Electric valves and pneumatic valves differ in terms of power sources, control performance, applicable scenarios, and maintenance costs, as follows:

Power source

Electric valve: It uses an electric motor as the power source and drives the opening and closing of the valve through the motor. Electric motors usually use mains electricity or other DC power sources. As long as there is a stable power supply, electric valves can work normally.

Pneumatic valves: Powered by compressed air, they require auxiliary equipment such as air compressors and air source treatment devices to supply compressed air. Compressed air drives the valve core of the valve to move through the pneumatic actuator, achieving the opening and closing control of the valve.

Control performance

Electric valves: They have high control accuracy and can achieve precise opening control. They are suitable for applications where precise control of parameters such as flow and pressure is required. The response speed is relatively slow, especially in large-diameter valves or under high load conditions, there may be a certain delay in the start and stop of the motor.

Pneumatic valves: They have a fast response speed and can quickly perform the opening and closing actions of the valve, making them suitable for situations that require emergency shut-off or rapid response. The control accuracy is relatively low and it is generally used in situations where the control accuracy requirement is not high. However, by adopting high-precision pneumatic positioners and other equipment, its control accuracy can also be improved.

Output torque and thrust

Electric valves: They have a relatively large output torque and can be used for valves with larger diameters and higher pressures. However, in some situations where a large thrust needs to be generated instantaneously, electric valves may not perform as well as pneumatic valves.

Pneumatic valves: Under the same specifications, the output thrust of pneumatic valves is usually greater than that of electric valves, which can meet some applications with higher requirements for the opening and closing force of the valve.

Applicable scenarios

Electric valves: They are suitable for various industrial Settings, especially in environments with high control accuracy requirements and convenient power supply, where they are widely used in the automation control systems of industries such as chemical engineering, pharmaceuticals, and power. Due to its relatively poor fire resistance performance, when used in some flammable and explosive hazardous locations, special explosion-proof electric valves need to be selected.

Pneumatic valves: They are widely used in flammable and explosive environments in industries such as petroleum, natural gas, and chemical engineering. This is because compressed air, as the power source, is relatively safe and less likely to generate electric sparks and other explosive hazards. In addition, in some situations where a fast response speed of valves is required, such as emergency shut-off systems and rapid regulation systems, pneumatic valves also have obvious advantages.

Maintenance cost

Electric valves: Maintenance is relatively complex. The probability of failure of components such as motors, reducers, and controllers is relatively high. The technical requirements for maintenance are high, and the maintenance cost is also relatively high. However, the daily operating cost of electric valves is relatively low. As long as the power supply is stable, no additional air source consumption is required.

Pneumatic valves: Maintenance is relatively simple, with the main maintenance work focusing on pneumatic actuators and auxiliary equipment such as air filtration and pressure reduction. However, it is necessary to regularly inspect and maintain equipment such as air compressors and air source pipelines to ensure the stability and cleanliness of the air source. Due to the need to consume compressed air, its operating cost is relatively high.

Cost

Electric valves: The initial purchase cost is relatively high, especially for some high-precision and high-torque electric valves, whose price may be several times that of pneumatic valves.

Pneumatic valves: The procurement cost is relatively low, but the accompanying air source equipment such as air compressors, air storage tanks, and air source treatment devices require additional investment. The overall cost also needs to be evaluated based on specific circumstances.