Motorized Ball Valve Vs Solenoid Valve: Find The Best

A solenoid valve and a motorized ball valve are both pressure-activated valves that work by opening or closing a pipe, depending on the pressure in the pipe. While they each have their advantages and disadvantages, knowing what they do, what they’re used for, and how they can help decide which type of DomBor valve would be best for the application. Here’s what all need to know about motorized ball valves vs. solenoid valves and how to choose between them when building or updating the plumbing system.

What Is A Motorized Ball Valve?

Solenoid valves are typically used in industrial and commercial applications, where high flow rates and pressures require the flow to be stopped with a fast and robust valve. Motorized Ball Valves allow control of the flow rate with precision, maintaining low energy loss. In addition, they offer a rapid response time compared to other valves and provide an excellent seal. 

A motorized ball valve is one of the best choices when needed to turn the water flow on and off with minimal effort. The function of a ball valve is to control the water inlet or outlet while ensuring that it can quickly respond to changing demands. They have a sealed construction, which guarantees resistance against corrosion, and they also come with replaceable seats. Here are some things that one should know about a motorized ball valve: 

• A manual operator is necessary to open or close the valve. 
• A movable metal element is known as the spindle, and the seating assembly controls the operation of closing and opening. As the spindle moves, its position changes relative to the seat, leading to an increase or decrease in pressure simultaneously. For example, if anyone wants to reduce pressure, move the spindle closer to the seat until it closes completely. 
• As long as there is sufficient torque from a power source, this type of valve can be used without any problems, even when there is no electric current. 
• The cost per unit for this type of product varies depending on size but is cheaper than solenoid valves because fewer moving parts are required during installation.

What Is A Solenoid Valve?

A solenoid valve uses an electromagnet to control the opening and closing of a fluid passage. It is equipped with an eccentric spring at its center. When power is applied to the solenoid coil, the magnet is pulled toward it and causes the piston to move upward in its housing (it does not seal against it). The pressure required to activate this type of valve is generally higher than that needed for a ball-type valve because there are often two springs on either side of the coil; however, it requires less force or arm strength to operate.

A solenoid valve is a cylinder with a movable electrode. When voltage is applied to the electrode, an electromagnetic force pushes the plunger inside the cylinder to open or close an orifice. When no voltage is applied, a spring returns the plunger to its normal position. The movement of the plunger allows it to control flow by blocking off (or partially blocking) ports in the cylinder. 

This design means that even if power is lost, like during an outage, water can still move through this type of valve because it’s not dependent on any energy source. The downside? They’re more expensive than other options and require installation near water pressure sources. Overall the cost depends on the industrial ball valve supplier and how reliable the product is.

Motorized Ball Valve Vs. Solenoid Valve

What They Are

Motorized ball valves are cylindrical valves that regulate fluid or gas flow through a pipe by opening and closing a disk-shaped valve attached to the center of a cylinder. The solenoid valve, on the other hand, uses electromagnetic coils to move fluid between two piping systems. Motorized ball valves are better suited for applications requiring precise control, such as in an automated process. Solenoid valves are better suited for applications requiring less precise control, such as in a manual process.

What They Do

A solenoid valve opens when an electric current flows through the coils and closes when it ceases to flow. A motorized ball valve moves with gears in either direction depending on its position – closed, open, or fully open (fully secure). This allows them to isolate pipe sections during inspection or maintenance if necessary. However, they require more energy than solenoid valves because they have moving parts, so they require regular maintenance. 

How They Operate

Motorized ball valves have fixed control positions instead of moving up and down as a solenoid valve does. While this makes motorized ball valves more rigid, it also limits their range of operation, so they can’t be adjusted as quickly as a solenoid valve. 

It can also be difficult for some people to operate due to the levers being positioned high off the ground where there is no counter-weighting mechanism, such as in the case of rotary vane type regulators. On the other hand, solenoid valves can easily be operated by just turning a knob without the need for any adjustments. Just need to turn it one way or another until it reaches the desired position.

A solenoid valve has electrical connections via slip rings, whereas a motorized ball valve requires wiring from top to bottom. On top of that, if electrical power is interrupted, it won’t have water coming out of the faucet, whereas with a solenoid valve, it still gets water even though it might not come out at the desired speed or pressure setting. 

Ease Of Installation

Due to how much easier it is to install a solenoid valve, most new construction projects use these exclusively. In addition, the technology of solenoid valves has improved over time, and the components required for installation have decreased significantly, which makes them a better option for residential projects too. 

Motorized ball valves are used primarily in commercial construction where performance is more important than convenience – but again, this depends on what’s most important! Solenoid valves are popular because they’re easy to operate and don’t require as much energy. Plus, there is no worry about wiring everything up since solenoid valves all run on electricity. The downside is that if the power goes out, so does the water supply, while a motorized ball valve would still work at slower speeds. 

Also, note that many factors determine which type of valve would be best for any given project, including how fast the fluid to flow or whether a heavy-duty component or something lighter is needed. For example, a solenoid valve may not provide enough force to actuate certain ball valves. 

Cost

Motorized ball valves are more expensive than solenoid valves but are also more durable and require less maintenance. Solenoid valves are less costly than motorized ball valves but are also less stable and require more maintenance.

Consider the differences between the solenoid and motorized ball valves before deciding which is best.

How To Choose: Motorized Ball Valve Vs Solenoid Valve

When choosing between a motorized ball valve and a solenoid valve, there are vital points to remember. Here are five factors to consider when choosing these oil and gas valve:

• Cost: Motorized ball valves are typically more expensive than solenoid valves.
• Power requirements: Solenoid valves require less power to operate than motorized ball valves.
• Valve size: Solenoid valves are available in a broader range of sizes than motorized ball valves.
• Media compatibility: Motorized ball valves are more compatible with a more comprehensive range of media, including corrosive and abrasive fluids.
• Temperature: Motorized ball valves can withstand higher temperatures than solenoid valves.

 Bottomline

In conclusion, motorized ball and solenoid valves are both suitable for industrial applications. Motorized ball valves are more durable and easier to maintain, while solenoid valves are more compact and easier to install. If still unsure which type of valve is right for the application, please get in touch with us for more information.