In industrial processes, a control valve is a tool used to manage the flow of fluids like gas, steam, water, or oil. A vital component of a control loop, control valves regulate the fluid's level, temperature, pressure, and flow rate.

The main components of a control valve work together to regulate the flow, pressure, or temperature of fluids in a process system. These include the valve body, which forms the primary housing for internal parts and provides the passageway for fluid flow. Inside the body, the trim—comprising the plug, seat, and stem—controls the fluid flow by varying the valve's opening. The actuator is responsible for moving the valve's trim and can be pneumatic, electric, or hydraulic, depending on the system's needs.