# Can we use a control valve without positioner and what are the uses of control valve with positioner?

**URL:** <https://forumautomation.com/t/can-we-use-a-control-valve-without-positioner-and-what-are-the-uses-of-control-valve-with-positioner/11216>\
**Category:** Valves\
**Tags:** interviewquestions\
**Created:** [June 6, 2023, 7:30am UTC](https://forumautomation.com/t/can-we-use-a-control-valve-without-positioner-and-what-are-the-uses-of-control-valve-with-positioner/11216 "2023-06-06T07:30:02Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
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**Author:** ![Instrument\_Engineer](https://forumautomation.com/user_avatar/forumautomation.com/instrument_engineer/32/6734_2.png) [@Instrument\_Engineer](https://forumautomation.com/u/Instrument_Engineer)\
**Post date:** [June 6, 2023, 7:30am UTC](https://forumautomation.com/t/can-we-use-a-control-valve-without-positioner-and-what-are-the-uses-of-control-valve-with-positioner/11216/1 "2023-06-06T07:30:02Z")

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**Can we use a control valve without positioner ?**

- Yes, it is possible to use a control valve without a positioner.
- A control valve is a crucial component in industrial processes that regulates the flow, pressure, or level of a fluid. While a positioner enhances the performance of a control valve, there are situations where it may not be necessary or practical to use one.
- When a control valve is used without a positioner, it relies solely on its inherent characteristics to respond to changes in the process conditions.
- The valve’s design and actuator are responsible for positioning the valve based on the input signal received from the process controller.

 ![image](https://cdn.forumautomation.com/original/2X/9/941e7c6c1957dd89ac3d1a09777fec7cd6041533.jpeg)

**This arrangement can be suitable in certain cases, such as:**

**Simple Control Systems:**

- In basic control systems where high precision is not required, using a control valve without a positioner can be sufficient.
- If the control requirements are straightforward and the process conditions are relatively stable, a positioner may not be necessary.

**Self-Regulating Valves:**

- Some control valves, known as self-regulating valves, have inherent characteristics that enable them to respond to changes in process conditions without external assistance.
- These valves automatically adjust their position based on the process parameters they are controlling. Examples include pressure-reducing valves or temperature control valves.

**Cost Considerations:**

- Positioners add complexity and cost to the control valve system. They require additional installation, calibration, and maintenance.
- In cases where the benefits of using a positioner do not justify the associated costs, a control valve without a positioner may be preferred.
- While a control valve without a positioner can be used in certain scenarios, it’s important to note that the use of a positioner can significantly enhance control performance and precision.
- A positioner is an accessory that works in conjunction with a control valve to ensure accurate and responsive control.

**What are the uses of control valve with positioner?**

 ![image](https://cdn.forumautomation.com/original/2X/2/2e46c98305b63dc403bec06d1cce0d51b2326e90.jpeg)

**Some key uses of control valves with positioners are:**

**Improved Control Accuracy:**

- A positioner provides precise control by accurately positioning the valve based on the input signal received from the process controller.
- It eliminates the effect of friction, hysteresis, and other non-linearities, allowing for tight control of process variables.

**Enhanced Stability and Response:**

- Positioners help improve the stability and response time of control loops.
- They enable faster and more precise adjustments of the valve position, reducing overshoot, undershoot, and oscillations.
- This leads to improved process control and reduced variability in the system.

**Compensation for Variables:**

- Positioners can compensate for various variables that affect valve performance, such as changes in supply pressure or temperature.
- By continuously monitoring and adjusting the valve position, the positioner ensures that the valve responds correctly to the control signal and maintains the desired process conditions.

**Diagnostic and Monitoring Capabilities:**

- Many modern positioners offer advanced diagnostic features and monitoring capabilities.
- They can provide valuable information about valve performance, including valve travel, air pressure, and feedback signals.
- This data can be used for predictive maintenance, troubleshooting, and optimizing control system performance.

**Compatibility with Complex Control Strategies:**

- Positioners are essential for implementing advanced control strategies such as cascade control, split-range control, or ratio control.
- These strategies require precise control of multiple valves, and positioners enable accurate coordination between them.

While it is possible to use a control valve without a positioner in certain cases, a positioner offers numerous benefits in terms of control accuracy, stability, response time, compensation for variables, diagnostic capabilities, and compatibility with complex control strategies.

The decision to use a control valve with or without a positioner depends on the specific control requirements, process conditions, and cost considerations.