Frequently Asked Questions

Can DeltaPValves defer capital improvement projects?

Yes. When poor delta T performance is wasting system capacity, improved hydronic control recovers that capacity without requiring equipment additions. The John Hancock Center case study recovered 1,800 tons of cooling capacity—equivalent to avoiding a major chiller plant expansion—while simultaneously reducing energy consumption by 25%. This approach to HVAC system capacity recovery through precision control often eliminates the need for costly equipment expansion. If existing systems are operating at or near maximum capacity but delta T performance is degraded, improving control precision often recovers significant capacity before additional equipment investment is required.

Many utility companies offer financial incentives for energy efficiency improvements that demonstrate measured energy savings. Documented DeltaPValve projects have received substantial utility incentives ranging from $275,000 to $550,000. Utility rebate programs typically require pre-approval before installation, measured energy savings documentation, and independent verification of performance. Contact your local utility provider to determine available incentive programs. Flow Control can provide the technical documentation necessary to support rebate applications.

Product Overview

What is a pressure independent control valve (PICV)?

A pressure independent control valve (PICV) is a hydronic control device that combines three critical functions in a single valve body: control valve operation, flow regulation, and pressure compensation. Unlike pressure-dependent control valves where flow rates vary with system pressure fluctuations, PICVs maintain constant flow rates regardless of differential pressure changes across the valve. This pressure independence eliminates flow variation that degrades delta T performance and reduces overall system efficiency in hydronic HVAC systems.

The DeltaPValve® is Flow Control Industries’ flagship pressure independent control valve, originally developed in 1988 as the first PICV designed specifically for HVAC applications. The DeltaPValve® integrates control valve, flow regulation, and pressure compensation capabilities to deliver superior hydronic system performance. Each valve is hand-built and individually tested at Flow Control’s Woodinville, Washington manufacturing facility, ensuring consistent quality and performance across all installations.

Traditional control valves are pressure dependent, meaning their flow rates fluctuate as system pressure changes throughout the distribution network. The DeltaPValve® maintains precise flow control across its full operating range regardless of pressure variations. Independent testing by Utah Water Research Laboratory demonstrates that DeltaPValves maintain +/-2.7% flow variation, compared to pressure independent control valves from other manufacturers that exhibit +/-6.7-13.1% flow variation under identical test conditions. This three-times-greater accuracy translates directly to improved delta T performance, enhanced system stability, and reduced energy consumption.

DeltaPValves are engineered for hydronic HVAC systems across multiple facility types:

Healthcare Facilities: Hospitals and medical centers requiring precise environmental control in patient areas, operating rooms, and critical support spaces where temperature stability is essential for patient safety and comfort.

Educational Institutions: K-12 schools, colleges, and universities needing reliable long-term performance across varying occupancy loads. Notable installations include University of Washington Life Sciences Building (AIA 2021 COTE Top Ten Award winner) and University of Virginia sustainability initiatives.

Commercial Office Buildings: Large commercial buildings and high-rise towers focused on tenant comfort and energy cost reduction. The John Hancock Center installation demonstrated 300% improvement in delta T performance with 1,800 tons of recovered cooling capacity.

Data Centers: Mission-critical facilities demanding precision cooling control, maximum uptime reliability, and scalable performance for expanding server loads.

Airports and Transportation: Large transportation facilities including Portland International Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport requiring 24/7 environmental control across expansive spaces.

Industrial and Manufacturing: Process facilities including pharmaceutical plants, food and beverage manufacturing, and chemical processing operations requiring precise environmental control.

Performance and Guarantees

What is Flow Control's Delta T Performance Guarantee?

Flow Control Industries provides an industry-exclusive Delta T Performance Guarantee stating that heating and cooling coils equipped with DeltaPValves will meet or exceed maximum load design delta T performance at all load conditions as projected by ARI certified coil data. If the valves fail to deliver specified performance, Flow Control provides replacement valves at no cost. This guarantee is unique in the PICV industry and reflects Flow Control’s confidence in over 37 years of independent testing data and documented field performance across thousands of installations.

All DeltaPValves from ½-inch through 8-inch are covered by an industry-leading 10-year warranty. Flow Control Industries warrants its pressure independent valves to be free of defects in material and workmanship for 10 years from date of shipment to the original purchaser, assuming proper installation, proper maintenance, normal operating conditions, and competent supervision. This warranty duration is at least twice as long as typical competitor warranties, which generally range from 2-5 years.

DeltaPValves have demonstrated 20-40% reduction in HVAC energy consumption across diverse facility types and system configurations. These results represent measured performance from actual utility billing data and building automation system trending, not theoretical projections.

Independent testing conducted by Utah Water Research Laboratory validates that DeltaPValves maintain +/-2.7% flow variation across their operating differential pressure range. Competing pressure independent control valves tested under identical laboratory conditions demonstrated +/-6.7-13.1% flow variation. This three-times-greater accuracy is critical for maintaining design delta T performance, particularly at part-load conditions where HVAC systems operate approximately 90% of annual runtime hours.

Technical Specifications

What flow ranges are available?

DeltaPValves are available in flow ranges from 0.5 GPM to 5,500 GPM, providing precision control capability throughout the entire hydronic system from individual terminal units to primary distribution loops. This comprehensive range allows specification of DeltaPValves across all system components for consistent performance characteristics.

The DeltaPValve® provides 100:1 turndown ratio, meaning it maintains accurate flow control throughout the full range from minimum to maximum flow capacity. Turndown ratio is critical because HVAC systems spend approximately 90% of operating hours at part-load conditions below 50% of peak capacity. Wide turndown ratio ensures precise control during part-load operation when occupants are present and comfort requirements are most demanding. Insufficient turndown capability results in degraded delta T performance exactly when system accuracy is most needed for occupant comfort and energy efficiency.

DeltaPValves maintain leaving air temperature within ±0.1°F of setpoint. This tight temperature tolerance is essential for maintaining system stability and achieving design or superior delta T performance. Precise LAT control eliminates temperature swings that cause occupant discomfort complaints and excessive maintenance calls while ensuring that coil selection software predictions match actual field performance.

Each DeltaPValve® receives individual factory testing and calibration to ensure full shutoff capability and pressure independent performance within published specifications. Every valve includes a factory-certified flow tag documenting actual test data from that specific unit. This individual testing protocol ensures consistent field performance and provides verification data for commissioning and troubleshooting purposes.

DeltaPValve industrial quality construction incorporates:

Materials: Stainless steel and brass internal components engineered for 30+ year lifecycle reliability in commercial HVAC environments with exposure to temperature cycling, water quality variations, and continuous operation.

Debris Resistance: High spring force, large diaphragm surface area, and large internal passageways throughout the valve body provide resistance to debris accumulation and flow restriction. This design reduces maintenance requirements and extends service life in real-world system conditions.

Precision Engineering: Internal valve design utilizes tight manufacturing tolerances, dynamic spring forces, and carefully calculated area ratios. Each component plays an equally important role in valve performance and long-term reliability.

Field Verification: Inlet, intermediate, and outlet pressure/temperature ports enable field verification of pressure independent operation, flow rate validation, shutoff confirmation, and system troubleshooting without valve removal.

Manufacturing Quality: Hand-built and individually tested at Flow Control’s Woodinville, Washington facility with quality control oversight throughout the manufacturing process.

Installation and Commissioning

Are DeltaPValves self-balancing?

Yes. The pressure independent design eliminates the requirement for manual hydronic balancing during system commissioning. Once properly sized and installed according to specifications, DeltaPValves automatically maintain design flow rates regardless of system pressure changes. This self-balancing characteristic eliminates the need for repeated system commissioning after initial installation, significantly reducing the long-term cost of maintaining system performance. When zones are added or modified, the pressure independent operation ensures that existing valves continue to deliver design flow without rebalancing.

Each DeltaPValve® incorporates inlet, intermediate, and outlet pressure/temperature ports that enable field verification of:

  • Pressure independent operation across the specified differential pressure range
  • Actual flow rates compared to design specifications
  • Complete valve shutoff when closed
  • System troubleshooting and performance diagnosis when issues arise

This field verifiability provides engineers and facility managers with the capability to confirm that specified performance is being delivered without relying solely on theoretical calculations or manufacturer claims.

DeltaPValves should be installed in the supply or return line serving each heating or cooling coil, terminal unit, or zone. Proper installation location ensures accurate control of flow to each individual load while maintaining pressure independence across the distribution system. Detailed installation guidelines, including piping configurations, orientation requirements, and clearance specifications, are provided in Flow Control’s technical documentation.

DeltaPValves require minimal maintenance due to their debris-resistant design and industrial-quality construction. Routine maintenance consists of periodic verification of pressure independent operation using the integral P/T ports and visual inspection for leaks or physical damage. The self-balancing design eliminates the need for flow balancing adjustments throughout the valve’s service life. Detailed maintenance procedures are provided in Flow Control’s technical documentation.

Case Studies and Performance Validation

John Hancock Center, Chicago

Challenge: The 100-story office tower was experiencing poor delta T performance (6°F achieved vs. 18°F design), resulting in lost cooling capacity and excessive energy consumption.

Solution: DeltaPValve installation throughout the mechanical system with high Delta T design approach.

Measured Results:

  • 300% improvement in delta T performance (6°F improved to 18°F)
  • 1,800 tons of recovered cooling capacity
  • 25% reduction in HVAC energy consumption
  • $10 million reduction in first cost by recovering capacity vs. adding chillers

About Flow Control Industries

Company Background

Flow Control Industries, founded in 1988 in Woodinville, Washington, developed the first pressure independent control valve specifically designed for HVAC applications. With 37+ years of experience as the original PICV developer, Flow Control has the longest track record in the industry with thousands of installations across diverse facility types. All DeltaPValves are hand-built and individually tested at the Woodinville, Washington manufacturing facility. The DeltaPValve® technology is protected by 17 US patents.

Product Selection and Engineering Support

How do I select the appropriate DeltaPValve® for my application?

Flow Control Industries provides engineering support through a consultative application engineering process. Proper valve selection requires analysis of system-specific parameters including:

  • Design flow rates and operating pressure ranges
  • Coil selection data and performance requirements
  • Control valve authority and system configuration
  • Differential pressure availability across operating conditions
  • Installation location and piping configuration

Contact Flow Control’s technical team for system-specific DeltaPValve® sizing recommendations and performance calculations. Proper application engineering is essential for achieving the performance guaranteed by Flow Control.

Yes. Flow Control provides specification-ready language including performance requirements, testing methodology references, warranty terms, and installation specifications. The specification language is designed to clearly communicate the performance characteristics unique to DeltaPValves, enabling mechanical engineers and MEP consultants to create non-substitutable specifications when project requirements demand the superior accuracy and guaranteed performance that DeltaPValves provide.

Documentation includes:

  • Complete technical specifications
  • Performance data with independent testing validation
  • Submittal data for design review
  • Installation and commissioning guidelines
  • Operation and maintenance requirements

Flow Control provides comprehensive technical documentation including:

  • Product catalogs with complete specifications
  • Selection and sizing software
  • Installation, operation, and maintenance manuals
  • Submittal data packages
  • AutoCAD drawings and BIM models
  • Performance curves and technical data sheets
  • Case studies with measured performance results
  • LEED documentation for sustainability certification

Corporate Headquarters:
 Flow Control Industries, Inc.
18715 141st Ave NE
 Woodinville, WA 98072

Phone: 206.483.1297
Website: www.flowcontrol.com
Email: info@flowcontrol.com

Flow Control works through a network of manufacturers’ representatives throughout North America who provide local technical support, product availability, and jobsite assistance. Contact Flow Control directly to be connected with your regional representative.

Total Cost of Ownership and Financial Analysis

What is total cost of ownership (TCO) for DeltaPValves?

Total cost of ownership includes initial equipment purchase price plus installation costs, commissioning expenses, maintenance costs, and energy consumption over the system’s operational lifecycle (typically 20-30 years for commercial HVAC systems).

DeltaPValves deliver lower total cost of ownership compared to traditional balancing valves and competing PICVs through:

Energy Savings: 20-40% reduction in HVAC energy consumption over 20+ year lifecycle
 Maintenance Reduction: Self-balancing operation eliminates hydronic system recommissioning costs
 Extended Warranty: 10-year warranty coverage vs. typical 2-5 year competitor warranties
 Capacity Recovery: Improved delta T performance often recovers lost system capacity, deferring or eliminating capital expansion projects

While initial equipment cost may be higher than pressure-dependent control valves, the lifecycle cost analysis consistently demonstrates superior return on investment through reduced operating costs and deferred capital expenditures.

Sustainability and Environmental Impact

How do DeltaPValves support LEED certification?

DeltaPValves contribute to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification through demonstrated 20-40% HVAC energy reduction supporting EA Credit: Optimize Energy Performance, and industry-leading performance guarantee that may qualify for ID Credit: Innovation. Flow Control provides technical documentation required for LEED submittal including energy modeling inputs, performance data, and independent testing validation. Notable LEED projects include the University of Washington Life Sciences Building (AIA 2021 COTE Top Ten Award winner, LEED Platinum certification).

Improved delta T performance reduces environmental impact through:

Reduced Energy Consumption: 20-40% HVAC energy reduction translates directly to reduced greenhouse gas emissions from power generation

Avoided Equipment Expansion: Capacity recovery through improved efficiency eliminates the embodied carbon and resource consumption associated with manufacturing, transporting, and installing additional HVAC equipment

Extended Equipment Life: Reduced operating hours and improved system stability extend the service life of existing equipment, deferring replacement and associated environmental impact

Water Conservation: Reduced cooling tower makeup water requirements in systems serving cooling towers due to improved system efficiency

Organizations with corporate sustainability commitments benefit from DeltaPValve installation through:

Measurable Carbon Reduction: Documented energy savings translate to quantified greenhouse gas emission reductions for sustainability reporting

Sustainability Reporting: Measured performance data supports ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) reporting requirements

Green Building Certifications: Contribution to LEED, ENERGY STAR, and other certification programs

Operational Efficiency: Demonstrated commitment to operational excellence through proven energy efficiency investments

Universities including University of Washington and University of Virginia have incorporated DeltaPValves into campus-wide sustainability initiatives with documented results supporting their institutional sustainability goals.

Contact Information

For technical questions regarding valve selection, sizing, application engineering, or specification development, contact Flow Control Industries:

Flow Control Industries, Inc.
 18715 141st Ave NE
 Woodinville, WA 98072
 Phone: (425) 483-1297
 Web: www.flowcontrol.com
Email: info@flowcontrol.com

For information about regional representatives, product availability, local technical support, or to schedule a facility consultation, contact Flow Control directly or visit https://www.flowcontrol.com/  to locate your regional manufacturers’ representative.