The Complete Guide to electric actuator ball valve

Discover the working principles, types, applications, advantages, and features of electric actuator ball valves in this comprehensive guide.

Discover everything you need to know about electric actuator ball valves in our comprehensive guide. From how they work to their applications, we cover it all. Improve your understanding of this important piece of industrial equipment and make informed decisions for your business.

Ball valves are quick-acting types of valves that only require 90 degrees of turn of an actuator lever to open or close fully; however, when partially open, the turbulent flow created limits its use as a flow control device.

Electric actuators produce torque depending on how much power is necessary to open or close a valve; depending on its size and your specific needs, more or less torque may be necessary.

Let’s take a detailed look at the electric actuator ball valve.

What is an Electric Actuated Ball Valve (EABV)?

An EABV is a device that replaces levers to allow remote control of valves. EABVs are often employed in various industries and settings in order to automate the opening and closing actions of valves; there are multiple styles available, and these devices work with various valve types.

Electric actuator ball valves come in various metals such as brass and 304 stainless steel – materials that offer corrosion protection for use in different environments. These materials make an ideal choice when selecting an electric actuator ball valve.

Types of Electric Actuator Ball Valves

Electric actuator ball valves come in various varieties on the market. Each variety offers specific advantages over another, and selecting the appropriate valve is key to ensuring optimal results.

At the core of selecting an effective valve actuator is selecting one with appropriate rotational values and operating speeds that meet specific application needs.

  • Linear Electric Actuators

Linear electric actuators provide precise movement of objects through the precise movement of actuator arms and push/pull buttons, making them the ideal solution for applications requiring precise movements of objects or people.

Linear actuators come in many sizes and shapes to control the movement of various items. Ideal for applications that need to be modified quickly.

  • Rotary Electric Actuators

Rotary electric actuators utilize the power of an electrical motor to rotate components, typically providing indexing and control capabilities as well as multiple stop positions along their stroke. Their rotational element may consist of either a circular shaft or a table with keyways for mounting additional components.

Rotary electric actuator ball valves are an increasingly popular actuation device used for controlling fluid flow within industries like water treatment, air conditioning, and chemical. Their small size, high torque output, and simple installation make these actuation devices ideal solutions.

  • Pneumatic Electric Actuators

Pneumatic, electric actuator ball valves resemble pneumatic cylinders in design; however, instead of using air power, they rely on electricity-powered motors with gear trains attached that creates torque needed to cycle a ball valve.

Pneumatic systems are well known for their efficiency; however, this can depend on factors such as air quality, seal wear, and moisture within their infrastructure. All these variables can alter system efficiency over the lifespan of an equipment or machine and lead to higher operating costs and costs for operation.

  • Hydraulic Electric Actuators

Hydraulic electric actuator ball valves transform electrical energy into the mechanical force used to open or close a valve, making them indispensable tools in many industries, such as manufacturing, robotics, and power plants.

These devices feature a servo-controlled lead screw driven by a motor for precise force output control.

These types of valves are also easy to operate, being remotely managed via an onboard control station.

Applications of electric actuator ball valve

Electric actuator ball valves are widely used in a variety of industrial and commercial applications where precise and automated control of fluid flow is required. Some of the common applications of electric actuator ball valves are:

  • Water and wastewater treatment plants
  • HVAC systems
  • Chemical processing plants
  • Oil and gas industry
  • Food and beverage industry
  • Pharmaceutical industry

Working principles of electric actuator ball valve

Powering up the electric actuator: When an electric current is supplied to the electric actuator, it converts electrical energy into mechanical energy.

Rotating the ball valve: The mechanical energy generated by the electric actuator is used to rotate the ball-shaped closure element within the valve body. This movement of the ball valve either opens or closes the flow path of the fluid, allowing it to flow or stop.

Controlling the flow of fluid: By regulating the rotation of the ball-shaped closure element, the electric actuator ball valve can precisely control the flow of fluid through the valve. The valve can be set to open or close at specific angles or positions, allowing for accurate flow control.

Shutting off the valve: When the electric actuator is powered off, the ball-shaped closure element returns to its closed position, shutting off the flow of fluid through the valve.

Working Principles of electric actuator ball valve

  • An electric actuator ball valve uses an electric actuator to control the opening and closing of a ball-shaped valve.
  • The electric actuator converts electrical energy into mechanical energy, which rotates the ball-shaped closure element within the valve body.
  • By regulating the rotation of the ball valve, the electric actuator ball valve can precisely control the flow of fluid through the valve.
  • The valve can be set to open or close at specific angles or positions, allowing for accurate flow control.
  • When the electric actuator is powered off, the ball-shaped closure element returns to its closed position, shutting off the flow of fluid through the valve.

Here is a video on the Basics actuator control valve working principle, hope it will be helpful for you.

Advantages and Features of Electric Actuator Ball Valves

Electric actuator ball valves offer several distinct advantages that make them attractive solutions for many different applications. Notably, their high-duty cycle rating and reduced maintenance needs make them particularly suitable for frequent piping operations that involve frequent cycling operations.

These valves also feature an automatic shut-off function to save energy by automatically closing when power is lost and are ideal for creating fail-safe systems in case of a power outage.

  • Low Power Consumption

Electric actuator ball valves are one of the most energy-efficient ways of operating valves, as their motors only consume power when in operation.

Electric valve actuators offer several distinct advantages over pneumatic actuators that rely on compressed air supplies to operate their pistons, including accessibility in places without ready access or expensive compressed air sources. Furthermore, electric actuators may even be suitable for locations that do not provide access to compressed air sources or where obtaining such access might prove too expensive or unavailable.

  • Reduced Maintenance

Electric actuator ball valves are an increasingly popular choice for industrial automation applications due to their minimal maintenance needs and range of advantages, including reduced power consumption, higher duty cycles, and straightforward installations.

Reduced maintenance is key to any plant that aims to achieve maximum uptime and productivity, as it lowers costs associated with downtime repairs. It also minimizes risks such as unexpected stoppages and emergency repairs.

  • High Duty Cycle

Electric actuator ball valves can perform repetitive opening and closing cycles to improve overall process efficiency, yet their high-duty cycle could impede their lifespan.

Due to overheating of motors and possible damage of electrode brushes and other actuation components, selecting actuators with appropriate duty cycles for their usage rate is recommended.

  • Easy Installation

Electric actuator ball valves are easy to install and require minimal maintenance, making them suitable for remote operation by PLC/SCADA systems or via local controls on each actuator.

Electric actuators feature safety features that will stop valves from closing during a power failure, making them the ideal solution in many industrial settings.

XINTAI Valve is an established Chinese valve company that designs, manufactures, and supplies industrial valves for various industries. XINTAI Valve is an industrial valve manufacturer offering six ranges and thousands of varieties. ISO9001 quality certification recognizes their expertise in casting, machining, sanding, EPOXY coating, and assembly; among their offerings are gate valves, globe valves, ball valves, check valves, strainer dismantling joints plug valves, butterfly valves in carbon steel stainless steel duplex alloy materials.

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