Motorized ball valves are ball valves that use electricity to operate. Controlling the fluid flow is accomplished with a perforated, hollow, and turning ball. In ball valves, the ball has a hole in the center. Controlling the position of the ball using an electric motor enhances or blocks fluid flow. Motorized Valve Manufacturers design the ball so that it can direct, guide, and modulate fluid flow. these valves work with gases, liquids, and vapors. Turning the ball 90 degrees anticlockwise or clockwise to close or open the flow. In a ball valve, fluid flow is initiated when the ball hole turns parallel to the flow direction. Also, it’s well known for its long service life and high reliability.
Components of motorized ball valve
Valve body/valve housing
A motorized ball valve’s valve body or valve housing contains all its internal components. As the valve body is made up of strong, hard, and rigid materials, it can withstand high pressures and temperatures associated with fluid flow. The body of a motorized ball valve also has ports for the inlet and outlet.
Rotary Ball
It is a spherical component with a hole in the middle. A bore is a hole at the center of a ball. Fluid flows through the hole or bore in the ball. Hollow or solid balls can be used in motorized ball valves. In a solid ball, the opening diameter is constant, enhancing fluid flow at constant velocity. A hollow ball allows more fluid to flow through the valve because of the space inside it. Hollow balls in motorized ball valves, however, tend to have more turbulence and high velocities. The hollow ball in a motorized ball valve, however, makes the valve lighter and cheaper than a solid ball.
Stem (shaft)
The ball is connected to the electric motor by this component of a motorized ball valve. The stem transmits power from the electric motor to the motorized ball valve. The stem of a motorized ball valve is designed with seals such as O-rings and packing rings to prevent fluid leakage from the bonnet and stem.
Bonnet
A motorized ball valve’s bonnet covers the internal parts of the valve body and the bonnet and valve body are connected with screws or bolts and nuts or by welding to ensure leak-free operation. In line with the intended use of the valve, the bonnet should be made of a strong, hard, and rigid material that can withstand high temperatures and high pressure.
Seat
During the operation of a motorized ball valve, the seat provides a seal between the ball and the valve body. A downstream seat is placed opposite the upstream seat adjacent to the valve discharge side, and an upstream seat is adjacent to the valve inlet side.
Actuator
An actuator is a component that provides power to operate a motorized ball valve. Actuator motors are electric motors. Actuators can be automatic or semi-automatic.
How does a motorized ball valve work?
The motorized ball valve converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. It is mechanical energy that opens and closes through these motorized ball valves. Using an electric motor, electrical energy can be converted to mechanical energy. Here is an explanation of how motorized ball valves work.
The system is powered. By turning on the electric power, the motorized ball valve opens. In this way, electric current can flow to the motor. By turning the electric motor on, the shaft starts rotating, transmitting mechanical power to open the valve. In order to open a motorized ball valve, certain factors must be taken into account, such as its size.
As speed and torque are inversely proportional, the motor’s power is transmitted through gears to reduce its speed and increase its torque. Accordingly, the motorized ball valve actuator will be able to produce different levels of torque or force based on the geartrain set. Gear trains provide torque to turn the stem of the motorized ball and because the stem is connected to the ball, it will turn the ball as needed.
Types of motorized ball valves
Single-body motorized ball valve
This is a motorized ball valve with a single body. A solid cast valve body reduces leakage problems. Single-body motorized ball valves are the cheapest ones. It cannot be opened for cleaning or maintenance, however. Single-body motorized ball valves are used for less demanding applications. Generally, these valves have a small opening, are cheaper, and are disposable.
Two-piece body motorized ball valve
This motorized ball valve is composed of two parts, the first component contains the body and ends joint, and the second component is attached to the first component. Two-piece motorized ball valves can be easily disassembled for inspection, cleaning, and maintenance. To separate the two pieces, the motorized ball valve must be completely disconnected from the pipeline.
Three-piece body motorized ball valve
There are three parts to this motorized ball valve: the body and two end joints. The three components are connected with bolts and nuts. This three-piece ball valve design makes it easy to remove core parts such as the stem, seat, and ball from the piping system. With this design, clogged materials can be removed more effectively, and seals and seats can be replaced without removing tubing from the body of the valve. This type of motorized ball valve is, however, more expensive.
Welded body motorized ball valve
It is a motorized ball valve that is fully welded to prevent leaks. Motorized ball valves of this type cannot be repaired like other valves. A welded body motorized ball valve is used for underground and buried applications that do not require maintenance, such as gas transportation and subsea transport. As soon as the motorized ball valves are welded, they are subjected to non-destructive testing (NDTS) to ensure there is no leakage.
Applications of motorized ball valves
- Water and irrigation treatment applications use motorized ball valves.
- A motorized ball valve is used in the processing of food and beverages.
- These valves are used in pharmaceutical industries.
- They are used in the gas and oil industries.
- Motorized ball valves are used in power plants.
- In chemical manufacturing plants, ball valves are motorized.
Advantages of motorized ball valves
- Ball valves with motors are easy to use. The installation, repair, and maintenance of these valves are relatively easy and quick.
- Ball valves with motors are highly efficient. As a result of their tight seals and lack of lubrication, these valves do not waste any fluid or flow pressure.
- Compared to other valves, motorized ball valves are affordable due to their simple design.
- If motorized ball valves are used according to manufacturers’ instructions, they have a long service life.
Disadvantages of motorized ball valves
- Using a motorized ball valve for the wrong application results in high wear and tear.
- The use of motorized ball valves for throttling is not recommended.
- that motorized ball valves move slower than solenoids.
- They operate quickly, but not instantaneously.
Troubleshooting motorized ball valves
Ball seat leakage
- There is foreign matter around the ball seat. You may need to clean/remove the foreign materials or replace the ball seats if they have been damaged.
- It was damaged because it was used with the ball seat half-open. It is necessary to replace the ball seat. When the valve is fully open/closed, use it.
- The ball seat has been damaged by thermal heat. The ball seat should be replaced with the one recommended by the manufacturer of the motorized ball valve.
Body gasket leakage
- Bolts, nuts, or screws that are loose. Equally, tighten the bolts or screws.
- Body gaskets are damaged. Replace the gasket.
Gland packing leakage
- The gland bolt is loose. Make sure the gland bolts are tightened diagonally and with equal torque.
- The gland packing is worn out. Glands need to be replaced.
The actuator is not working
- The switch, wires, or other leads are loose or disconnected. Reconnect accordingly after inspecting.
- There is a problem with the connection of a capacitor or it is loose. Ensure that the wiring diagram is in accordance with the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the motorized ball valve.
- The thermal overload protection is on. Ensure that the electric actuator cools down and that the operating frequency is minimized.
While power is on, the motorized ball valve is stalled
- The capacitor has failed. The capacitor needs to be replaced.
- More torque is needed for the motorized valve. Remove/clean any obstructions.
- Control board components of the motorized ball valve have failed. Rewire and/or replace the components as necessary.
Summary
This Valve uses electricity as its source of power. Electricity powers the electric motor, which converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. Electric motors use mechanical energy to turn on motorized ball valves so fluid can flow. In these valves, a ball turns 90° to close/open the flow of fluid. For on/off applications, motorized ball valves are suitable. In this design, manufacturers consider their ability to withstand fluid pressure and temperature.
