How to distinguish between electric valves and pneumatic valves on site?
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Upon arriving at the site, it was impossible to tell whether they were electric valves or pneumatic valves; they also asked what those wires were for； There is also a valve marked as an electric valve; is this valve electric or pneumatic? I’m seeking advice from experts; please provide some images
At present, our company only produces pneumatic valves; electric ones are rare. The characteristic of pneumatic valves is the presence of an air inlet, which is clearly marked on the cylinder body, regardless of whether it is a large or small-sized cylinder. For the electric version, wires will be reserved for it; there are no specific photos available.
What valves are the upper and lower ones? Also, you mentioned that the pneumatic intake port is clearly marked on the cylinder block – how can one tell where it is?
Mine is a pneumatic ball valve: the cylinder is on top and the valve itself is at the bottom. The smaller one on top is of the AT type, which is pneumatic; the one at the bottom is a fixed ball valve. On the front side of the cylinder, there are two obvious holes – the one on the left is the air inlet hole. In the case of a double-acting valve, there are air inlet holes on both the left and right sides.
Pneumatic and electric valves refer to the actuator of the valve; the actuator and the valve it is connected to are two separate components. The function of a valve is to control fluids, and its actuator is what controls the valve. Actuators are available in manual, electric, pneumatic, hydraulic control, etc. To determine which category it belongs to, one should distinguish based on the cylinder, motor, electromagnet, and hydraulic cylinder. For those with power cords, it is necessary to check carefully what the connecting devices are; in some cases it is a motor, while in other cases it is the signal wire of a limit switch.
If one can get to work in a factory and gain more practical experience, it will become clear very quickly; not to mention experienced workers – after just one or two months, it’s easy to tell the difference between electric valves and pneumatic valves. You can also visit valve expos or exhibitions related to water more often; valve manufacturers usually participate in such events, so you can take a look there in person
Pneumatic valves have air ports for connecting air pipes, while electric valves have gland fittings for connecting cables