scope:

ANSI/ISA-75.01.01 (IEC 60534-2-1 Mod)-2007 includes equations for predicting the flow coefficient of compressible and incompressible fluids through control valves.

The equations for incompressible flow are based on standard hydrodynamic equations for Newtonian incompressible fluids. They are not intended for use when non-Newtonian fluids, fluid mixtures, slurries, or liquid-solid conveyance systems are encountered.

At very low ratios of pressure differential to absolute inlet pressure (P/P₁), compressible fluids behave similarly to incompressible fluids. Under such conditions, the sizing equations for compressible flow can be traced to the standard hydrodynamic equations for Newtonian incompressible fluids. However, increasing values of P/P₁ result in compressibility effects that require that the basic equations be modified by appropriate correction factors. The equations for compressible fluids are for use with gas or vapor and are not intended for use with multiphase streams such as gas-liquid, vapor-liquid or gas-solid mixtures.

For compressible fluid applications, this part of ISA-75.01.01-2007 is valid for all valves. However, manufacturers of some valves with x_T greater than or equal to 0.84 have reported minor inaccuracies (see Annex G). Caution must also be exercised when applying the equations for compressible fluids to gaseous mixtures of compounds, particularly near phase boundaries.

The accuracy of results computed with the equations in this standard will be governed by the accuracy of the constituent coefficients and the process data supplied. Methods of evaluating the coefficients used in the equations presented herein are given in ANSI/ISA-75.02-1996. The stated accuracy associated with the coefficients in that document is ± 5% when C_v /d² less than 0.047 N₁₈. Reasonable accuracy can only be maintained for control valves if C_v /d² less than 0.047 N₁₈.