In a number of situations, direct human participation in the operation of shut-off and control valves is impossible. This can be for various reasons - high aggressiveness, the device is located in a hard-to-reach place, there is a need for frequent changes in throughput, etc. In such situations, a ball valve with a pneumatic drive comes to the rescue.
It is actively used in technological and main pipeline systems of the chemical industry, oil and gas industry, and thermal power engineering. It is also in demand in sewerage and heating networks, and in the food industry.
Features and design
A ball valve with a pneumatic drive is used to solve such problems as the ability to control remotely, promptly regulate flows, and increase safety by reducing workers' contact with hazardous substances, reducing labor costs. Structurally, the product consists of two main parts. This is a direct closing and opening component, as well as a pneumatic drive. The last element replaces the conventional handle for manual adjustment. In the standard version, the product includes the following components:
housing;
ball-shaped locking part;
rod rotating ball;
seats sealing working gaps.
Pneumatic drive can be of various types according to the principle of operation and design.
Types of pneumatic actuators
These devices are presented in the following variations:
diaphragm;
piston;
jet;
bellows;
blade.
Classification is also carried out according to the principle of action. There are single-sided and double-sided devices. In the first case, the shut-off valve is opened by compressed air, and the closing element is returned to its original position by a spring. In two-way units, control is entirely based on the energy of the air mixture.
Designs are divided according to the source of the working medium into compressor, battery and main. In the first embodiment, gas is pumped directly from the compressor unit. Rechargeable ones operate on air from the receiver into which it was previously pumped. Trunk devices are especially common in industrial workshops. In this case, the gaseous substance enters the pneumatic drive from the factory pipeline.
Main advantages
Demand ball valves with pneumatic drive is explained by a number of advantages. Firstly, it stands out for its complete fire and explosion safety. Thanks to this, the products can be used in places where there is a high probability of an explosive atmosphere. Secondly, a characteristic feature is a high performance rate. The speed of movement of pneumatic cylinder rods can reach 15 m/s. Another important factor is the safety of the working environment (air).
Before installation, the pneumatic drive must be checked for functionality and adjustment work must be carried out. Valves and pneumatic valves must always be in good condition. This is due to the fact that they are responsible for supplying the medium to the pneumatic motors and dumping it into space.
