

Pressure Independent Control Valves or Pressure Independent Balancing and Control Valves – also commonly known as PICVs (or PIBCVs) – are getting more and more popular in both 2- and 4-pipe cooling applications due to their accurate flow control at any load condition, even at high flow rates. FlowCon’s PICV range includes four different types. Particularly, the FlowCon Green insert solution is common for smaller pipe sizes in cooling applications. As an equal % alternative, you could also consider the FlowCon GreEQ. For larger pipe sizes the ideal choice will be FlowCon Green.3 and SM covering up to DN250. As a low-cost alternative, you could also consider the FlowCon Essentia.

What makes FlowCon's PICVs superior?

A good PICV will offer 100% authority no matter the design flow it is set to and regulate with a full control span from 0(2)-10V control signal dependent on actual load requirements. Control mode is traditionally made with a linear control signal, but designs are at present time frequently made with equal percent signal – clearly FlowCon offers both. Also, it is essential that the balancing valve function is adjustable, dynamic and pressure independent which is the essence of FlowCon’s business since decades. Rule of thumb for cooling applications is a ΔP range up to 400 kPaD or even higher, which is available in all three FlowCon product types.

Special benefits with FlowCon PICV inserts

With the unique FlowCon Green and GreEQ insert range other essential benefits are achieved. These include:

  • Simple flushing, as full force flushing forward and backward is possible without the insert present. 
  • Easy maintenance, as the design allows service or replacement of the insert without removing the valve housing from the installation.
  • Uncomplicated waste handling – at end of use, valve housing and insert are easy to separate and sort properly.

3rd party verification of FlowCon PICVs

FlowCon’s PICV range is tested to BSRIA PICV standards. They are an easy solution to consultants, mechanical- and electrical contractors and end-users - due to the flexible complete solution, user-friendly setting, easy commissioning and low minimum ΔP.

FlowCon’s range of PICVs includes:

My Favorite FlowCon Product by FlowCon Area Sales Manager Middle East Vivek Joshi

FlowCon SM

by Vivek Joshi, Area Sales Manager, FlowCon International, Middle East

#MyFavoriteFlowCon

Pressure Independent Control Valves, made in Denmark - HVAC

FlowCon PICVs - made in Denmark

  • Are you considering only PICV performance?
  • Do you wonder about PICV features too?
  • Are you concerns also about the environmental influence?

With FlowCon’s PICV solution we include all…..

PICV working principle

What is a PICV?

A PICV is a 3-in-1 solution combining a control valve, a balancing valve and a differential pressure control valve.

Why choose a PICV?

When choosing a true PICV with full authority you will always achieve optimal control and regulation which will result in ideal room temperature and proper heat distribution at lowest possible energy consumption. You will have happy users, lowered energy bill and reduced CO2 footprint.

How does a PICV work?

A PICV includes three valves in one body by combining the control function, the balancing function and differential pressure control function in one unit.

• Control
The control function of the PICV, as with any other 2-port control valve, allows load dependent flow variations from selected design flow (100% load) and down to closed valve (0% load). By varying the flow rate, the heat output of the terminal unit is controlled and will provide optimal room comfort. The key to the optimal solution is to choose a true PICV with 100% authority using full stroke or multiple rotations when regulating to reduced flow rates.

• Balancing
The key to the optimal solution is to choose a real dynamic balancing valve including a rolling diaphragm which at any time will self-balance to the required flow independent on system pressure changes. The balancing function shall be easily adjustable to several max. flow settings (minimum 41 different) in the same PICV.

• ΔP control
With changing load requirements in the system, system pressure will also vary. This calls for an automatic balancing solution which instantaneously compensates for the pressure changes by adjusting the flow outlet with the rolling diaphragm as described above under balancing.


Questions?
Then Give Us a Call

If You have any questions, either in regard to FlowCon's products and services or how and where to use FlowCon products, just get in touch and we will be pleased to assist.

We will react as soon as possible, and written reply is normally within 8 hours if Your question is asked in English and during office hours. Other languages and requests asked during vacation time or weekends may experience longer response time. Likewise, for any special – out of standard – requests, You may not see an immediate reply, but we are responsive.

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Some FlowCon PICV Projects

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FlowCon Project at Oval Village London outside
Heating - Cooling - Fan Coil Units - FlowCon By-Pass Mini - FlowCon Green - FlowCon GreEQ - London - United Kingdom

Modern homes with focus on indoor climate and reduced energy consumption – installed with FCU bypass units including FlowCon PICVs

FlowCon Project at Sarthe Cancer Center in France
Heating - Cooling - Fan Coil Units - FlowCon Green

Center of Excellence combining expertise, innovation, comfort, and humanity – in the fight against cancer. And FlowCon PICVs are used to provide…

FlowCon Project at Zhenru Sub Center in Shanghai
Heating - Cooling - Air handling units - Fan Coil Units - FlowCon Green - FlowCon SM - FlowCon DRJT - FlowCon Wafer

The super high-rise corner stone includes FlowCon PICVs, DPCVs and ABVs

FlowCon Project at Kuwait SOCS University
Heating - Cooling - Air handling units - Heat Recovery Units - FlowCon SM

High level education and high level of temperature control united with FlowCon PICVs – running optimal year in and year out

FlowCon Project at Al-Masa Towers in Egypt
Heating - Cooling - Cooling Towers - Fan Coil Units - Heat Exchangers - FlowCon By-Pass Assembly - FlowCon Green - FlowCon SM

Egypt’s largest hospitality hotel with FlowCon PICVs and pre-tested By-Pass Assemblies for fast and trouble-free installation, flushing and…

FlowCon Project at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport in China
Heating - Cooling - Air handling units - Fan Coil Units - FlowCon Green - FlowCon SM - FlowCon EDP - FlowCon FYC - FlowCon EVS

Huge project providing double terminal area to handle triple number of air travelers