Actuated Ball Valves vs. Solenoid Valves

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.