Differences Between Traditional Electromagnetic Valves and Electric Actuators

1. Working Principle

• Electromagnetic Valve: Composed of an electromagnetic coil, valve core, and valve body. When not powered, the valve core is positioned in a specific location due to the spring; when powered, the electromagnetic force causes movement of the valve core to open or close the valve, with various types available.
• Electric Actuator: Composed of a motor, gear reduction mechanism, and controller. The motor drives the valve stem to actuate the valve core, while the controller manages the motor for automated control, categorized into quarter-turn and linear stroke types.

2.Working Characteristics

• Flow Coefficient and Pressure Differential: Electromagnetic valves have small flow coefficients and pressure differentials, suitable for small flow rates, low pressures, and frequent switching; electric valves have large flow coefficients and can withstand greater pressure differentials, suitable for high flow rates and high pressure pipelines.
• Drive Method and Voltage Surge Resistance: Electromagnetic valves are driven by an electromagnetic coil and are susceptible to voltage surges; electric valves are motor-driven and have strong resistance to voltage surges.
• Switching Speed and Applicable Scenarios: Electromagnetic valves switch quickly, used in applications with strict time requirements for small flow rates and low pressures; electric valves switch more slowly, suited for large flow rates and diameters where switching speed is not critical, allowing for precise control of opening.

3.Applicable Environments

• Electromagnetic Valve: Suitable for small pipeline control, shutoff of corrosive and toxic chemical pipelines, widely used in chemical production facilities and machinery fields; in special areas, specific requirements must be considered.
• Electric Actuator: Versatile in function, classified by functionality, applied across industrial automation, smart homes, medical equipment, agricultural equipment, and more, capable of controlling large pipelines and air systems, regulating flow rates in pipelines.

4.Pricing

General Scenarios: The structure of an electromagnetic valve is simple, making it cost-effective and suitable for low-pressure scenarios. In contrast, electric valves (such as electric ball valves) have a relatively complex structure, integrating precision components like motors, transmission mechanisms, and valve bodies, resulting in a higher initial cost but offering more comprehensive performance.

High-Pressure Scenarios: In high-pressure conditions, electromagnetic valves require special designs and materials to meet pressure resistance requirements, which significantly increases their price. Conversely, electric ball valves, due to their reliable and adaptable mechanical structure, maintain an excellent cost-performance ratio in high-pressure environments, making them more cost-effective for long-term use.

5.Other Aspects

1. Protection Level: Electromagnetic valves have low protection levels, easily affected by external factors, potentially compromising performance in harsh environments.Our best electric actuators have high protection levels(IP68), effectively resisting dust and moisture.
2. Action Time: Electromagnetic valves have fast action times, quickly completing switching actions (the valve core rapidly moves up and down due to the action of sucking and closing, with a short stroke distance).Electric valves have relatively longer action times (for quarter-turn valves, the valve core rotates from 0 to 90°, resulting in a longer stroke distance and slightly slower action time compared to electromagnetic valves).
3. Functional Differences: Electromagnetic valves typically lack manual operation functionality. For emergency use, a bypass manual valve must be installed separately. These valves are generally limited to full open/full close operation only.Electric Actuators feature a manual override mechanism, allowing for operation during special circumstances and offering both on/off and modulating control capabilities.

Additionally, the operating method of electromagnetic valves, which switches from open to closed, can lead to damage. For example, if the coil remains energized for extended periods, it may heat up and eventually burn out, which is a common failure. Conversely, electric actuators cut off power to the motor once the switch action is completed, possessing a position holding function, resulting in a relatively longer service life.

In summary, technicians should comprehensively consider process requirements, pipeline control needs, budget constraints, and other factors to select suitable electromagnetic valves or electric actuators to achieve efficient and stable industrial pipeline control.

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