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 heating and cooling applications due to their accurate flow control at any load condition.
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 in the same PICV.
• ΔP control
With changing load requirements in the system, system pressure will also var. 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.

Application
The FlowCon SM is designed for HVAC installations. The 2-way regulation/control valve is used: in radiator heating circuits and inverted heat systems, on fan coil units, air handler units, CRAC units, heat exchangers and hot water tank systems – wherever dynamic balancing and fully accurate temperature control are required.

Application Example
CRAC Unit, Computer Room Air Condition with PICV Direct Control.

The most Advanced PICV in the World with User-friendly Actuator
The FlowCon SM valve is a pressure independent dynamic control valve, which automatically keeps a constant differential pressure across the internal controlling orifice of the valve. FlowCon SM valve setting will limit flow to design flow at full load, and the FlowCon SM actuator will precisely and with full authority limit the flow requirement at any partial load. The dynamic flow characteristics keep the FlowCon SM in constant authority and automatically balanced. This ensures delivery of precisely the flow rate required by each unit, independent of pressure fluctuations in the hydronic system.

The FlowCon SM is a 100% authority pressure independent flow control valve, which instantaneously self-balance at all points of operation, even when there is variance in pressure differential. As long as the differential pressure across the valve is within the operation range, the Kv of the valve is regulated nonstop to keep the control valve in full authority. All together, the choice for FlowCon SM will avoid extensive calculations, assessment of valve authority and over-sized control valves.