For operating efficiency and energy saving, automatic control valves are indispensable. The manually operated and pneumatic valves common in traditional industries lose to electric valves on both installation cost and efficiency.
Industry sources note that valves in industrial processes mostly control the passage and flow of fluids — water, oil, chemicals — against temperature, pressure and flow parameters. Common control valves include pressure-reducing valves, pneumatic temperature-control valves, solenoid temperature-control systems, proportional control systems and temperature control valves. Choosing among them should weigh the prime mover type, required accuracy, valve quality, pressure drop, flow and construction, failure rate, vendor reputation and after-sales service for an economical, practical result.
As a product, the electric valve is easy to install, low in failure rate and fits industry automation needs — the better-value choice. A conventional pneumatic valve needs piping, solenoid valves and a compressor; an electric valve is motor-driven, installs easily on the plant's existing control wiring, and saves the rest of that cost. Motor-driven opening and closing is also smooth, without large instantaneous shock, greatly cutting failure rates.
Many think electric valves are expensive to run — not so. Counted as a whole, traditional valves plus accessories and piping installation hold no price advantage and carry higher maintenance costs.
