Which valve is used to maintain constant flow rate irrespective of load and is described as a two-way flow regulating valve?

• A. Two-way flow regulating valve
• B. Meter-in
• C. Flow control valves
• D. Restrictor

Answer: (A)

Maintaining a constant flow rate regardless of load is achieved by a flow regulator that can compensate for changes in pressure downstream. A two-way flow regulating valve is designed for this purpose: it automatically adjusts its opening to keep the output flow at a set value even when the load resists motion or pressure changes. In one direction or the other, the valve responds to the actual flow and pressure, so if the load increases and would normally slow the actuator, the valve opens to keep Q steady; if the load decreases, it narrows the opening to maintain the same flow. This targeted capability to hold a fixed flow under varying conditions is why this valve is the best fit for the requirement.

Meter-in valves focus on restricting flow entering a circuit from the pump to control pressure or acceleration, but they don’t automatically maintain a constant flow as loads vary. Flow control valves (in general) throttle flow, but without built-in compensation, the resulting flow tends to change with load and pressure. A restrictor is simply a fixed orifice that passively throttles flow, producing a flow that depends on the supply pressure and load rather than staying constant.