Electric Ball Valve-FAQ 

The electric ball valve serves as a shut-off valve that controls the flow of liquids or gases. By spinning the valve a quarter-turn of 90 degrees around its axis, the medium may flow freely. With a long service life and high reliability, the electric ball valve has gained popularity as a preferred shut-off option over other valves.

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This guide will address common FAQs regarding the electric ball valve. The information provided will assist you in purchasing a high-quality, durable electric ball valve and give you a comprehensive understanding of its features and operation before usage.

What is an electric ball valve?

An electric ball valve, commonly referred to as a motorized ball valve, regulates the flow of liquid or gas through a pivoting ball with a bore. An electric actuator manages the rotation of the ball, while the valve stem drives this rotation around the valve's axis. This type of valve is also effective for fluid adjustment and control.

Due to its relatively simple structure, reliability, and versatility, the electric ball valve is a widely favored device. It boasts high operating efficiency and cost-effectiveness, making it a go-to choice for many applications.

Q1: How does the electric ball valve work?

The electric ball valve regulates the flow of media, whether liquid or gas. A 2-way electric ball valve features two ports—an inlet and an outlet. The media flows from one port to the other based on the valve's open or closed status. Conversely, a 3-way electric ball valve contains three ports, enabling it to distribute, mix, and manage flow in specific directions through an L or T-shaped bore.

Electric ball valves are particularly effective in handling contaminated media. The valve operates at 90° to either open or close. When open, the ball's bore aligns with the direction of flow; when closed, the lever aligns perpendicularly to the pipe.

Q2: What are the benefits of an electric ball valve?

The adoption of the electric ball valve has surged over recent years thanks to its exceptional solutions for various industrial applications. It is user-friendly and straightforward to maintain, making it a favored choice among engineers, who appreciate its easy integration and upkeep.

This valve type excels in sealing performance with no leakage during operation. It can endure high pressure (up to 400 bars) and high temperatures (up to 350°C). Available in different configurations (flange, threaded, welded, and wafer-thin), it provides a cost-effective option characterized by its durability and long service life.

Q3: What are the disadvantages of an electric ball valve?

Although the electric ball valve has numerous benefits, certain disadvantages exist. For instance, the operation of the electric ball valve can lead to suspended particles in the medium that may wear down the valve body and impel damage.

The maximum size limitation of this valve typically does not exceed 8 inches. While larger options are available, they may incur additional costs. Furthermore, it generally has a slower rotation speed than pneumatic ball valves.

Q4: What are the components of the Electric Ball Valve?

The electric ball valve is comprised of two key components: the electric actuator and the ball valve itself. The electric motor is designed to provide a 90-degree turn for a 2-way ball valve and can switch between different circuits for a 3-way variant. Both the electric actuator and the ball valve are typically mounted together in compliance with ISO standards.

The electric actuated ball valve can be managed using either 2-point or 3-point control, both requiring the valve to either fully open or close. A modulating electric ball valve allows the ball valve's opening to adjust anywhere between 0% and 100% positions.

Q5: What is the working principle of an Electric Ball Valve?

The electric ball valve utilizes a hollow and pivoting ball to manage flow. The electric actuator facilitates the operation of the ball valve through an electrical current. The actuator inputs and outputs standard signals of 4-20mA and 220 VAC, respectively.

The motor group drives the gear that governs the valve's opening and closing actions. This motor redirects and alters the medium's flow according to the proportionate degree of the ball's rotation, establishing a direct relationship between the valve opening and the controlled fluid's flow.

Q6: What are the precautions for using Electric Ball Valve?

Improperly selecting the electric ball valve can adversely affect your operational application, causing serious problems. To mitigate these concerns, choose the valve carefully during your pipeline engineering design process. It is important to consider pipeline parameters alongside the operating environment, as environmental factors can significantly influence the valve's functioning.

Outdoor installations are prone to factors such as wind, sunlight, and sand, so the environmental conditions require careful consideration. The primary function of the electric ball valve is to automate the opening and closing of the valve without manual intervention. Given the varying quality from different manufacturers, meticulous selection of your electric ball valve for your project is essential.

Q7: What are the features of the Electric Ball Valve?

There are no restrictions in the installation direction of the ball valve, allowing for arbitrary flow direction. The electric ball valve is characterized by its simplicity in structure, ease of operation, and straightforward maintenance.

• The electric ball valve has two sealing surfaces that are reliable and efficient. The sealing surface materials are constructed to ensure complete sealing, even under vacuum conditions.
• Due to the ease of operation, the electric ball valve is ideal for frequent use.
• This valve type can accommodate a wide range of applications, from a few millimeters to several meters in diameter, operable from high vacuum to high-pressure situations.

Q8: What are the considerations while operating an electric ball valve?

In operating the electric ball valve, you must approach the task with caution. Environmental factors play a crucial role in production, therefore different operating conditions—such as high pressure and temperature versus low pressure and temperature—should be accounted for. While operating the electric ball valve, keep the following considerations in mind:

• There is no need for excessive material adjustments for lower temperature and pressure.
• When operating the electric ball valve in high temperature or pressure, using materials resistant to high temperatures and pressures, such as stainless steel and alloys, is recommended.
• Replacing internal components regularly can reduce damage to the valve core.
• To mitigate vibration during operation, ensure the machinery is appropriately installed to maintain the internal structure of the electric ball valve.

Q9: What are the structural characteristics of the electric ball valve?

The flow direction of the medium in the electric ball valve should be free, unaffected by the installation direction.

• Compact and reliable, the electric ball valve is lightweight and requires minimal maintenance, making it a popular choice for various industrial operations.
• The design of the electric ball valve supports quick opening and closing capabilities, as its lightweight construction facilitates this function.
• With low noise and minimal vibration, the electric ball valve can successfully convey fluids containing solid particles.

Q10: What are the types of electric ball valves?

The electric ball valve employs an electric motor to rotate the ball, functioning as a shut-off mechanism for controlling liquid and gas flow through the valve. Below are some common types of electric ball valves:

2-Way Electric Ball Valve

The 2-way electric ball valve incorporates two ports, allowing fluid flow from one side to the other while facilitating opening or closing functions.

3-Way Electric Ball Valve

The 3-way electric ball valve contains three ports; two of these serve as inlet and outlet options. This design enables the distribution, mixing, and diversion of flow in designated directions.

Q11: What are the main parts of the electric ball valve, and how do they work?

The electric ball valve is comprised of five primary components:

• The valve stem (1), which connects to the ball (4) either manually or pneumatically.
• The ball, supported by the valve seat (5) and the rings encircling the valve stem (2).
• Every part is encased within the valve housing (3).

When the valve stem undergoes a quarter-turn, the bore opens to allow media flow.

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Q12: What are the designs of electric ball valves?

The most prevalent designs of the electric ball valve include the floating ball design, which is supported by valve seats. An alternate design, the trunnion, is utilized for valves with large diameters and elevated operating pressures, where the ball is positioned and secured by top and bottom seat rings.

The standard configuration for electric ball valves is reduced bore, which introduces friction into the system. In contrast, full bore electric ball valves maintain the same bore diameter as the piping, effectively eliminating friction losses and facilitating easier cleaning. Additionally, a V-shaped design offers more precise flow rate control.

Q13: What are the housing materials of the electric ball valve?

Electric ball valves utilize a variety of construction materials, such as brass, stainless steel, and PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride). The balls may be crafted from stainless steel, chrome-plated brass, or chrome-plated steel. Brass electric ball valves hold substantial market shares due to their alloy properties, characterized by copper or zinc with excellent mechanical qualities.

Stainless steel ball valves are suitable for corrosive media applications and are often austenitic, managing high-temperature conditions. Stainless steels 304 and 316 are more commonly utilized, with 316 providing superior corrosion resistance. PVC electric ball valves are predominantly deployed in irrigation, water supply, and corrosive media applications due to their cost-effectiveness.

Q14: What are the applications of electric ball valves?

The electric ball valve constitutes an essential component in numerous oil and gas industries. Its simple construction, ease of operation, and minimal cost features have resulted in increased usage in recent years. For upstream applications, these valves regulate oil flow, while midstream applications manage gas or oil flow.

Beyond oil and natural gas, electric ball valves find utility in manufacturing sectors, chemical storage, and various applications. Compact and lightweight, they adeptly handle high-pressure scenarios and serve as straightforward solutions for numerous on/off applications.

Q15: What is the comparison of electric ball valves with pneumatic ball valves?

The electric ball valve generally exhibits a slower rotation speed when compared to its pneumatic counterparts, primarily attributed to the complex components that are more susceptible to wear. However, the precise electrical signals enable more accurate positioning in electric ball valves.

While initial installation costs may be slightly steeper, the electric ball valve typically incurs lower operating costs and has a longer lifespan than pneumatic variants. Its torque-to-size ratio tends to be lower, whereas pneumatic valves demonstrate a higher torque ratio. Lastly, the electric ball valve can operate effectively in moderate temperature ranges when contrasted with pneumatic valves.

Q16: How to install an electric ball valve?

The electric ball valve has been adopted across various industries due to its cost-effectiveness and maintenance-friendly features. Here are some tips for installing electric ball valves for fluid control. Prior to installation, carefully review the instructions and confirm that the electric ball valve is suitable for the intended application.

It’s essential to check that the valve specifications of the electric ball valve align with the type label on the actuator, as different valve types are designed for varying parameters.

Q17: How to position the electric ball valve?

When positioning the electric ball valve, consider the following steps:

• Ensure the valves are firmly secured to the pipes using appropriate fittings. To tighten the valves, employ a wrench for both the valve and pipe, taking care not to place unnecessary stress on the system.
• The valve should be installed with the actuator orientated upward at a 90-degree angle to minimize the risk of moisture accumulation in the actuator.
• Adjust the ball to its desired angle. Typically, 2-way ball valves are closed in their standard position, with 3-way valves orientated in two different configurations by rotating them 180 degrees.

Q18: How is the pipe system installed in the electric ball valve?

Careful installation of the electric ball valve's piping system is crucial. Ensure that the piping is unpressurized and cooled before operating. The AW series actuators are splash-proof; however, they cannot withstand extreme weather. Thus, installing the electric ball valve in a dry, sheltered location is advisable.

Regularly check the pipes and clean any dirt as necessary. Although electric ball valves are less sensitive to dirt, it is sensible to minimize dirt exposure to reduce wear. Use thread sealant for the pipe threads and select the correct fittings to connect the pipe and valve. Minimize stress in the piping and secure it to eliminate vibrations.

Q19: How to do electric ball valve calibration?

The electric ball valve controls liquid and gas flow. Calibration involves determining errors in the measuring device, and appropriate adjustments are then made. The HART communicator is typically utilized for this calibration process. First, connect the HART to the valve positioner and stimulate a command to enter a 0% position to observe the valve's status.

Next, repeat this process at 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% to monitor the valve stem's travel at each increment.

Q20: What are the electric ball valve technology and selection?

The use of electric ball valves is generally discouraged in FO applications due to the complexities involved. You can reduce the opening time of the actuated valve by placing a quick exhaust valve on the control panel to eliminate air from the pneumatic actuator. However, this contact between the valve seat and disk during opening and closing isn’t ideal for FO applications.

Because moving a large, heavy ball requires considerable stem torque and results in a longer opening time, manufacturers of electric ball valves advise against FO use to prevent damage to the soft seat resulting from ball contact.

Q21: What are the safety considerations of the electric ball valve?

You can utilize the electric ball valve with the spontaneous opening and closing of one or two similar valves. It is crucial that the end flanges are cast with the body or the end piece of the split body, forming a one-piece design at a minimum for vital structural integrity.

The ball port should conform to a cylindrical shape for full bore valves. Sealed cavity balls should be capable of withstanding full hydrostatic body test pressure.

Q22: What is the rangeability of the electric ball valve?

The electric ball valves present advantages such as enhanced rangeability, durability, robust pressure tolerances, heightened capacity, and reduced costs. The rangeability of an electric ball valve is defined by the flow through the valve divided by the minimum usable flow.

Common rangeability figures for the electric ball valve hover around 350:1, ensuring good internal friction management along with controllable minimum flow under part-load situations.

Q23: What are the storage conditions of the electric ball valve?

The electric ball valves typically enjoy extended service lives and improved usability when installed and maintained correctly. To protect the valve's seats and seals, do not unpack the units until they are ready for operation, thus shielding them from dust and debris that might lead to leakage over time.

You should retain the electric ball valve in a cool and ventilated area for long-term storage. Additionally, the body may require an oil application to prevent corrosion.

Q24: What are other factors to consider while using an electric ball valve?

Installing the electric ball valve is feasible in any orientation. Prior to installation, verify the materials of the valve body, seat, and ball for potential defects resulting from storage or transportation. It is essential to confirm the valve's temperature and pressure ratings, ensuring that all welding tasks are completed prior to installation. Check that the flange has cooled to moderate levels before proceeding with the valve fitting.

Testing the electric ball valve within the rated working pressure limits is vital; exceeding this limit could lead to valve damage. Excessive torque should also be avoided to prevent internal damage to valve components.

Conclusion

The electric ball valve manages the flow of liquids or gases via a 90-degree rotation of the ball. The electric ball valve stands out as an efficient, easily cleanable, and low-maintenance solution suitable for a wide range of applications.

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