# Valve Group Control Node
The Valve Group Control Node is an intelligent software component that manages multiple valves as a single coordinated group. It acts as the “master controller” for all valves in a group, automatically distributing total flow, monitoring pressure drops, and optimizing system performance and safety.

## What Processes Can It Connect With?
Control Modules: Receives total flow setpoints or operational commands and orchestrates all connected valves to deliver the required process conditions.

Equipment Monitoring: Monitors the real-time status, position, and pressure drop (deltaP) of each valve, detecting problems or imbalances early.

Data Analysis: Aggregates valve data for dashboards, system analytics, and compliance reporting.

Other Nodes: Integrates with rotating machine nodes, measurement nodes, or other group controllers to support system-wide coordination and optimization.

## Inputs / Outputs
### Inputs:
Total flow setpoint (from operator, automation, or higher-level control)

Operational commands (sequences, emergency stop, status checks)

Configuration settings (operational modes, allowed sources, group properties)

Real-time data from all connected (child) valve nodes

### Outputs:
Calculated flow assigned to each valve, based on Kv value and position

Max deltaP across the valve group (critical for diagnostics and protection)

Group state and operational status

Real-time events for dashboards, alarms, and connected systems

## Key Capabilities
Automatic Flow Distribution: Divides total flow among all connected valves in proportion to their Kv (capacity) and actual position.

Pressure Monitoring: Continuously calculates the highest (max) deltaP in the group, providing a single indicator for potential issues or maintenance needs.

Flexible Control: Supports sequences (open/close cycles), emergency stops, and other automation strategies for coordinated valve management.

Event-Driven Updates: Reacts instantly to flow changes, setpoint adjustments, or changes in valve positions—keeping the system in sync at all times.

Child Valve Integration: Registers and manages all connected valves, directly updating each child valve with new flow assignments as process needs change.

Configurable Modes: Can operate in different modes or accept control from multiple sources, depending on plant requirements.

## Why is this relevant:
Balanced Process Control: Prevents overloading or starving any single valve, extending equipment life and maintaining process stability.

Fault Detection: Makes it easy to spot when one valve is experiencing excessive pressure drop, helping to avoid costly failures.

Easy Integration: Plug-and-play with any number of valves or control strategies; adapts easily to system upgrades or expansions.

## Potential Use Cases
Aeration Systems: Controls multiple air valves in parallel to distribute air across tanks or zones.

Distribution Networks: Manages groups of water, gas, or chemical valves to meet variable demand.

Critical Processes: Ensures redundancy and reliability by automatically balancing flows across backup or parallel valves.

Operator Dashboards: Aggregates and simplifies complex valve group data for real-time process monitoring.

### Summary Table
Feature	Description
Input	Total flow setpoint, commands, configs, valve data
Output	Assigned flow per valve, max deltaP, group state
Connects To	Valve nodes, measurement nodes, controllers, dashboards
Smartness	Auto flow split, pressure monitoring, event-driven sync
Setup	Configurable per group, handles any number of valves
Benefit	Optimized, reliable, and easy valve group management

If you operate systems with multiple valves working together, the Valve Group Control Node automates flow balancing and monitoring—improving efficiency, reliability, and process transparency.