Flow Coefficient Cv vs. Flow Factor Kv
Comparing flow coefficients Cv to flow factors Kv. Convert between imperial (Cv) and metric (Kv) flow coefficients for control valves.
Flow Coefficient Cv vs. Flow Factor Kv
The flow coefficient - Cv - or the flow factor - Kv - are commonly used to specify capacities of control valves.
Flow Coefficient - Cv
Based on the imperial units system, the flow coefficient Cv is defined as:
- The flow of water through a valve at 60°F in U.S. gallon/minute at a pressure drop of 1 lb/in²
- Commonly used in the U.S.
Flow Factor - Kv
The metric equivalent based on the SI-system, the flow factor Kv is defined as:
- The flow of water with temperature ranging 5-30°C through a valve in cubic meters per hour (m³/h) at a pressure drop of 1 bar
- Commonly used outside the U.S.
Conversion Formulas
- Cv = 1.16 × Kv
- Kv = 0.862 × Cv