Introduction

The actuated ball valve is the rotating ball-type valve fitted with an actuator. Yet, it is capable of controlling the function of the valve. Yet, the ball valve and actuator are different things, and they can apply in pairs. It needs an energy source to perform its function.

Yet, the energy source reacted with the pressure differential and design of the valve. The selection of the actuator ball valve depends based on energy. The energy source is either electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic to the actuators.  

Parts of actuated ball valve

How does the actuated ball valve work?

The actuator ball valve works similarly to its corresponding manual valve. Yet, in this valve, the actuator is mounted in place of the lever to run the stem. This item is linked to the ball, which is turned. It rotates the ball to give the required operation. Yet, the actuator gains the signal from the remote control location relying on its position. It will turn to start or stop the fluid stream via the ball valve.

This valve can be built or designed to alter location based on the sensor readings. The sensor can perceive and send changes in pressure or temperature. The actuator ball valve starts when the sensor reaches a pre-determined location set by the machine control staff. This will perform an essential operation.

It keeps the process fluid from executing an area that is already complete. When the sensor perceives the site accessible for more fluid, it activates the actuated ball valve. Yet, this will alter the location to permit process fluid to reach its point.

Types of Actuator ball valve

1. Electric actuated ball valves.

This valve changes the electrical energy into torque via the electric motor. Yet, this turns the valve up to 90 degrees. The torque is transferred to the valve stem, thereby turning the ball valve. The electric actuator is offered in DC and AC models.

Pressure/Temperature Chart for Electric Actuated Ball Valves

• Pneumatic actuated ball valve

A pneumatic actuator also called an air actuator, controls the ball valve by converting the compressed air energy into force. Yet, the pneumatic actuator is divided into a double-acting or a spring return. This division is based on the movement of the pneumatic actuated ball valve.

Double-acting actuators provide the movement required to actuate the valve. It happens when air or liquid is applied to one side of the piston at a higher pressure than the other. In this result, the valve opens and closes by the pneumatic or hydraulic force of the air or liquid energy.

A spring on the opposite side of the piston provides energy to move the systems in a spring return. The single-acting actuated valve supplies one side of the piston with air or liquid. When a spring causes the opposite motion, the pneumatic or hydraulic pressure of the fluids is used to open or close the valve.

Spring return

Comparison between Electric and Pneumatic Ball Valves

1. Power source

The main difference between electric and pneumatic ball valves is their driving force of working. The electric actuator operates on AC and DC voltage. The pneumatic actuator ball valve work on an air supply of 60 to 125 PSI. In case of no air supply, the electric actuator ball valve is operated manually.  

• Component Size

The double-acting pneumatic actuator ball valve is 70% smaller than the electric actuator. The pneumatic actuator has higher torque per unit’s size than electric actuators. Yet, when the large valve requires, the pneumatic actuator ball valve works.

• Speed

The speed of actuator rotation is essential, particularly in difficult situations. Yet, with the preciseness, both pneumatic and electric actuators can be fast. For instance, the pneumatic actuators need half a second to open and one complete set to close. But the electric does this within 6 sec responses on the type of brand.

• Applications

Pneumatic actuated ball valve applied in the industry of;

• Gas
•  Food and beverage
• Automotive
• Pharmaceutical
• Chemical admixture and treatment
• Power processing

The electric actuator applies in food service equipment and vehicle wash system. It also uses in manufacturing facilities, irrigation systems, and treatment equipment.

Seat or Packing Material

In some ball valve designs, friction between the ball and seat or packing will affect operating torque. Yet, this may vary with material and lubricant.

Uses for Actuated Ball Valves

Many industries that use fluids, including water, gas, air, oil, and other media, can use actuated ball valves. You can use actuated ball valves you buy for any of the following uses:

• Business procedures

• Chemical management

• Manufacturing

• Food and drink

• Mining

• Public health facilities

• Power stations

• Refineries for energy

• Production of clean water

• Landfills

• Transportable water

• Swimming facilities

• Irrigation

Additionally, actuated ball valves can be constructed from various materials. Yes, each material has unique properties. The actuated ball valve work in high or low-pressure and temperature environments. Different materials are used to help assure durability in a particular application. These ball valves are also quite durable.

Actuation Arrangement

One should think about how they want to operate the valve they are thinking about. There are many actuation choices available for a ball valve. The valve shows its autonomy from the apparatus it can interface with to be stroked. Installing a lever or handle will ensure that the function of the valve remains a result of manual operation. Other options include installing an electric actuator.

This will motorize the operation of the valve by an electric signal or a pneumatic actuator. Yet, it drives the action of the valve based on pressurized air. This does not support solenoid valves operated by an electric current. It is used to magnetize a ferromagnetic coil that is a part of their design and allows them to be opened or closed. As a result, it can only function by using an electronic signal to activate the valve.

Actuated ball valve vs. Solenoid Valve

An electrical coil is activated to start a solenoid valve, which causes magnetism and causes an iron plunger to move side to side. The medium can move in the desired direction through the tiny holes disclosed by the advancing plunger. Large valves use solenoid valves to reroute air pressure to an actuator to open them. An actuated valve uses motors or air to spin the valve. Motors, which are more resilient to voltage shock, are used to activate valves. Solenoid valves are utilized when flow and pressure are low and a high switching frequency is needed. It is due to because of their rapid opening and closing characteristics.

To start or stop the flow, a solenoid valve is employed. So, an actuated valve is usually a motor and gearbox that can modify the flow in a more limitless manner.

Solenoid valve

Specifications

Sizes

All actuated ball valve series come in fitting diameter sizes ranging from 1/2″ to 6″. There are six different complete valve pipe sizes:

More sizes, dimensions, and non-standard actuator valves can produce for customers on demand.

Connections

There is various type of actuated ball valve connections. These are;

• threaded
• flange
• ａnd socket.

The valves include an integrated that makes installation on the skids possible.

Seals

FPM rubber gasket seals offer exceptional chemicals. It also provides mechanical resistance, which is standard on all actuated valves. When FPM might not be suitable, EPDM rubber-type o-rings are an option. Common stem seals for FPM Viton gaskets are double o-rings. Reversible valve seats made of durable PTFE are a feature of valves.

Speed and Cycle Life

Operating speed may be the most crucial consideration when choosing a ball valve. It depends on the specifics of the application. Electrically actuated ball valves can be slow to open and close. The measuring of the duration in seconds rather than the solenoid’s milliseconds. Also, the ball valve’s electric actuator may have a limited duty cycle. It needs a set proportion of idle time to active time to prevent overheating the motor.

Power Options

Although a ball valve can use an electronic actuator, these use 120 VAC or 24 VDC power sources. These ball valve assemblies can provide more manual override choices. It is because the actuation is non-intrinsic to the valve itself. Yet, the manual override enables one to operate a valve manually by turning a handwheel, bypassing the actuator.

Materials of Construction

Ball valve construction is more varied. Bronze, carbon steel, and stainless steel are common metallic materials offered. Still, there are also options in polymers like PVC, PVDF, and polypropylene. Also, more unusual metal alloys like Hastelloy and Alloy 20. Ball valve products may now handle a broader range of chemical compatibility. Yet, it needs due to the variety of construction materials.

In contrast, ball valves and solenoids can work in clean gas and liquid applications. An actuated ball valve can be more resistant to impurities. Yet, due to its design and material choice, it stands to particles entering the subject medium.

Additionally, there are more end connection possibilities available with ball valves. While threaded and flanged connections are available for both types of valves. Some ball valves also have tri-clamp connections.

These will make them ideal for installation in sanitary applications. It is even ideal for socket-weld links that allow one to use them where welding is required. These quarter-turn devices are better suited for applications involving more harsh conditions. It is due to features like the construction materials and the ability to have welded ends.

Operating pressure

One must also consider the pressures when deciding whether to use a ball valve. In contrast, various designs of each choice can withstａnd varying working pressures. High-pressure ball valves withstａnd working pressures of up to maximum psi. The most inlet pressure and back pressure on the outer side of the valve that such a device can encounter.

Yet, still, functions are both influenced by this working pressure restriction. Thus, a high-pressure ball valve remains a more suitable selection. It is also ideal in an application facing elevating operating pressure.

Summary:

Actuated ball valves use where a fluid’s flow needs to stop, start, or control needs actuated ball valves. The different actuated ball valve types explain in this article. The applications for these valves range widely.