Think about the valves that control water in your home or the intricate systems in an industrial plant—they all rely on a key piece of equipment: the ball valve.
How these valves open and close depends on something called the actuation method, which is essentially the “drive” behind the valve’s operation.
From manually turning a handle to using high-tech electric or pneumatic systems, these methods can make or break a valve’s performance in critical applications.
In this guide, we’ll break down five common industrial ball valve actuation methods and help you figure out which one is right for your project.
Discover Onerovalve’s full range of ball valve actuation methods.
How Actuation Methods Can Impact Performance, Safety, and Maintenance
The actuator you choose for your ball valve can greatly influence several key factors in your system, including:
Performance
The speed, precision, and reliability with which the valve operates depend on the type of actuator.
For example, a motorized ball valve might provide smoother, more reliable control compared to a manual valve, but it could require more power and maintenance.
Safety
Proper actuator choice can improve safety by ensuring valves close or open at the right times. An actuator failure, especially in high-pressure or hazardous environments, can lead to accidents.
For example, a pneumatic actuated ball valve offers rapid action and is useful for emergency shut-offs, while electric actuators can be more precise.
Maintenance
Some actuators require more maintenance than others. Pneumatic actuators, for example, need an air supply and might need more frequent service compared to a manual ball valve, which relies on human operation.
What Type of Actuator is Used with a Ball Valve?
Various actuators can be used with ball valves, depending on the application requirements. Common types of actuators include:
- Manual Actuator: This is the simplest and most traditional method, requiring physical force to turn the valve.
- Electric Actuator: Uses electrical energy to turn the valve automatically, offering high precision and control.
- Pneumatic Actuator: Uses compressed air to control the valve, often chosen for systems requiring fast operation.
- Hydraulic Actuator: Uses hydraulic fluid to operate the valve, typically used in high-pressure environments.
Each of these actuators has its advantages and is suited to different needs based on the system’s complexity, required speed, and available energy sources.
What is Ball Valve Actuation?
Ball valve actuation refers to the process of controlling the movement of the valve’s ball to regulate flow.
The actuator, whether manual, electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic, facilitates the rotation of the ball inside the valve to either open or close the valve.
In a manual ball valve, an operator physically turns the handle or wheel to control the valve.
In more automated systems, actuators allow for remote control and precise adjustments, essential for industries where automation and speed are key.
5 Common Industrial Ball Valve Actuation Methods
Let’s take a look at the most common industrial ball valve actuation methods and their unique characteristics.
| Actuation Method | Description | Best For | Key Characteristics |
| Manual Actuation | Handwheel or lever operation. | Smaller systems with infrequent adjustments. | Simple, slow, labor-intensive. |
| Motorized Actuation | Electric motor rotates the valve. | HVAC, water treatment, automated control. | Remote control, automation. |
| Electric Actuation | Electric motor for precise control. | Pharmaceutical, food and beverage. | Precise, repeatable control. |
| Pneumatic Actuation | Compressed air moves the valve. | Fast-action systems, hazardous environments. | Fast, compact, efficient. |
| Hydraulic Actuation | Pressurized fluid operates the valve. | High-pressure systems (oil & gas). | Powerful, reliable in harsh conditions. |
1. Manual Actuation
In manual actuation, an operator uses a handwheel or lever to turn the valve.
This method is common in smaller systems where the valve doesn’t require frequent adjustments. It offers simplicity but can be slow and labor-intensive.
2. Motorized Actuation
A motorized ball valve uses an electric motor to rotate the valve.
This method is ideal for applications that need more control and automation, such as HVAC systems, water treatment, or heating and cooling systems.
The motorized actuator can be connected to control systems, allowing for remote operation.
What is a Motorized Ball Valve for?
Motorized ball valves are typically used where automatic control is needed for managing the flow of fluids.
They are common in environments like chemical processing, where the precision of fluid flow is critical, and in systems that need frequent valve operation but require minimal human intervention.
3. Electric Actuation
Electric ball valve actuators use an electric motor to provide precise, repeatable control of the valve.
These actuators are suited for applications requiring exact flow control, such as in pharmaceutical or food and beverage industries, where consistent conditions are essential.
They are often integrated with automated systems for remote control.
4. Pneumatic Actuation
In pneumatic actuators, compressed air is used to move the valve.
Pneumatic actuators are fast and efficient, making them ideal for systems requiring quick action, such as safety shut-off valves or in industries with hazardous environments.
Pneumatic actuators are also more compact, reducing the space requirements in industrial settings.
5. Hydraulic Actuation
Hydraulic actuators use pressurized fluid to operate the valve.
These are typically used in high-pressure systems, such as in oil and gas industries, where the force required to open or close the valve is substantial.
Hydraulic actuators are powerful and offer excellent reliability in harsh environments.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Actuation Method
Choosing the correct actuator for your ball valve is critical to ensuring your system performs optimally. Here are some factors to consider when selecting an actuator:
| Factor | Description | Best For |
| Valve Size & Pressure | Valve size and pressure requirements determine actuator type. | Large valves, high-pressure systems (hydraulic). |
| Response Time | Consider how quickly the actuator needs to respond. | Fast action (pneumatic); precise control (electric). |
| Precision Control | Need for exact valve position control. | Industries needing fine adjustments (electric). |
| Environmental Conditions | Consider hazardous conditions. | Hazardous areas (pneumatic). |
| Energy Source | Availability of energy sources like compressed air or electricity. | Pneumatic (compressed air); electric (electrical power). |
Valve Size & Pressure Requirements
The size of your valve and the pressure it needs to handle are key to determining the appropriate actuator.
Larger valves, especially those operating under high-pressure conditions, may require hydraulic actuators for the force needed to operate them.
Response Time
If your system requires quick action, pneumatic actuators are ideal due to their fast response times.
If precision and controlled operation are more important, an electric actuator might be a better choice, even though it may be slower in some cases.
Precision Control
For applications requiring exact control of the valve’s position, an electric ball valve actuator is typically the best option.
These actuators allow for fine adjustments, ideal for industries like food processing or pharmaceuticals.
Environmental Conditions
The environment where the valve operates is another consideration.
In areas with hazardous conditions, such as explosive environments, pneumatic actuators are often preferred, as they don’t rely on electrical components that could ignite flammable gases.
Energy Source Availability
Lastly, consider the available energy sources. If your system already has compressed air, a pneumatic-actuated ball valve can make the most of that existing infrastructure.
Alternatively, if electrical power is readily available, an electric ball valve actuator offers precise control.
Applications of Different Actuation Methods
Each type of actuator is suited for different applications. Here’s a brief overview of where each is commonly used:
- Manual Ball Valves: Best for systems requiring minimal intervention, such as small water pipelines or low-frequency operations.
- Motorized Ball Valves: Used in HVAC, water treatment plants, and other applications requiring automated control.
- Electric Ball Valve Actuators: Ideal for high-precision systems, such as in chemical processing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and food production.
- Pneumatic Actuators: Common in fast-acting systems, such as emergency shut-off valves and hazardous environments.
- Hydraulic Actuators: Essential in high-pressure systems, such as in the oil and gas industry or large-scale manufacturing.
Onerovalve’s Types of Ball Valve Actuation Methods
Onerovalve offers a wide variety of ball valve actuators, ensuring that you can find the right option for your system.
Whether you need a motorized ball valve, an electric actuator, or a pneumatic actuator, Onerovalve has products designed to meet the demands of different industries.
Their product range includes robust designs for high-pressure environments and efficient, precision-driven options for low-pressure applications.
By choosing the right actuator from Onerovalve, you’re guaranteed reliable performance and ease of maintenance, as all their products are engineered with top-quality materials and cutting-edge technology.
Ball Valve Actuation: Conclusion
The right actuator can greatly influence the performance, safety, and cost-effectiveness of your ball valve system.
From the simplicity of manual ball valves to the precision of electric actuators, each actuation method has its strengths and ideal applications.
Carefully consider factors such as valve size, pressure requirements, environmental conditions, and energy sources when making your selection.
Understanding the various actuation methods will help you choose the best fit for your system’s needs and ensure smooth, efficient operation.
English 
Portuguese 
Russian 
Korean 
Arabic 
Spanish 
Italian