Automated ball valves are selected for applications that require low pressure losses, have higher flow rates or higher pressures that what would normally be used for solenoid valves. The full flow pattern of a ball valve offer little resistance to flow. Good for most non-modulating control applications.
Pneumatic (Air) actuators usually offer lower pricing than electric actuators plus the ability to easily return to a normally closed (or open) position in the event of a system or power failure. The cycle time for the pneumatic valve to actuate is under a second compared to an electric valve cycle time of 5 to 10 seconds. Air pressure, when actuated, pushed against a piston with the force transferred to a rotating force turning the ball within the valve - the rotation is normally 90 degrees. The ability to continuously adjust the valve opening position in a process control system is not possible when using pneumatic actuators.
For fail safe operation, the air piston works against a spring that will return the valve to the original position when air pressure is released. A three way air pilot valve is required to control the operation.
The actuator can be made in a double acting (or air x air) mode that will require air pressure to open and close the valve. A spring return is not used in this case. A four way air pilot valve is required to control the operation.
Electric actuators offer the advantage of operation with using electricity only. An electric motor within the actuator is gear driven to rotate the ball within the valve. Rotation of the actuator can be 90 degrees reversing, 180 degree reversing (for three way valves) or one direction with stops at 90 degree positions. Two electrical circuits are required - one for opening and one for closing. The valve will not return to a safety position in the event of a power failure without the use of a secondary battery power supply system. Actuators can easily provide signal relays that advise the position of the valve for control systems. The GF "EA" Series actuator offers options to control the position of the valve or the cycle time. In addition to 110VAC power supplies, actuators are available for 12 or 24volt AC or DC power.
Plast-O-Matic Valves - Actuated Valve
Pneumatic and electric - 2 & 3 Way
PVC, CPVC, Polypropylene and PVDF
True Union Connectors - 1/2" - 2"
Plast-O-Matic Click Here
George Fischer - Actuated Valves
Pneumatic and electric - 2 & 3 Way
PVC, CPVC, Polypropylene and PVDF
True Union Connectors - 1/2" -6"
George Fischer Click Here
Spears Manufacturing - Actuated Valve
Pneumatic and electric - 2 Way
PVC and CPVC
Compact or True Union Connectors - 1/2" - 2"
Spears
Manufacturing Click
Here
InLine - Actuated Valve
316SS - 2 & 3 Way
one, two & three piece designs
Threaded, flanged, sanitary
InLine
Click
Here
Banjo - Actuated Valve
12VDC electric - 2 & 3 Way
polypro with 316SS balls
Threaded Connectors - 1/2" - 2"
Banjo 12 volt Click Here