Benefits of using flow control orifice plates
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The process engineers said that to prevent pressure buildup before the pump, a flow-limiting orifice plate should be installed in the bypass； I can also install a stop valve, or use a bypass with a control valve for adjustment ； What are the advantages of installing a flow restriction orifice plate? Thank you all for your help
The flow control orifice plate is fixed and cannot be operated from the outside； As long as it is a valve, someone may operate it, and it may also malfunction.
It’s convenient; it reduces the workload for operators
I’m not sure what \"pressure buildup before the pump\" means. If the flow-limiting orifice keeps causing backflow, could that lead to energy waste? I think valves are the better option.
The flow control orifice plate has a simple structure and is easy to install; it can be used in locations where high requirements are not necessary to perform throttling and pressure reduction functions, thereby reducing investment and maintenance costs.
The investment in control valves and control systems is high. The flow limitation of manual valves is problematic in two aspects: first, it is difficult to control the flow rate accurately; second, media with severe erosion can lead to increased localized corrosion of the valve body. With a fixed flow rate at the flow control orifice plate, the flow regime is more stable than that limited by a valve.
So the calculated flow rate of your pump is the normal flow rate plus the flow rate through the orifice plate, right? In fact, this value represents the minimum backflow amount, which is roughly about 1/3 of the pump’s flow rate.
It is mainly to reduce costs and save on maintenance expenses~~
Next question: With a flow control orifice plate in place, is it still necessary to use a manual valve upstream? . . .
The return orifice plate ensures a minimum backflow in the pump. If you close the outlet valve and use the return line to test the pump, the flow control orifice plate will ensure a steady flow rate, whereas operating the manual valve may reduce the flow rate (how many turns are needed to still maintain a certain flow rate?) ), the pump cannot be tested for a long time. Sometimes, the orifice plate is intentionally made larger to give the series-connected manual valve an opportunity to adjust the flow rate. @jiaguoyun
The orifice plate is resistant to fluid erosion, ensuring stable flow