BALL VALVE FURNISHED WITH PNEUMATIC ACTUATOR
Ball Valves are normally for on/off functioning. In this valve a ball is there with a through hole to regulate the flow of fluid. The valve can open and shut by means of a revolving mechanism from 0 degree to 90 degree, comparative to the route of flow of the fluid in the pipe or container.
In the open position, the ball duct hole is totally lined up with the pipe, allowing the flow of fluid. In the closed position, the ball hole remains perpendicular to the route of the flow, obstructing the moving fluid.
Certain Favorable Features of Using Ball Valves :
- Fast Opening,
- Reduction in Weight and Size,
- In valves with full bore and in the totally open position, pressure drop is void,
- These valves are operable through handle, gearbox and electric actuator, hydraulic, electro-hydraulic or pneumatic,
- Competent with almost all kinds of fluids, which are there in an industrial plant.
Apparatus attached in valves which create the driving force needed to move the valve plug are Actuators. Their task is to change a command from a controller in a physical setting in the opening and shutting of the valve.
Very many types of actuators are there, but generally the most in use are pneumatics. The blueprint for this equipment is deemed to be, as more flexible as well as cost effective. The main means of power for the movement of the valve plug is compressed air. Single acting spring return and Double acting are the most commonly functional models of ball valves.
Single Acting Spring Return :
These valves make use of compressed air to produce work in a single direction of movement. The return is through spring action when the air is worn out from the chamber. Relaying on the application, this actuator can be configured in fault position appropriate for the process in instances of pneumatic or electric break down. In case of want of air or electric supply, the actuator springs will limp and move the piston actuator, making the valve to a totally open or totally closed breakdown position.
Double Action :
These valves make use of compressed air to make movement in both the directions i.e., to move forward and come back. As these valves do not have springs, there is a benefit of feasibility for the actuator to be of small size, which is very compact as compared to the single action. When there is scarcity of air, the double acting actuator will continue to be in the same position without coming back to a position of safe break down and this is what is the drawback of double acting actuator.
In general, the benefits of the use of pneumatic actuators are as under :
- High torque,
- Compressed size,
- Light in weight,
- Workable at high level temperature,
- Cost effective as compared to other types of actuators,
- Safety in operations,
- Fast response.
To sum-up, it can be said that the combination of ball valve and pneumatic actuator makes sure a practical solution for very many applications in the industry which implicate fluid management.
