Engineering English
Control Valve
Chemical Engineering · Mechanical Engineering · Last updated: July 30, 2026 · How this entry was written
Definition: A control valve is a final control element in a process control system that modulates fluid flow in response to a signal from a controller. It adjusts the flow rate to maintain a desired process variable such as pressure, temperature, or level.
Example in context
“The control valve on the steam line must be calibrated to maintain the reactor temperature at the set point.”
“Buhar hattındaki kontrol vanası, reaktör sıcaklığını ayar noktasında tutmak için kalibre edilmelidir.”
Where engineers use it
Control valves are used in pipelines and process vessels to adjust flow based on signals from a PID controller. An engineer calibrates the valve to ensure accurate response during startup and normal operation.
Synonyms: final control element, regulating valve
In Mechanical Engineering
A valve whose opening is continuously adjusted by an actuator in response to a controller signal, so that flow, pressure, temperature or level is held at a set point. It is the final control element of a regulating loop.
“When the outlet temperature rises, the controller closes the control valve slightly and the steam flow into the heat exchanger is reduced.”
Practice: can you use “Control Valve” at work?
During a plant startup, the reactor temperature is oscillating. The operator notices the control valve on the cooling water line may be sticking. Evaluate the valve's response and recommend corrective action.
Show a model answer
“Check the control valve position and verify the actuator stroke before startup.”
“Control Valve” in 21 languages
| English | Control Valve |
|---|---|
| Turkish | kontrol vanası |
| French | vanne de régulation |
| German | Stellventil |
| Spanish | válvula de control |
| Chinese | 控制阀 |
| Arabic | صمام التحكم |
| Portuguese | válvula de controle |
| Russian | регулирующий клапан |
| Japanese | 調節弁 |
| Italian | valvola di controllo |
| Vietnamese | van điều khiển |
| Hindi | नियंत्रण वाल्व |
| Thai | วาล์วควบคุม |
| Indonesian | katup kontrol |
| Korean | 제어 밸브 |
| Bengali | কন্ট্রোল ভালভ |
| Dutch | regelklep |
| Swedish | reglerventil |
| Finnish | säätöventtiili |
| Ukrainian | регулювальний клапан |
Frequently asked questions
What does Control Valve mean in engineering?
A control valve is a final control element in a process control system that modulates fluid flow in response to a signal from a controller. It adjusts the flow rate to maintain a desired process variable such as pressure, temperature, or level. In Chemical Engineering, the term carries a usage-frequency rating of 10/10 in the Engineering English library.
How do you pronounce Control Valve?
Control Valve is pronounced /kənˈtroʊl vælv/ (IPA). The Engineering English app plays audio for the term and checks your pronunciation with speech recognition.
How is Control Valve used in a sentence?
Example from an engineering context: “The control valve on the steam line must be calibrated to maintain the reactor temperature at the set point.”
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