Ceramic vs solenoid valves
August 2020
Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
Selecting the right valve goes beyond just understanding the application it needs to serve. It is also important to factor in cost efficiency, durability and maintenance considerations. In some cases, according to Lionel Maasdorp, MD at Allmech, switching from a solenoid valve to a ceramic ball valve can help to cut down on costs, while improving performance.
“Various industries, including water treatment and agriculture, make use of ceramic ball valves for a multitude of applications, usually where the demands on the valve exceed the capacity of conventional valve materials,” says Maasdorp. “The high-performance nature of ceramic valves means they often have a greater tolerance for wear, corrosion, and high temperatures than many other types of valves. However, even within the category of ball valves, there are different types available for specific purposes.”
For this reason, many Allmech clients are choosing to switch to ceramic ball valves from solenoid valves where possible. While the diaphragm in a solenoid valve may collect dirt as liquid moves through it, ceramic ball valves do not have a diaphragm, meaning they are less prone to dirt build-up inside the valve.
Furthermore, in sensitive environments or where minimal wastage is an important operational requirement, ceramic ball valves can provide a better option as the design of the valve means the ball core and seat are precisely ground in a pair to ensure there is no leakage. In contrast, solenoid valves are prone to seepage and blockages and need to be closely managed for leaks.
Maasdorp says that ceramic ball valves are ideal for many water-related applications, including water saving systems, industrial automatic control systems, automatic small application sewage systems, environmental protection projects, water supply and drainage, food and water treatment, and irrigation systems.
The ceramic ball valve also has the advantage of small flow resistance, good corrosion resistance, good wear resistance and long lifetime, making it an excellent option for inclusion in an industrial system.
“Ceramic ball valves have many important factors that make them an excellent choice for robust applications,” concludes Maasdorp. “They are cost effective, low maintenance, durable and their self-balancing design lowers torque and makes for smoother operation.”
Further reading:
Ball valves and actuators optimise HVAC performance
Schneider Electric South Africa
Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
Schneider Electric offers the full range of innovative SpaceLogic and EasyLogic ball valves and actuators. These cutting-edge products are designed to optimise HVAC system performance, ensuring comfort and energy efficiency in commercial and residential buildings.
Read more...
Alfa Laval expands hygienic valve portfolio
Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
Alfa Laval is expanding its hygienic valve portfolio by introducing the Unique SSV pressure relief valve and the Leakage Detection butterfly valve, alongside new smaller sizes of the Unique Mixproof CIP and Unique Mixproof process valves.
Read more...
Preparing pump systems for adverse weather conditions
Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
As the severity of storms in South Africa increases, so has the rush of sediment-laden water become a major issue and a significant challenge for irrigation. When sediment levels rise to just 10 grams per litre or more, the risk of pump wear and dam silting increases dramatically.
Read more...
High-flow solenoid valve
Emerson Automation Solutions
Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
Emerson has introduced the new ASCO Series 327C solenoid valve, which features a direct-acting, high-flow design that provides superior flow-to-power ratio. It permits high flows at minimum power levels, making it ideal for use in power plants, refineries, and chemical processing facilities.
Read more...
Proportional cartridge valve series is the fastest in its class
Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
Parker Hannifin is introducing the enhanced version of the proportional cartridge throttle valve series, TFP. The new pilot valve further reduces the step response times by up to 30%, making the TFP the fastest valve in its class.
Read more...
Proportional cartridge valve series is the fastest in its class
Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
Parker Hannifin is introducing the enhanced version of the proportional cartridge throttle valve series, TFP. The new pilot valve further reduces the step response times by up to 30%, making the TFP the fastest valve in its class.
Read more...
Inspection system for leak detection in valves in hazardous areas
Extech Safety Systems
Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
Leaking valves in industrial plants not only lead to loss, safety risks and possible contamination and pollution, but also result in high economic costs. Therefore, valves in hazardous areas require regular proper inspection and preventive maintenance to ensure their functionality.
Read more...
Control head for automation of hygienic process valves
Burkert South Africa
Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
Burkert’s Type 8681 control head is optimised for decentralised automation of hygienic process valves. Thanks to its universal adapter, it can be combined with all normal commercial butterfly valves, ball valves and single- and double-seated valves.
Read more...
Hydroformed tube valve body
Burkert South Africa
Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
One of the most common necessities for manufacturing pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food and beverages are diaphragm valves. What used to be a dull two-way race between forged and cast body variants is now being challenged by an exciting, ground-breaking technology. The hydroformed, light-weight diaphragm tube valve body will change the way you think about plant design and operation.
Read more...
Global pumping giant ready to support hydrogen economy
Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
With abundant sunshine and wind, southern Africa is perfectly positioned to become a global powerhouse in green hydrogen production. Two key projects are already in advanced stages of development in Namibia. KSB has identified the vast potential of these types of projects in southern Africa, and through its KSB Pumps and Valves subsidiaries in Namibia and South Africa is investing heavily in bringing the right skills to the region.
Read more...
printer friendly version