What Are Motorised Valves?
A motorised valve (or actuated valve) is a standard valve — butterfly, ball, gate, or globe — fitted with an electric or pneumatic actuator that opens and closes the valve remotely or automatically. In water treatment plants, motorised valves are used to automate process sequences, enable SCADA control, and eliminate the need for manual valve operation in remote or hazardous locations.
Types of Motorised Valves
Motorised Butterfly Valve
A disc rotates 90° within the pipe bore to control flow. Butterfly valves are compact, lightweight, and cost-effective for large pipe diameters. They are widely used as isolation and on/off control valves in water and wastewater treatment. Kimax motorised butterfly valves offer robust, corrosion-resistant design for industrial service.
Motorised Ball Valve
A spherical ball with a bore rotates 90° to open or close. Ball valves provide tight shut-off (zero leakage) and are suitable for both on/off and modulating (proportional) control. The Kimax Motorised Ball Valve supports modulating control — it can be positioned at any angle between 0° and 90° for precise flow regulation.
Pneumatic Actuator Valve
Instead of an electric motor, a pneumatic actuator uses compressed air to operate the valve. Pneumatic valves offer fast actuation, are intrinsically safe in explosive atmospheres, and are favoured where a compressed air supply is already available. Kimax Controls supplies pneumatic actuator operated ball valves for applications in Delhi NCR and across India.
Electric vs Pneumatic Actuator: Comparison
| Parameter | Electric Actuator | Pneumatic Actuator |
|---|---|---|
| Power source | Electrical supply | Compressed air (4–7 bar) |
| Speed | Slower (5–60 sec) | Faster (1–5 sec) |
| Modulating control | Yes (4–20 mA) | Yes (I/P positioner) |
| Explosive zone safe | Requires Ex-rated motor | Intrinsically safe |
| Fail-safe position | Requires battery backup | Spring return (fail open/close) |
| Operating cost | Lower (no compressor) | Higher (air compressor power) |
| Best use | Remote or SCADA locations | Fast cycling, hazardous areas |
Applications in Water Treatment
- Inlet / outlet isolation of treatment tanks
- Automated backwash sequences (sand filters, membrane systems)
- Chemical dosing isolation
- Pump discharge control and bypass valves
- STP inlet distribution (directing flow between parallel trains)
- RO system automated flushing valves
Kimax Motorised Valves from QuaSys
QuaSys Inc. is the authorized dealer for Kimax motorised butterfly valves, ball valves, and pneumatic actuator valves in India. We supply valves from DN25 to DN2000, with electric or pneumatic actuation, in SS, UPVC, and cast iron bodies. Contact us or call +91 11 29531287 for specifications and pricing.
