Electrically operated valves

Types of electrically operated valves

There are various electrically operated valve types. These include:

• Solenoid valves

  Solenoid valves use an electromagnetic coil to control fluid or gas flow. When electricity passes through the coil, it creates a magnetic field that moves a plunger or armature. This plunger sits on a spring in the valve, which compresses the spring and opens the valve. If the valve is normally closed, the magnetic field will hold the plunger away from the seat. In so doing, it opens the valve. Conversely, if the valve is normally open, the magnetic field will force the plunger into the seat; thus, it will close the valve. Solenoid-controlled valves provide precise, quick, and reliable control over fluid movement.

• Motorized ball valves

  Motorized ball valves are devices where the ball inside the valve is turned by an electric motor to open or close the valve. These valves ensure the precise control of fluid flow and are widely used in industries requiring automated fluid management systems. When the motor receives an electric signal, it turns the valve to the desired position, whether fully open, closed, or partially for flow regulation. These valves are known for their durability, efficiency, and ability to handle high-pressure environments. Another notable aspect of motorized valves is that they can be integrated into automated systems.

• Electro-pneumatic valves

  Electro-pneumatic valves are devices that convert electrical signals into pneumatic actions to control fluid flow. They are integral in systems where precise control of fluid dynamics is vital. Users first apply electrical input to the valve. The valve then generates a pneumatic output that modulates the fluid flow. These valves use electro-pneumatic positioners to ensure accurate control, even in large industrial settings. Electro-pneumatic valves are prominent in injection molding machines.

• Electric gate valves

  Electric gate valves use electric actuators to move the gate up or down, thus opening or closing the valve. These valves are useful in large industrial, commercial, and utility settings where remote or automated control is necessary. These settings include water treatment and power generation. Electric gate valves ensure tight sealing and precision in flow control. They also increase operational efficiency and safety by allowing non-human staff to manage the valve.

• Electric check valves

  These are automatic valves that prevent fluid from backflowing. They are also known as anti-return or non-return valves. People install them in pipelines to protect pumps, compressors, and other equipment from damage caused by reverse flow. When fluid enters from the allowable direction, the valve opens; thus, the fluid can pass through. Conversely, if the fluid attempts to flow in the opposite direction, the valve closes. Electric check valves are widely used in oil and gas, power generation, and water and wastewater management.

Industry applications of electrically operated valves

• Mining

  Mining operators use electrically operated valves in various applications. These applications include controlling water and chemical flows used in mineral processing. Another application is regulating air and gas flows used in equipment operation. Furthermore, these valves control cooling systems and ensure precise temperature management in mining machinery. They also control the flow of fuel used to run heavy mining equipment. A notable feature of electrically controlled valves is that they improve efficiency and reliability. They provide remote automation to manage these mining processes.

• Waste management

  Waste management companies use electric control valves in their waste treatment processes to control wastewater flow. They also manage chemical dosages for treatment processes. Furthermore, these users use electric valves to regulate gas emissions control system components. These valves optimize the operation of landfill gas collection systems. Waste management operators benefit from these electric valves because they increase efficiency and reliability. Also, operations conducted using these valves require minimum human intervention.

• Water treatment

  Water treatment plants have many electrically operated valves. They use these valves to control water and chemical flows during treatment processes, thereby improving automation and process efficiency. Moreover, the water treatment plants use the valves to regulate disinfectant doses and manage water distribution systems. They also control the flow of sludge in the sedimentation process and manage gas flows in the system's aeration tanks. Water treatment plants gain operational reliability and efficiency from using electric valves. They also increase safety by minimizing human workers' involvement.

• Oil and gas

  The oil and gas industry has diverse applications of electrically controlled valves. They use them to control fluid and gas flow during extraction and pipeline transportation. Oil refineries use these valves to automate processes and improve operational efficiency. In gas facilities, operators use electric valves to control natural gas compression and distribution. Besides, electric valves play a vital role in the ecosystem by enhancing safety. They reduce hazardous areas in which workers breathe by minimizing manual operations.

• Energy sector

  The energy sector utilizes these electrical valves in power generation plants like simplifying coal and gas flow control. They are also useful in controlling steam and cooling water systems in nuclear plants. Furthermore, the rise of renewable energy sources like wind and solar power has increased the importance of these valves. Users employ them in energy storage systems to manage fluid flow. There are electrically operated valves in battery storage systems to ensure fluid management for cooling.

Product specifications and features of electrically operated valves

Technical specifications and key features

• Material

  Electric valves come in diverse material options depending on the environment and application. Common materials include brass, stainless steel, and aluminium. Users also consider valve body materials in extreme environments. They include titanium, plastic, and alloys like hastelloy.

• Actuator type

  Electric actuators are diverse, with the common ones being rotary and linear actuators. Users prefer rotational actuators for applications requiring valve types that offer quarter turn operations. These valve types include ball, butterfly, and gear valves. The linear electric actuators are useful for gate, globe, and check valves. There are also hybrid actuators. These actuators combine electric and pneumatic or hydraulic mechanisms.

• Power supply

  Electric valves usually operate with DC power, commonly 24V or 48V. AC-powered electric valves typically operate on 110V or 230V. Some manufacturers produce power valves with voltage flexibility. More advanced valves are equip with power redundancy. These valves can run on battery power if the primary power source fails. Action redundancy ensures continuous operation and reliability.

• Control system

  Users often control electrically operated valves using on/off signals. They use simple control systems for air control valves and hydraulic valves. Conversely, complex systems like proportional valves require users to apply signals to control system valves. These systems help regulate flow and pressure for precise control. Moreover, electronic control systems integrated with devices like programmable logic controllers are useful. These controllers enhance automation by allowing remote operation and monitoring.

• Valve seat and sealing

  Electric valves come with different seal and seat materials. Common sealing materials include PTFE, nitrile, and FKM. Manufacturers usually use these materials to make them resistant to various chemicals. The materials also withstand diverse temperature ranges. The common valve seats are made of materials with high wear resistance. They include ceramic, carbide, and metallic seats.

How to install

When installing electrically operated valves, one first ensures the electrical and fluid connection systems are turned off. Next, they remove the old valve (if replacing any), cleaning the pipeline ends of debris. After that, they position the new valve properly according to its flow arrow and secure it using bolts or welding (for hard-wired valves). They then connect the actuator to the valve and wire it per the the manufacturer’s instructions. After that, users connect the valve to the control system and check all power and fluid connections. The final steps include testing for leakages and ensuring operational correctness.

How to maintain

Maintenance of electrically operated valves begins with regular visual inspections. Users check for physical damages, leaks, or abnormal wear. They also monitor electrical connections for corrosion or loose wires. Moreover, they ensure the control system is updated and functioning well. Regular system software updates enhance valve performance. Scheduled maintenance also includes lubrication of mechanical parts to reduce friction. This maintenance increases valve lifespan and reliability. Routine testing of the valve and actuator performance is important. It helps catch potential issues early.

Quality and safety considerations of electrically operated valves

• Valve material

  User must ensure the valve materials manufacturers have made them compatible with the fluids or gases handled. They also ensure that the materials can withstand the electrical and chemical components' associated contemporary or blend reactions. Moreover, the users verify the quality of materials manufacturers use in producing electrically operated valves. They ensure the materials' quality improves the valve's wear, temperature, and corrosion resistance. They also consider the environmental factors affecting the valve. These factors include pressure, humidity, and temperature. Each of these factors can impact the valve in the long term.

• Seal material

  Users consider the seal materials of the valves, as they significantly impact performance. Chemical-resistant seals like PTFE, nitrile, and rubber reduce leak occurrences. Leaks not leak caused damages but are safety hazards. Moreover, plants' managers ensure they change valve seals periodically to avoid valve malfunctioning.

• Electrical components

  Buyers prioritise electric valves with high-quality electrical components. They ensure the components have good insulation and conductivity. More importantly, they consider the energy efficiency of the electrical components. They also ensure the components have good electrochemical resistance. This resistance helps the component withstand environmental extremes. Users also verify the power requirements to ensure the system is easily integrated.

• Pressure rating

  Buyers look at pressure ratings to ensure the valve can comfortably work within the system's pressure range. They ensure the valve can handle pressure surges. The pressure surges can be damaging and may even cause catastrophic failure of the valve. More importantly, users ensure the valve has a standard pressure rating suitable for common system pressures. In cases where they manage high-pressure systems, they go for valves specifically designed for high pressure. Additionally, users ensure they routinely assess and test valve pressure rating. Frequent testing ensures the valve does not fail prematurely.

• Temperature tolerances

  Users consider temperature tolerances when selecting electrical valves. They evaluate the temperature range of the system and ensure the valve can operate efficiently within that range. Also, they look for temperature fluctuation tolerance. A high-tolerance valve offers efficiency in fluctuating temperature environments. If the application involves extreme temperatures, users go for valves specifically designed for those temperatures. In extreme temperature environments, users occasionally conduct thermal inspections. They do these inspections to identify any overheating-related issues early.

• Customization

  Buyers occasionally deal with unique applications that call for customizations in electrically operated valves. They ensure manufacturers can provide customized solutions when the situation calls for them. For instance, a buyer's client may need a valve with a specific material, seal, or actuator type. No matter the new requirements, reputable manufacturers can customize the valves accordingly. Moreover, buyers consider manufacturers who provide customizable features for future needs. These needs could be changing system requirements or advancing technologies. Here, they find manufacturers who can modify the existing valves to accommodate these new changes.

Q & A

Q1. Which industries benefit from using electric valves controlling water flow?

Electricity-operated valves are widely used in water treatment plants. Waste management companies also use them to control water flow. They control the flow during treatment processes, after which they automate the operation.

Q2. What are electrically operated valves with customized solutions for?

Buyers prefer electrically operated valves with customization options. These valves are ideal for high temperature or high-pressure systems. They are also useful for unique chemical environments. A good example is chemical-resistant materials and seals.

Q3. Are the electrically operated valves safe and reliable in mining operations?

Yes, electrically operated mining valves are safe and reliable. They control chemical and gas flow, which improves operational reliability for this harsh environment. Moreover, these valves require little human intervention, increasing safety in risky mining areas.

Q4. What role do electric check valves play in oil and gas conservation?

Electric check valves protect gas compressors and other equipment from backflow in the oil and gas industry. They prevent flow reversal by automatically closing upon flow cessation. In addition, they minimize wear and potential damage to vital system components.