SINGLE POINT FLOW CONTROL
Flow Regulators
Smartflow Flow Regulators provide unique, single-point flow controls. The Delta-Q® low-cost precision flow regulator module, brass-body, high temperature stainless steel, and automatically actuated models are available.
About Flow Regulators
Flow Regulators provide coolant flow rate control for individual channels in industrial temperature control applications.
- Allow full flow in channels with internal restrictions to provide additional cooling capacity.
- Balance Turbulent Flow or Reynolds Number across multiple cooling circuits to stabilize heat transfer of different zones within a tool, producing more even cooling and improving finished part quality.
- Conserve cooling water capacity for downstream cooling water needs.
Common Questions About Flow Regulators
For best results, flow regulators should be placed on the return side of the loop, or after the water has exited the mold.
All surfaces inside the cooling circuits should be in direct contact with the cooling water. If you create a restriction going into the cooling circuits, you may cause only a trick of water flow through the supply. This cooling water stream may not make full contact with cooling channels and could adversely affect molded part quality due to uneven heat transfer.
When the Reynolds Number is the same for all cooling channels in an injection mold, heat transfer is more even throughout the tool.
A flow regulator can help molders adjust the flow rate of different cooling channels individually. Using our Turbulent Flow Calculator and Scientific Cooling principles, the Reynolds Number can be calculated and balanced.
For an animated example, watch our YouTube animation.
Using a ball valve to shut off flow completely is a faster way to shut down the flow than a flow regulator. Shutting off a ball valve allows the flow regulator setting to remain in place while closing off cooling water completely
An increase in temperature may indicate a blocked line or the need for additional cooling water flow.
A drop in pressure may indicate a leak in a cooling line. By contrast, an increase in pressure may indicate a blocked cooling passage. In either event, abnormal pressure draws attention to a potential cooling water issue.