The differences between electric valves and electric actuators: 1. Different driving energy sources 2. Different cut-off mechanisms

Electric valve, English name :motor-driven valve or Electric Valve. An electric valve, simply put, is a valve controlled by an electric actuator to achieve the opening and closing of the valve. It can be divided into two parts, the upper part being the electric actuator and the lower part being the valve. It can also be called an air conditioning valve.

Electric valves are high-end products among self-controlled valves. They can not only perform on-off functions, but also the regulating type electric valves can achieve valve position adjustment functions. The stroke of the electric actuator can be divided into two types :90° Angle stroke and straight stroke. Special requirements can also meet the full stroke requirements of 180°, 270° and 360°. The use of an angle-travel electric actuator in conjunction with an angle-travel valve enables the valve to rotate within 90° to control the on-off of the pipeline fluid. The linear electric actuator is used in conjunction with the linear valve to achieve the up and down movement of the valve plate to control the on-off of the fluid in the pipeline.

There are two types of electric valves. One is the angle-travel electric valve: it is used in combination with an angle-travel electric actuator to control the on-off of the pipeline fluid within 90 degrees of rotation of the valve. Another type is the linear stroke electric valve: It is used in combination with a linear stroke valve by a linear stroke electric actuator to achieve the up and down movement of the valve plate to control the on-off of the fluid in the pipeline. It is usually used in conjunction with equipment with a relatively high degree of automation.

Principle: Electric valves are usually composed of an electric actuator and a valve connected together. After installation and commissioning, they become electric valves. Electric valves use electrical energy as power to connect the electric actuator to drive the valve, thereby achieving the opening, closing and regulating actions of the valve. So as to achieve the purpose of switching on or regulating the medium in the pipeline. The solenoid valve is a type of electric valve. It utilizes the magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic coil to pull the valve core, thereby changing the on-off state of the valve body. When the coil is de-energized, the valve core retract under the pressure of the spring.

Electric actuator

The broad definition of an actuator is: a driving device that can provide linear or rotational motion, which utilizes a certain driving energy source and operates under the action of a certain control signal. The actuator uses liquid, gas, electricity or other energy sources and converts them into driving action through motors, cylinders or other devices. Its basic types include three driving modes: Part-Turn, Multi-Turn and Linear.

The basic actuator is used to drive the valve to the fully open or fully closed position. The actuator used to control the valve can accurately position the valve to any position. Although most actuators are used for opening and closing valves, the design of today's actuators goes far beyond the simple function of opening and closing. They incorporate position sensing devices, torque sensing devices, electrode protection devices, logic control devices, digital communication modules and PID control modules, etc., and all these devices are installed in a compact housing.

As more and more factories have adopted automated control, manual operations have been replaced by machinery or automated equipment. People demand that the actuator can play the role of an interface between the control system and the mechanical movement of the valve, and even more so, they require the actuator to enhance its work safety performance and environmental protection performance. In some dangerous situations, automated actuator devices can reduce personnel injuries. Some special valves require emergency opening or closing under special circumstances. The valve actuator can prevent the danger from spreading further while minimizing the factory's losses. For some high-pressure and large-diameter valves, the required actuator output torque is very large. At this time, the required actuator must improve mechanical efficiency and use high-output motors to operate large-diameter valves smoothly. For some small-torque valves, compact electric valves have also emerged. Compared with ordinary ones, they have the advantages of light weight, compact structure and complete functions.