Guide to Choosing Electric and Pneumatic Valve Actuators

Guide to Choosing Electric and Pneumatic Valve Actuators

Imagine an industrial process that operates like a well-oiled machine, with every valve opening and closing smoothly on cue. The secret behind this seamless operation? The often-overlooked valve actuators that power the entire system.

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They provide the necessary mechanical force to open and close valves, which allows you to control the flow of fluids and gases. In this guide, we&#;ll explore the differences between electric and pneumatic valve actuators and provide insight into how to choose the right one for your application.

Keep reading as we get right into it.

Electric Valve Actuators

Electric valve actuators are known for their precision, reliability, and ease of use. You can use them for a wide range of valve types, including ball valves, gate valves, globe valves, butterfly valves, and more.

Electric valve actuators are available in various sizes, from small units suitable for actuating low-torque valves to larger units capable of generating high torque outputs for large valves.

When choosing an electric valve actuator, you&#;ll need to consider several factors. The torque requirements of the valve, the speed of operation, and the available power supply are all crucial considerations.

It is also important to consider the type of environment in which the valve will be used. If the environment is hazardous, an explosion-proof electric actuator may be necessary.

Here are the main advantages of electric valve actuators:

• Precision control
• High degree of accuracy
• Easy to use and maintain
• Suitable for both on-off and modulating applications

And here are a couple of the disadvantages:

• Dependence on electricity
• Higher initial cost compared to pneumatic actuators

Pneumatic Valve Actuators

Pneumatic valve actuators are powered by compressed air. We most commonly find them in industrial applications. They are known for their reliability, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Pneumatic actuators can be used for a wide range of valve types, including;

• ball valves
• butterfly valves
• gate valves

When choosing a pneumatic valve actuator, there are several factors to consider. The air pressure requirements of the actuator, the speed of operation, and the available compressed air supply are all important considerations. It is also important to consider the type of environment in which the valve will be used. If the environment is hazardous, an explosion-proof pneumatic actuator may be necessary.

Here are the main advantages of pneumatic valve actuators:

• Cost-effective
• Reliable and durable
• Easy to maintain
• Suitable for high-torque applications

And the disadvantages:

• Less precise control compared to electric actuators
• Limited speed of operation
• Dependence on a compressed air supply

How to Choose the Right Valve Actuator

When choosing the right valve actuator, there are several factors to consider. Let&#;s take a look at them in this section.

Valve Type

Different types of valves require different types of actuators. Make sure you choose an actuator that is compatible with the valve you are using.

Torque Requirements

The torque requirements of the valve dictate the size and type of actuator needed. Make sure you choose an actuator that can provide enough torque to operate the valve.

Speed of Operation

The speed at which the valve needs to be opened and closed is an important consideration. Choose an actuator that can operate at the required speed.

Power Source

Consider the power source available in your facility. Electric actuators require electricity, while pneumatic actuators require compressed air.

Environment

The environment in which the valve will be used is an important consideration. If the environment is hazardous, an explosion-proof actuator may be necessary.

By taking these factors into account and working with a trusted supplier like anythingflows.com, you can ensure the safe and efficient operation of your industrial valves.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting Tips for Valve Actuators

Valve actuators, like any other mechanical device, require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Here are some maintenance and troubleshooting tips for valve actuators:

Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance is crucial to the proper functioning of valve actuators. Follow the manufacturer&#;s recommended maintenance schedule, which may include tasks such as lubrication, cleaning, and checking for leaks.

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Check for Wear and Tear

Over time, valve actuators may experience wear and tear. This can significantly affect their performance. Check for signs of wear, such as cracked or worn-out seals, and replace them as needed.

Calibration

Regular calibration of valve actuators is important to ensure accurate control of valve position. Follow the manufacturer&#;s recommended calibration schedule or consult with a qualified technician to perform this task.

Troubleshooting

If you experience issues with your valve actuator, such as a valve not opening or closing properly, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take. These may include checking the power supply, checking for leaks, and inspecting the valve stem for damage.

Consulting a Professional

If you are unable to troubleshoot an issue with your valve actuator, consult with a qualified technician or contact the manufacturer for assistance.

By following these maintenance and troubleshooting tips, you can ensure that your valve actuators perform optimally and have a long lifespan.

Now You Know All About Valve Actuators

Choosing the right valve actuator is essential for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of industrial valves. Whether you choose an electric or pneumatic actuator, it is important to consider the specific requirements of your application.

At anythingflows.com, we understand the importance of choosing the right valve actuator and are committed to providing our customers with high-quality products and exceptional service. Our team of experts can help you choose the right actuator for your application and provide guidance on installation and maintenance.

By taking the factors in this article into account and working with a trusted supplier like anythingflows.com, you can ensure the safe and efficient operation of your industrial valves.

Pneumatic valves are one of the most popular varieties of actuated valves. The devices are clean, efficient, and have an excellent force-to-size ratio. They are used in various fluid control applications across numerous industries. Pneumatic valves have several benefits in fluid control. However, there are of multiple types with unique characteristics and advantages, so you need to select the right one for your application. Correctly choosing the suitable pneumatic valve for an application requires a good understanding of what the devices are.

Valves are fluid control devices that control and modulate the flow of media in a piping system. They employ various types of blocking mechanisms that physically obstruct or allow the flow of media. Valves may be manually controlled or actuated. Also known as automated valves, actuated valves are assembled with actuators that operate without human intervention. Depending on how it generates the required force, an actuator can be electrical, pneumatic, or hydraulic. Valves coupled with actuators are commonly viewed as a single unit and named accordingly. For example, a butterfly valve that is coupled with a pneumatic actuator is referred to as a pneumatic butterfly valve.

Pneumatic valves are of various builds and configurations. Therefore, certain factors must be carefully considered in order to select the right one for your application. The following are some of these factors.

Media

The first consideration in selecting the best pneumatic valve for your application is to consider the type of fluid that will flow through it. The fluid could be liquid, gaseous, or sludge, among others. Also, it is vital to consider the flow pressure. The media could be compressed air, water, or have a flow with negative pressure. This consideration has to be made to ensure that the compatible valve is selected for the application.

Actuation type

Pneumatic actuators may be double-acting or single-acting. Commonly referred to as spring return actuators, single-acting actuators have a compressed spring located on one side of the piston. The spring holds the valve in its original position. To operate the valve, compressed air introduced on the opposite side of the piston surmounts the spring&#;s force. Once the air supply is shut off, the spring returns the valve to its original position.

In double-acting actuators, however, pressurized air at different pressures is supplied to the piston from both sides. The pressure difference between the two sides keeps the valve in the required position &#; open, closed, or partially open and closed.

Single-acting pneumatic valves are suitable for open and close control, but for a more controlled modulation, their double-acting counterparts are more common. However, when accompanied by a positioner, single-acting spring return actuators on v-ball control valves can implement modulating control. Other considerations when selecting between a single- or double-acting actuator include weight, size, and cost.

Valve materials

Valve materials are of high importance in selecting the right valve for your application. The right materials reduce the risk of failure during operation. For example, using uncoated valve materials in a chemically aggressive environment leads to rust and failure of parts. Epoxy-coated actuators are resistant to most chemicals, but they are not suitable for conditions in which they are fully submerged by the media. For this sort of application, stainless steel is a better option. Brass valves are perfectly adequate if the media is water. Another option is to use high-temp seal kits that enable you to tailor a certain valve&#;s suitability for a particular application. However, keep in mind that choosing the correct valve material is still the most important part of the process.

Flow capacity

Essentially, a valve, once it&#;s opened, has to deliver enough flow to fill up a specific volume downstream within a given period. An undersized valve delivers less flow, increasing the time needed to fill up downstream. An oversized valve is simply an extra cost in the system. Therefore, it is essential to determine the maximum flow volume expected during operation and select a suitable valve with adequate capacity. Knowing the right valve capacity is easy, as many manufacturers provide the flow capacity of their valves and reference materials.

Operating environment

Pneumatic valves are affected by their operating environment. Environmental factors include ambient temperature, exposure to chemicals, vibrations, and so forth. Valve components, especially the pneumatic cylinder, have their fundamental operating temperature and must be considered before introduction into any working environment. A dry, nonaggressive environment does not require specially coated valves. A humid environment does require coating on the external components of the valve. Another operating environment that affects the choice of valve is the medical or food industry. Such environments may require a valve of certain certification or &#;clean&#; design features.

Valve type

Different pneumatic valves are best suited for different applications and operating conditions. For example, a butterfly valve is a poor choice for high-pressure applications and has a higher head loss. On the other hand, ball valves are more suitable for high-pressure applications due to the nature of the ball; they also have lower head loss. Actuating a ball valve in a high-pressure flow system is easier compared to actuating a butterfly valve. However, butterfly valves are popular in huge diameter lines for isolation. Always select the best valve build for your application.

Installation area

Pneumatic valves are air-actuated valves. The air usually comes from an air compressor strategically positioned in the work environment. It is therefore vital to ensure that the application environment is adequately inspected for space that should be adequate to accommodate the right-size compressor. The compressor determines the pressure at which the actuating mechanism receives air. The available air for actuation thus influences the size of the actuator required to deliver the required force to actuate a valve.

Installation orientation

For most valves, the direction of flow is horizontal, and since the actuator is installed on top of the valve, its installation orientation will be vertical, that is, upright. As much as possible, avoid horizontal actuator installation. This is because the pressure is exerted on one side of the packing, which will experience wear, leading to leaks in the valve.

Pneumatic valves are fast, reliable, and efficient devices for fluid control. Selecting the right type for an application is vital to the application&#;s success. Careful consideration of the factors discussed above will ensure that you select the best pneumatic valve for your application.

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