Comparison of features and limitations, as well as recommendations when to use one or the other:
Actuated Ball Valves
Solenoid Valves
Very high flow rates w/low pressure drop
Can be manual or actuated
High inlet pressures permitted
High back pressures permitted
Air actuated valve has fail-safe option; explosion-proof
Visual position indication
Manual Override
NEMA 4 type, CSA approved actuators available
Slower acting than solenoid valve
Electric actuator has no fail-safe position
Bulky size vs. solenoid valve
Electric actuator requires minimum off time to prevent overheating
Water hammer potential due to high flow capacity must be taken into consideration.
Compact size & light weight
Fail-safe design; normally-closed or normally-open
Extremely high cycle life
Very fast acting
Many power choices in AC or DC
High cycle capability
NEMA 4X, CSA approved coils available as well as NEMA 7 & 9
Back pressure and inlet pressure limitations based on size and design
Pilot-designs require pressure differential
Lower flow
No manual override
Water hammer potential due to rapid closure must be taken into consideration.
Please note that the unique characteristics and positive features listed above refer only to Plast-O-Matic products. For the purposes of this comparison, certain solenoid valve specifications inherent to specialized or unusual models are not addressed.
