What is a Powered Valve?

The world of industrial valves can be overwhelming. As someone who’s spent years in valve manufacturing, I often see confusion about powered valves among engineers and facility managers.

A powered valve is an automated valve system that uses electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic power to control fluid flow. It combines a standard valve body with an actuator that provides the force to open, close, or regulate the valve position.

Electric actuator controlling butterfly valve

Let me guide you through everything you need to know about powered valves, drawing from my extensive experience in manufacturing and implementing these crucial components.

What Does a Motorised Valve Do?

Every day, I see facilities struggling with manual valve operations. That’s where motorised valves¹ come in as game-changers.

Motorised valves automatically control the flow of liquids or gases using an electric motor. They can be operated remotely, programmed for specific schedules, or integrated into building management systems for automated control.

Key Functions of Motorised Valves

• Flow Control
  • Precise regulation of flow rates
  • Automatic adjustment based on system demands
  • Remote operation capability

Applications

• HVAC Systems²
  • Temperature control
  • Zone isolation
  • Energy management

Benefits

1. Improved Efficiency
   • Reduced labor costs
   • Better system control
   • Energy savings

Last month, I helped a client upgrade their heating system with motorised valves. Their energy consumption dropped by 30%, and they no longer needed staff to manually adjust valves throughout the day. This experience perfectly illustrates why motorised valves are becoming increasingly popular in modern building management.

What is the Difference Between a Valve and an Actuator?

In my manufacturing facility, this is one of the most common questions I hear from new customers.

A valve is the mechanical device³ that controls flow by opening, closing, or partially obstructing passageways. An actuator is the mechanism that provides the force and motion to operate the valve. They work together as a system.

butterfly valve

Valve Characteristics

• Primary flow control device
• Contains moving elements like balls, discs, or gates
• Designed for specific media and conditions

Actuator Types

1. Electric Actuators⁴
   • Uses electric motors
   • Digital control capability
   • Most common in building services
2. Pneumatic Actuators
   • Operates on compressed air
   • Fast response time
   • Used in process industries
3. Hydraulic Actuators
   • High force capability
   • Suitable for large valves
   • Common in heavy industry

The relationship between valves and actuators is like that of a door and its opener. The door (valve) is the barrier that controls access, while the opener (actuator) provides the force to move it. In my years of experience, understanding this distinction has helped countless customers make better decisions about their system requirements.

What are the Three Main Types of Valves?

This question comes up in almost every consultation I have with new clients.

The three main types of valves are ball valves, globe valves, and butterfly valves. Each type serves different purposes and offers unique advantages in flow control applications.

Ball Valves

• Quick quarter-turn operation
• Excellent sealing capabilities
• Best for on/off applications

Globe Valves

• Precise flow control
• Linear operation
• Ideal for throttling

Butterfly Valves

• Compact design
• Low pressure drop
• Cost-effective for large sizes

I recently worked on a project where we needed all three types. We used ball valves for isolation, globe valves for precise control, and butterfly valves for the main distribution lines. This combination provided the optimal solution for the facility’s needs.

What is a Butterfly Valve For?

As a manufacturer specializing in butterfly valves, I’ve seen their applications evolve significantly.

Butterfly valves are designed for on-off and throttling services in large pipe systems. They’re especially popular in HVAC, water treatment⁵, and industrial processes due to their compact size, lightweight design, and cost-effectiveness.

HVAC system

Applications of Butterfly Valves

1. HVAC Systems
   • Chilled water systems
   • Heating circuits
   • Ventilation control
2. Water Treatment
   • Distribution networks
   • Storage tanks
   • Treatment processes
3. Industrial Processes
   • Chemical processing
   • Food and beverage
   • Power generation

Key Advantages

• Space-saving design
• Lower weight than other valve types
• Reduced maintenance requirements
• Cost-effective for large sizes

In my experience, butterfly valves have proven particularly valuable in retrofit projects where space is limited. Last year, we helped a hospital upgrade their chilled water system, and butterfly valves were the perfect solution due to their compact design and reliable performance.

Conclusion

Powered valves are essential components in modern fluid control systems. Whether you choose ball, globe, or butterfly valves, pairing them with the right actuator creates an efficient, automated solution for your specific needs.