The industrial sector experienced the most innovations in equipment designs and used them to achieve better efficiency and increased productivity. One such small yet important product is a ball valve, a flow control device to manage the liquids and gases. The valves are operated together with an actuator device to regulate an automatic operation and better control the fluids. 

 

This automation eliminates the need for manual labor and direct interaction at the valve, making an actuated ball valve preferable over the manual ones.

What Is The Actuated Ball Valve? 

 

An actuated ball valve is a rotating ball-type pipe valve fitted with an actuator to control the valve’s functioning. Although both actuators and ball valves are different things, they are usually used in pairs. 

 

The actuated ball valve works similarly to the manual ones, except for an actuator mounted instead of a manual lever to manage the conduit connected to the ball. It makes the ball rotate to perform the required function. 

 

When a command is given through remote control, the actuator will rotate to resume or stop the flow through the ball valve. Some electric actuated ball valves can change their positions reacting to the sensor readings such as temperature or pressure.

 

Different types of Actuated Ball Valve 

 

Valve actuators differentiate based on the force produced to operate the valves. The most popular types of actuated ball valves are electric and pneumatic actuated ball valves. 

 

  • Pneumatic Actuated Ball Valve 

The performance of pneumatic actuated ball valve is produced using compressed air. Their ability makes them react quickly, but they do not make a good match for high-pressure environments because of the compressed gas. Pneumatic actuators produce linear motion but can also be used to generate rotary movement. 

 

  • Electric Actuated Ball Valve

As the name suggests, electric actuators use electricity to propel fluid motion. These electrically activated actuators are divided into:

 

Solenoiddriven actuators: An electric current is passed through the coil to generate a magnetic field that produces a metal stem to adjust the position of the electric valve flap.   

 

Motor-driven actuators: Use AC or DC-powered servo motors to make the valve turn in the desired direction, producing linear or rotary motions.

Comparison between Electric and Pneumatic Ball Valves 

  1. Power Source 

The major difference between the two is their driving force of operation. The pneumatic actuators work on an air supply of 60 to 125 PSI, whereas the solenoid valve actuators work on AC or DC voltage. In case of no air supply, electric actuators come handy. 

 

  1. Component Size 

The double-acting pneumatic actuators are about 70% smaller than electric actuators. The pneumatic actuators have higher torque per unit size than electric actuators. Therefore, when large valves are needed, a pneumatic ball valve serves a better purpose. 

 

  1. Speed 

The speed at which the actuator rotates is crucial, especially in critical conditions. With preciseness, electric and pneumatic actuators can both be fast. For example, the pneumatic actuators take ½ seconds to open and one full second to close, and electric ones do the job in 6 seconds, depending on the brand type. 

 

  1. Applications 

The pneumatic actuated ball valves are widely used in industries of oil and gas, automotive, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, power processing, and chemical admixtures and treatment. 

 

The electric actuators are widely used in vehicle wash systems, food service equipment, water treatment equipment, manufacturing facilities, and irrigation systems. 

 

Different Advantages of Electric and Pneumatic Ball Valves 

 

Since the electric and pneumatic ball valves have different features and are used in different areas, let’s check their different advantages.

 

  • Benefitsof Pneumatic Ball Valves 

Budget-friendly

Offer high durability 

Spring return failsafe 

Offer fast cycle time duration

Up to 70% smaller than usual electric actuators 

 

  • Benefits ofElectric Ball Valves 

No compressed air is needed

Produce minimum voice 

Comes with a low operating cost 

Flexible motion controls 

 

Choose YSMETER Actuated Ball Valve 

 

When looking for actuated ball valve, don’t forget to shop from a reliable source such as YSMETER. The trendsetters of the industry have some of the best products to pick from. The actuated ball valve from our YSMETER has praiseworthy features that include:

 

  1. Automatic Compensated Seat that automatically adjusts the fluctuations of pressure and temperature.

 

  1. The stems are made separately from the ball; the lower end is designed with an integral collar to avoid blows. 

 

  1. Actuatedball valves have a uniform and steady torques. 

 

  1. A spring-loaded pin promises smooth functioning between the ball, stem, and body to operate the valve. 

 

  1. The valves from our YSMETER have a high-quality standard that meets the ASME B16.5, B16.10, B16.34, API 608, API 598, API 607/ ISO 10497. 

 

Final Words

 

We at YSMETER have a solid 20 years of experience serving clients worldwide. Using high-quality equipment and abiding by the industry regulations, we are trying to be the undisputed kings of the field. From controlled valves to actuated ball valve of all kinds, YSMETER can meet your all needs.