Effective fluid control is necessary today in many areas to ensure that systems function properly. This is noticeable in large oil and gas pipelines, as well as in homes where heaters and air conditioners depend on accurate and reliable control of water and liquid flow. Manual valves were once the standard, but automation made motorized valves a better choice. Motorized valves are not only switches; they help control fluids in many ways and are now vital parts of automated systems.
What Is a Motorized Valve?
A motorized valve is a device that uses electric actuators to move a valve to the fully open, closed or partially open position. Unlike manual or pneumatic valves, motorized valves use electricity to create the force needed to perform their tasks. They turn the valve stem or disc within the body of the valve to direct the flow of fluid. Because electric power can be turned into mechanical power, motorized valves are simple to add to systems that require remote control, automation or integration with PLCs or DCSs.
How Motorized Valves Work?
Electric actuators can be considered the core components of motorized valves. Usually contained within the actuator’s body is an electric motor, a speed reducing gear with an accompanying force multiplier, as well as limit switches or movement and force sensors. The motor is turned on when the valve actuator receives an electric signal. The motor’s rotation is transferred to the output shaft via gears. The valve stem connects to the output shaft, and thus it can rotate or translate linearly. It can then rotate or translate linearly to open, close, or halt at a neutral position. For specific designs, a flip of a switch can initiate the action. Some actuators also feature wire auto return or even 2 wire auto return mechanisms, simplifying wiring and ensuring the valve returns to a default position upon power loss or signal change.
Actuators can perform simple actions like fully opening or closing the valves. More sophisticated advanced actuators allow for better versatility, including: precise control (how much the valve is opened based on a signal) and displaying current status, data/smart problem detection, data transmission with the control center, and receiving commands.
Main Motorized Valve Types
Different motorized valves have different uses. They differ in how they are constructed, since a combination of different valve bodies, including plastic valves, and electric motors is used.They can be designed to work with various fluids, pressures, temperatures, and applications. There are many types of electric valves, including:
- Motorized Ball Valve: A motorized ball valve features a compact size that is easy to fit onto pipework, low flow resistance, and it provides good sealing. Mostly used for quick shut off or to send the fluid in different flow directions of the media. Quarter turn actuators are standard.
- Motorized Butterfly Valve: Lightweight, simple attachment, suitable for big diameter pipes with low pressure. Used for on/off functions or flow control. Also frequently use quarter turn actuators.
- Motorized Globe Valve: Fluid control is done by lifting or lowering a disk. Best when precise flow control is required. Has relatively high back pressure. Usually fitted with multi-turn or linear actuators.
- Motorized Gate Valve: Utilizes a gate that can be lifted or dropped for fully opened and fully closed positions. Offers low resistance to flow, but poor controllability. Slow to respond. Suited for pipelines that require low switching frequency and need unobstructed flow. Commonly fitted with multi-turn actuators.
- Motorized Control Valve: These valves are designed to control flow rate, pressure, and temperature. Normally equipped with a smart electric actuator and V-port ball valve or a specially designed cage for accurate control.
Here is a summary of the main motorized valve types:
| Valve Type | Common Actuator Type | Main Features | Typical Uses |
| Motorized Ball Valve | Quarter-turn | Fast on/off, low resistance, good seal | Shut-off, directing flow |
| Motorized Butterfly Valve | Quarter-turn | Light, large sizes, easy install | On/off, control, high flow |
| Motorized Globe Valve | Multi-turn/Linear | Precise control, higher resistance | Flow, pressure, temperature control |
| Motorized Gate Valve | Multi-turn | Full flow, low resistance, slow | Full open/closed, not used often |
| Motorized Control Valve | Smart Quarter-turn/Multi-turn | Precise control, good adjusting | Process parameters (flow, pressure, temp) |
Typical Applications of Motorized Valves
Motorized valves are applied in a lot of places. They are present in almost every sector that requires automatic control of liquids or fluids. They are like the ‘pulse regulators’ of modern industries and buildings.
- Industrial Automation: Industrial settings like oil and gas, power, metal, and paper industries. For controlling flow of different materials, modification of workflow in processes, and emergency shut-off. They are crucial for handling large volumes of media flow.
- HVAC Systems: In big structures, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems manage the hot and cold water or steam circulation. These systems help manage energy and temperature in different zones.
- Water Treatment: In water plants, wastewater plants, and desalination plants. Used to control the flow and direction of raw water, treated water, and chemicals. This includes applications for potable drinking water and handling various types of media flow.
- Food and Beverage: Need to meet health rules. Used to control liquids and gases in making food and drinks.
- Building Automation: In smart buildings. Used to watch and automatically manage water supply, drainage, fire safety, and air conditioning systems. This also covers home use scenarios.
- Other Uses: Also used a lot in making medicine, on ships, in light industry, and for watering farms, even in applications involving salt water.
Advantages of Using Motorized Valves
Choosing motorized valves instead of manual or pneumatic ones is usually because of needing efficiency, exact control, safety, and being an affordable option. This represents a major benefit.
First, automation and remote control are the biggest benefits. People do not need to be there to operate them. They can be opened, closed, or adjusted from a control system. This is very important in dangerous places, high up, underground, or far from the control room. It is like giving the pipe system a smart “brain”. It can act on its own based on set plans or real-time information. The main benefits of it also include their ability to handle a true emergency scenario with rapid and reliable shut-off.
Second, motorized valves can give very precise control. Especially control type motorized valves. They can control how much the valve is open exactly based on a signal (like 4-20mA). This allows fine control of things like flow and pressure. Many complex processes need this, often leading to higher flow rates.
Also, motorized valves are usually easier to install and maintain (compared to complex hydraulic systems). And they do not need much from the outside environment (just power). They do not need a compressed air source and pipes like pneumatic valves. This means fewer places for leaks and less energy used.
From a cost point of view, the first cost might be more than manual valves. But motorized valves bring big savings over time. They lower labor costs and make systems run better and exact control helps save energy and materials.
Selecting The Right Motorized Valve
Choosing the right motorized valve is a step-by-step process. You need to think about many things. It is like choosing the best “heart” for a complex machine.
Know the Process Details
First, you must know about the fluid (what it is, if it can cause corrosion or wear – for instance, if it’s a corrosive media), the working temperature, the working pressure, and how much flow or control is needed. These details directly decide the valve body material, seal material, pressure class, and valve type.
Choose Valve Type And Connection
Based on what the valve needs to do (shut off, control, direct flow) and the pipe conditions, choose the right body type (ball, butterfly, globe, etc.) and how it connects (flange, thread, weld, clamp, etc.).
Decide Actuator Needs
Think about how you want to control it (on/off, control, smart), the power source (e.g., if DC voltage is required), the type of actuator control signal (digital, analog), how much force is needed, and if it needs special protection like for explosions or water.
Think About Environment And Certificates
Look at the place where it will be installed (temperature, humidity, corrosive gases, etc.). Also, check what certificates are needed for the project or industry (like CE, RoHS, SIL, FDA). For demanding environments, stainless steel is often a preferred material, as it is the most commonly used metal for durability and corrosion resistance. It’s also important to consider valves that can handle a wide range of voltages and a wide range of temperatures.
Check Supplier Ability And Service
Apart from the product, what matters are the supplier’s skills, their experience, how fast they respond and their after-sale support. Selecting a supplier is very important. A reliable supplier can provide more than just the goods they sell. They help and guide you with their knowledge.
For instance, VINCER has been developing automatic valve solutions for over ten years. Their focus lies in motorized and pneumatic valves, including popular solenoid valves, electric ball valves, globe valves, manual ball valves as well as other valve types and accessories, aiming to be a one-stop supplier. VINCER’s products are certified by CE, RoHS, SIL and FDA and the company is ISO9001 certified, demonstrating their dedication to quality and meeting international standards. VINCER has a variety of project examples and a team of skilled engineers. They use a detailed analysis based on eight dimensions to understand customer needs: medium analysis, temperature analysis, medium pressure analysis, connection standard determination, control method (manual/electric/pneumatic), material requirements, medium opening/closing time. This way of working allows them to find the best and most accurate solutions. They provide quick service, giving quotes within 24 hours and initial plans for various products within 48 hours. This allows customers to find the information they require without delay. If you have a problem with the product, their team will investigate and offer solutions. They could also offer free parts and provide assistance over the phone or through video. With this kind of support, projects run smoothly and there is less downtime. In addition, they are more cost-effective than some international brands. As a result, customers can enjoy high-quality and dependable valves at a lower price.
Installation And Maintenance Practices
Putting in the valve correctly and taking care of it regularly are key to making sure a motorized valve works well for a long time.
Installation
- Follow the Manual: Do exactly what the maker’s instructions say.
- Check Pipes: Make sure pipes are clean, no trash, and lined up well. This stops pipe stress from hurting the valve.
- Check Direction: Look for the flow direction mark on the valve body (if there is one).
- Wire Correctly: Connect power and control wires right based on the actuator’s wiring diagram. Make sure the ground wire is connected well.
- Test by Hand: Before turning on power, it is usually good to use the manual part to test if the valve opens and closes smoothly.
Maintenance
- Check Regularly: Look at the valve and actuator. Check if parts are loose or seals are leaking.
- Lubricate: Put grease on moving parts of the actuator as the maker suggests.
- Test Function: Test opening, closing, or adjusting regularly to make sure it works right.
- Fix Problems: If something is not normal, look at the guide for fixing problems or contact the supplier (like VINCER’s skilled engineering team) to find and fix the issue. VINCER tries to prevent problems later by giving good plans early. If there is a product issue, their team will check and give solutions. They make sure the problem is fixed. They may even give free parts and help by phone or video.
Future Trends of Motorized Valves
Motorized valve technology is still getting better. In the future, they will be smarter, more connected, and work better.
- More Smart Features: Add more sensors and communication parts. This will allow better watching of status, predicting when to fix things, and finding problems from far away.
- Better Network Connection: Connect better with the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and smart factory systems. This allows sharing data and working together.
- Smaller and Modular: Actuators and valves will be smaller and made of parts. This makes them easier to install and replace.
- Use Less Energy: Make motors and control programs that use less power.
- Using New Materials: Use new materials that are better against corrosion, wear, and high heat. This will allow using them in more places.
Conclusion
Automatic control of fluids is made possible by using motorized valves. They are now used more often in industry and daily life because they can automate, control precisely and be managed remotely. You should understand the different types of motorized valves and how they function to pick the right one. You should also consider what you need the computer to do for you. If you set them up and maintain them properly, they will last for a long time. With better technology, motorized valves will become more intelligent and efficient. They are similar to the smart cells in the world of automation. They will introduce new concepts and help with controlling fluids in many fields. Selecting VINCER, who has the knowledge and skills to provide excellent service, will help you achieve success in automatic fluid control.