Powerful Pneumatic Ball Valve

Kinvalve Actuated Ball Valve Offers Convenience in Technology

When it comes to actuated ball valve suppliers, you must always consider if the products that you will get are quality-made.

With Kinvalve’s decades of experience as one of the most trusted actuated ball valve manufacturers around the world, Kinvalve has built a good reputation for producing uniquely engineered actuated ball valves that have been integrated into many pipeline systems for various industries.

Kinvalve actuated ball valve is manufactured in a state-of-the-art facility and tested for durability with long service life.

Special features such as the Blow-out Proof Stem design ensures you that there will be decreased chances of operational accidents in the work area.

This unique feature is incorporated in each actuated ball valve design that hinders the valve stem to negatively react under extreme circumstances during operations.

Ball valves are an integral part of any pipeline system and must be tough to handle various conditions to have optimum performance.

Good thing is that Kinvalve has its own manufacturing facility offering premium quality actuated ball valve that is capable of handling extreme operational conditions with Temperature Rating of -20 °C to 400°F and Working Pressure: Class 150/300, PN10-40, JIS 10k/20k.

With this level of high-quality standards, Kinvalve has been utilized in many industries around the world from food and beverage manufacturing, water waste treatment, chemical processes to power generations.

Innovatively designed with safety features, each Kinvalve actuated ball valve has options for fire safety and anti-static device depending on your pipeline operational process.

These automatic ball valves are also available in the threaded end and flanged end design configurations.

An actuated ball valve will allow a stable and steady flow rate for fluids. These types of automated ball valves are ready to be fitted with either hydraulic, electric, or pneumatic actuators that will be directly mounted.

The choice for different well-known actuator brands will give you the option to pick which one will serve your industry better.

Quality ISO 5211 mounting pads are available for your intended actuated ball valve device. Kinvalve is here to assist you as you go through fulfilling your pipeline requirements every step of the way.

ISO 5211 Standard Direct Mounting Pad

Kinvalve actuated ball valve is very dependable in completely regulating the flow of a substance from one pipeline to another area. Various sealing materials are applicable to suit a specific media.

Gland or Belleville washers as an option for packing and alternative V-ring adjustable stem option available.

When it comes to maintenance and durability, Kinvalve actuated ball valve requires minimal service maintenance and can be customized to meet your industry’s or factory’s pipeline standards.

With size availability, end connection options, unique safety features, and compatibility with most popular actuator brands and types; Kinvalve actuated ball valve is a valuable asset that can provide you with solutions for your pipeline systems.

Dimensions for ISO5211 Standard Mounting Pad

Best of all, Kinvalve quality-made actuated ball valves are trusted by many industries around the globe, readily available and value for money with faster delivery time.

Actuated Ball Valve: The Ultimate FAQ Guide

All information you need about actuated ball valves is right here.

So, before importing actuated ball valves from China, read this guide.

What is Actuated Ball Valve?

It is a type of ball valve which is opened and closed by a form of power either electrically, pneumatically or hydraulically.

They use mechanical devices known as actuators to make a valve function using a source of power like electricity or compressed air.

Automation of these processes eliminates the need for direct worker interaction at the actuated ball valve.

 Air Actuated Ball Valve

Is there a Difference Between Actuated Ball Valve and Automated Ball Valve?

Actuated ball valve and automated ball valve tend to have some differences which include:

Automated ball valves seem to be different in construction and mode of operation from actuated valves as these are manually operated.

However, actuated ball valves can be automated by adding a motor or some actuator type to replace the manual operator.

Automated ball valves rely on the liquid pressure or gas in the inlet side of the valve for closing securely.

When flow is required in automated ball valves, the solenoid moves the plunger away to allow for flow and this can go on so long as the plunger is held from the seat.

In actuated ball valve, the pressure from the actuator stops the flow and it must be supplied constantly until the desired flow.

Which are the Different Types of Actuated Ball Valve?

Some of the types of actuated ball valves include:

Linear Valves:

They are further categorised into two types namely:

• Multi-turn rising stem valves: they move the obstructer through the rotation of a stem that is fixed to the obstructer. They are most commonly used in applications of flow control.

Examples of multi-turn valves include:

• Gate valves
• Globe valves
• Diaphragm valves
• Needle valves
• Pinch valves
• Axial valves: they use electro-magnetic or pneumatic force for sliding the obstructer on the axis. They act very fast and are used in on and off process applications.

Examples of axial valves include:

• Coaxial valves
• Angle seat valves

Rotary Valves

Categories of rotary valves include:

• Ball valves: made up of a ball which serves as an obstructer sandwiched between two seals that are cup shaped known as seats. Types of ball valves include quarter-turn 2-way, 3, 4 and 5 ball valves.
• Plug valves: it is similar to the construction of the ball valve but only the ball is replaced with a cylinder that is slightly tapered. The cylinder possesses a bore through it which opens in one position and rotated at ninety degrees to close.
• Butterfly valves: they use an obstructer which is disc shaped and possess a single seal ring acting as a seal between the disk and valve body.

What are the Main Parts of Actuated Ball Valve?

The main parts of actuated ball valve include:

• Body: it is the part that gives the framework of the entire actuated ball valves, which holds all the parts intact. It is the first line of resistance and thus serves as a pressure boundary of the actuated ball valve.
• Bonnet: it covers the opening of the body of an actuated ball valve and offers the second pressure boundary. It is usually bolted and screwed with the body and made from a similar material to that of the body.
• Trim: it consists of different internal parts of an actuated ball valve like seat, sleeves, stem, and disk. These internal parts of an actuated ball valve serve the basic motions for flow control.
• Actuator: it is responsible for running the disk and stem and works together with some internal parts located in the valve trim.
• Packing: this part of an actuator ball valve prevents leaks in the space between the bonnet and valve stem.

Parts of Actuated Ball Valve

How Does Actuator Ball Valve Work?

Actuator ball valve works by using a force which moves the lever to a quarter turn for the valve to open.

The force is then transferred to the stem thus moving the disk to open.

The ball disc will then turn causing the hollowed side to face the flow of media. The lever will then be in the perpendicular position and the port will be parallel to the flow of media.

For the valve to close, the lever will move back quarter turn. The stem will then move so that the ball disk turns in the opposite direction to block the flow of media.

The lever will be in the parallel position and the port in a perpendicular position. As the actuated ball valve closes, the upstream linear pressure will push the ball towards the cupped seat downstream.

What are the Applications of Actuated Ball Valves?

Actuator ball valves tend to integrate into systems and control the closure and opening of valves.

They are commonly fitted with flow meters or gauge monitors to measure flow.

Some of the applications of actuated ball valves involve using them in the following industries:

• Food and Beverage Facilities
• Power Plants
• Industrial Processes
• Energy Sector
• Mining Operations.
• Municipal Treatment Facilities
• Clean Water Production Aquariums
• Planting and Metals Operations
• Wastewater Handling

Which are the Types of Actuators Used with Actuated Ball Valve?

Some of the types of actuators used with actuated ball vales include:

• Manual Actuator: it uses levers, wheels, or gears to move the stem of the actuator ball valve in a specific direction.

Actuators that are manual are usually operated by hand, very easy to operate, are self-contained, and lastly, they are inexpensive.

• Hydraulic Actuator: they convert fluid pressure into motion by utilizing pistons that convert air into pressure and vice versa.
• Pneumatic Actuator: they provide automatic and semi-automatic valve operation through a process of changing air signals into valve stem motion. This is achieved by air pressure acting on a piston or below the diaphragm. Thus, creating a linear force on the valve stem of an actuator ball valve.
• Spring Actuator: they hold back a spring and once any power is lost or anomaly detected, the spring is released thus operating the valve.
• Electric Actuator: it uses an electric motor for the provision of torque for valve operation. They are no-toxic, do not have noise, and energy-efficient.

What is the Difference Between Linear Actuator and Rotary Actuator in Actuated Ball Valve?

Linear actuator opens and closes valves which can be operated using linear force also referred to as ‘rising stem’ valve.  Linear actuators are of two types that include:

• Diaphragm actuators
• Piston actuators

Rotary actuator is an actuator that produces rotary motion and is mechanical in a way that linear motion on one side produces rotation.

There are different types of rotary actuators with the commonly available ones including hydraulic, electrical, spring, and pneumatic actuators.

How do Double-Acting Pneumatic Actuated Ball Valves and Spring-Return Pneumatic Actuated Ball Valves Compare?

Double-Acting Pneumatic Actuated Ball Valves use air to move internal racks in two directions enabling the actuator pinion to rotate at ninety degrees.

The pinion is attached to the ball valve stem and by rotating, it opens and closes the ball valves.

These Valves will return to normal position when power is lost and configuration can be made at a normally open or closed position.

In case the supply of air is lost, Double-Acting Pneumatic Actuated Ball Valves will remain in their current position.

Spring-Return Pneumatic Actuated Ball Valves use air in one direction for movement of the internal pistons and on the other they use springs.

In case of power failure, Spring-Return Pneumatic Actuated Ball Valves will fail to return to normal position.

What are the Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best Actuator Type for Actuated Ball Valve?

Some of the factors to consider when choosing the best actuator type include:

Usage Factors

Some of the usage factors to consider for actuator ball valves include:

• Compatibility: determine what type of power source is available and select the most suitable type of valve actuator. Electric actuators require electricity and you may use pneumatic or hydraulic where there is no electricity.
• Hazardous Areas: for hazardous or toxic environments, use pneumatic and electric actuators as they are explosion-proof. Where there is no compressed air or pneumatic actuators are not able to meet other specifications of operation, use electric actuators.
• Temperature Range: electric actuators function in temperatures ranging from -40 degrees Celsius to 65 degrees Celsius. Pneumatic actuators serve in temperature ranges between forty and seventy degree Celsius or in some cases up to 121 degrees Celsius.

Sizing and Force

It is important to determine the amount of force required to choose the appropriate actuator ball valve. The force required is determined by several factors such as:

• Fail mode.
• Actuator type.
• Value torque
• Maximum and minimum supply pressure.

Actuator ball valve’s design and size is also an important consideration that should be put in mind. Actuators must be sized by technically trained experts due to the complexity of properly sizing.

The important sizing factors to consider are the minimum and maximum pressure.

Speed

The operation speed determines the power requirements of an actuator ball valve as it takes more power for performing operations in less time. In pneumatic and hydraulic actuators, controlling speed is easy while it is difficult in electric actuators without making gear adjustments.

Frequency of Movement

This influences the mechanical drive durability and the controller’s robustness. Valves that operate infrequently have less wear and tear on their mechanical controls while those used in modulating processes require more durable actuators.

Safety

It is important to keep safety in mind when selecting actuators for use in environments requiring certain precautions.

Cost

All the above factors have an impact on the price of a valve actuator as the more operation power the more expensive it.

Therefore, it is important to select a valve actuator that despite service the purpose you want, it remains within your budget.

Pneumatic Actuated Ball Valve

How Does Pneumatic Ball Valve and Electric Ball Valve Compare?

Some of the differences between electric and pneumatic actuators include:

• Power Source: electric actuators are used when there is no air supply. Pneumatic ball valves on the other hand need an air supply of 60 to 125 PSI to function.
• Component Size: electric actuators are 70% larger in size than pneumatic actuators.
• Speed: pneumatic actuators use about ½ second to 1 second to open and close the actuated ball valve. Electric actuators, on the other hand, use about 6 seconds for the same function.
• Temperature: electric actuators can be subject to overheating when subjected to high temperatures. Pneumatic actuators, on the other hand, are suitable for a wide range of temperatures.
• Durability: when used within specifications, pneumatic actuators can cycle on or off up to 1,000,000 or more times. Electric actuators have cycled more or less than 250,000 and are dependent on applications.
• Cost: electric actuators tend to be more expensive as compared to pneumatic actuators.

What is the Standard Size of Actuated Ball Valve?

Actuated ball valves have size ranges from ½ inch to 6-inch fitting diameters. The complete valve pipe sizes include:

• 1 inch.
• 2- 2 ½ inch.
• 4 inches.
• 6 inches
• ½ inch.
• ¾ inch.
• 3-inch
• 1- ¼ inch.
• 1- ½ inch.
• 2 inches

Can you Use Actuated Ball Valve in Portable Water Handling System?

Yes, you can use actuated ball valve in a portable water handling system as it is designed for the quick turn-off.

This is because the actuated ball valve opens and closes completely with a short quarter-turn of the lever handle.

The internal ball contains a hole through its center which when the valve is open aligns to the direction of the water pipe.

This makes water flow and when the handle is closed, the ball will rotate ninety degrees to block the hole in the ball.

Which are the Connection Types for Actuator Ball Valve?

The connection types for actuator ball valve include:

• Flange
• Threaded
• Socket
• Socket with thread

How do you Install an Actuated Ball Valve?

The process of installing actuator ball valves entails:

• Actuator ball valves can be installed in any orientation but for bigger sizes, it may be necessary to vertically install the drive shaft.
• Electric actuators do require to be installed vertically.
• Before installation, it is important to verify the material of the body of the actuator ball valve to ensure there are no defects.
• Check the pressure rating of the application requirement versus the valve.
• Verify the temperature rating of the application requirement in comparison to that of the valve. Also, check the valve thread, flange, or solvent weld versus the requirement of the application.
• Make sure that you finish all welding work s before commencing the installation process. Also, ensure there is no residue of welding, water, debris, or rust by washing with water and a mild detergent.
• Free off debris or rust on the surface of pipe thread or flange that will be in contact with actuated ball valve. Do this by cleaning it with water and a mild detergent.
• Ensure that the flange has no warpage and the Valve ball is not misaligned about the flange.
• It is important to support the valve on bigger actuator valve assemblies to reduce the load on piping.
• Tighten the bolts on actuated ball valve one at a time and conduct it in stages. This will ensure that applied pressure forms a seal between the flanges and the actuator ball valve.
• After completing the installation process, the actuator ball valve should be operated severally to free it from the hold. This will also make it able to rotate to full ninety degrees operation.

Can you Mechanically Adjust the Flow Rate of Actuated Ball Valve?

Yes, you can mechanically adjust the flow of actuated ball valves.

You can use CV values to give you an indication of the suitable flow rate of given actuated ball valves.

What is the Recommended Installation Orientation for Actuated Ball Valve?

Actuated ball valves can be installed in any orientation.

Basically, you should install bigger actuated ball valves with the drive shaft in a vertical position to reduce load on the valve.

Vertical installation of driver shaft helps reduce load on actuated ball valve which results from the actuator or gearbox attempting to pull away.

However, electric actuators require to be installed in a vertical orientation.

How do you Test Actuated Ball Valves after Installation?

The procedure for testing actuated ball valves entails the following:

• Actuated ball valves are made to hold rated pressures only. Therefore, test pressures that are above rated working pressure in a closed position can lead to damage of the actuated ball valve.
• When the ball is in an open position, the pipeline is tested until the hydrostatic test pressure.
• In case of seat leakage due to foreign material between the ball and seat, open the valve ten to fifteen degrees.

This will bring about a high-velocity flushing action and you can close and repeat where necessary.

• Leakage of the seat can be caused by a rotational shift in the ball’s position about the actuated ball valve body.

In this case, you should consider checking all the components of actuator ball valve and readjusting as needed.

What is the Function of Positioner in Actuated Ball Valve?

 Actuated Ball Valve Positioner

The main function of a valve positioner is to put actuated ball valve in the correct position. The valve positioner works by controlling the air pressure or load on the actuator.

A valve positioner locates the position of a valve and passes a message to the actuator to control the ball valve.

They are normally installed at the top or yolk of a pneumatic actuator.

In rotary control valves, the positioner is positioned near the end of the shaft.

The valve positioners ensure more accurate control to be achieved by an actuator since they know the exact position of the valve.

Valve positioners allow you to implement distance between the control valve and the controller.

There are four types of valve positioners which include:

• Pneumatic Valve Positioners: are used in receiving and sending signals for opening and closing the actuated ball valve.
• Electronic Valve Positioners: they receive and send electrical signals.
• Electro-Pneumatic Valve Positioners: they use a mixture of air and electricity in changing currents to pneumatic signals.
• Digital Valve Positioners: they use a microprocessor in positioning the monitor and valve actuator and for data recording. They are very accurate and make use of little air as compared to analog positioner types.

Can you Interchange Different Ball Valves and Actuators?

Yes, you can interchange different ball valves and actuators can be interchanged so long as they stay in line with the same standards.

Actuators and ball valves are most often together despite being separate components. To ensure conformity, it is important to obtain these two as a package.

A combination of ball valves and actuators produces an automatic ball valve that you can control remotely.

The ball valve and actuator always have an interface connection for connecting them.

The connection interface is made up of a stem or shaft to the valve ball and for bolting the actuator to the valve, bolts are needed.

What are the Types of Seals used with Actuated Ball Valve?

The types of seals used with actuated ball valves include:

• FPM Rubber Gasket Seals: this provides high mechanical and chemical resistance.
• EPDM Rubber-Type O-Rings: they are used in scenarios where FPM is not compatible.
• Double O-Ring Gasket Stem Seals: these are standard.

How do you Troubleshoot Actuated Ball Valve?

Some of the ways of troubleshooting some actuated ball valve problems include:

Problem of an Actuator not Operating

Some of the possible causes and solutions of this problem include:

• Cause: The thermal overload protection may be active
  • Solution: you should allow the actuator to cool to decreasing the frequency of operation.
• Cause: the capacitor may be loose or incorrectly connected
  • Solution; you should check the diagram and wiring to correct the connection of the capacitor.
• Cause: switches, wires, or other leads may be loose or disconnected.
  • Solution: try to inspect the actuated ball valve and reconnect.
• Cause: the motor might be damaged or inoperable.
  • Solution; confirm the voltage and apply power without the use of switches in the circuit. you may also replace

Problem of the Motor Seeming Stalled and the Power is On but doesn’t Operate

Some of the possible causes and solutions to this problem include:

• Cause: failure of capacitator
  • Solution: you should replace the capacitator.
• Cause: Failure of the motor
  • Solution: replace the motor.
• Supply power might be applied to both sides of the motor consequently.
  • Solution: you should check the wiring and make corrections.
• The control board components may have failed
  • Solution: replace the boards or inspect and rewire them.

The Problem of Actuator Turning only in the Wrong Direction

Some of the possible causes and solutions to this problem include:

• Cause: the actuator might be wired for unidirectional operations. It may also be a unidirectional model.
  • Solution: re-wire the actuator.
• Cause: the limit switches may be wired incorrectly
  • Solution; inspect the actuator and reconnect it.

The Problem of Actuator Turning in One Direction Only

Some possible causes and solutions of this problem include:

• Cause: Failure of the control board component.
  • Solution; inspect the boards and rewire or replace the boards.
• Cause: the limit switch for reverse direction may be engaged with the cam.
  • Solution: Inspect the cam and adjust it accordingly.
• Cause: wires at the motor connection may be disconnected or loose.
  • Solution; check the wiring and make necessary corrections.

The Problem of Moisture or Corrosion Present Inside the Enclosure

Some of the possible causes and solutions to this problem include:

• Cause: Water may be entering through the conduit entry.
  • Solution: inspect is and re-seal.
• The gasket seal may be missing or incorrectly installed.
  • Solution: dry the unit and replace the gasket seal.
• The environment might be humid.
  • Solution; add a thermostat or heater.

What are Some of the Safety Precautions when Operating Actuated Ball Valves?

Some of the safety precautions when operating actuated ball valves include:

• You should not use actuated ball valves at a pressure that is above its working pressure.
• Excessive torque from the actuator may destroy the internal parts of actuated ball valves.
• In case the valve is jammed in a position which is between opening and closing, inspect the operation of the actuator. Where necessary, remove the actuator and operate the valve manually to establish the fault.
• If required, you can remove and check valves to remove a foreign object.

Can you Use Electric Actuated Ball Valve Outside?

Yes, you can use an electrically actuated ball valve outside as it is designed with weatherproof enclosures.

This feature also offers a level of protection against both outdoor and indoor applications.

Protection of the electric actuator from rain, sun, snow, and ice will last for its entire lifespan.

Electric Actuated Ball Valve

How do you Maintain Actuated Ball Valve?

The maintenance procedures for actuated ball valves include:

• If the actuated ball valve is not used regularly, it is important to cycle it once a month or more.
• Before maintaining the actuated ball valve, you should relieve the pressure of the system.
• To remove the actuated ball valve from the system, use the reverse of the sequence used in installing it.
• Replace the seats and seals of the valve by removing the endplates.
• While maintaining the ball in a closed position, carefully press and push out the ball and end seats.
• Avoid destroying the polished surface of the ball by holding it using a soft and clean cloth.
• To expose the stem seals, push the drive stem up from the inside of the cavity.
• Make sure that you always use lubricants that are approved on the seal of actuated ball valves.
• Test the actuated ball valve and refit it into the lines using the normal sequence of installation.

Which are the Safety and Quality Standards that Actuated Ball Valves Should Comply with?

Some of the safety and quality standards that actuated ball valves should comply with include:

• EN ISO 4126
• ASME B31.1
• ASME B16.34
• API598
• DIN 3852
• ASME B31.3
• ISO 7/1
• ASME B31.4
• ISO 228-1
• EN12266
• ASME B31.8

How do you Control Air to an Actuated Ball Valve?

Air to an actuated ball valve is controlled using either a manual on/off valve or an electric pilot. You should bolt these valves to flanges and use them with oil, water, air, and inert gas.

All of them operate on air that is compressed divert automatically the flow between ports at a faster rate than motor-driven valves.

What is the Maximum Allowable Velocity for Actuated Ball Valves?

The maximum allowable fluid velocity for metal valves is about five to ten feet per second but closer to five feet per second is better.

For PVC valves, the maximum allowable fluid velocity is less than five feet per second.

Contact us now for all your questions about actuated ball valves.

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