Control valve
Valves are mechanical devices that control the flow of fluids such as gas, liquid, fluidised solids, slurries, and so on, by opening, closing or partially obstructing a passage.
‘The primary aim of any control system is to maintain specified comfort conditions, such as temperature. A simple control system may achieve this by switching items such as pumps and boilers on and off. A more complex system such as a BMS will use motorised control valves to control the flow rate of water in heating and cooling circuits, and motorised dampers to control the flow of air in ductwork. Both valves and dampers are moved by actuators, which receive signals from the control system.’ Ref Guide to Controls (BG 83/2023) written by John Marrow and published by BSRIA in June 2023.
Types of control valves include:
- Ball valve.
- Butterfly valve.
- Differential pressure control valve.
- Four port control valve.
- Globe valve.
- Pressure independent control valve.
- Rotary shoe valve.
- Three port control valve.
- Two port control valve.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.