Smart electric drive for water or gas ball valve with Wi-Fi ecosystem Tuya

If previously only valve valves were used in pipelines, now they are increasingly being replaced with ball valves. They come in locking and adjusting types. An electric valve allows you to control the flow of liquids or gases transmitted through a pipeline automatically and remotely, without the use of physical force.

An electric ball valve is a modern solution for installation of communications.

What is an electric ball valve

Most often, this faucet is made of brass alloy, so it is strong and durable. The presence of an electric drive simplifies the control process. Such designs are more often used as a control element when turning on household appliances (boiler, boiler, pump, fan relay, etc.). With their help, it is possible to automatically regulate the supply of drinking water and liquids in the heating and cooling systems of a house or apartment. Using a room thermostat, you can program the time to turn on and off the necessary devices.

A large selection of ball valves with and without electric drive, various valves and other plumbing equipment is always available in the KVANTA + online store in Tyumen.

Ball valve design

This device is durable and reliable. Inside its body there is a spherical part with a slot made in it. Using a handle, which is controlled manually or electrically, the internal part is rotated 90°. Depending on its position, the pipeline opens or closes.

Designs of ball valves.

The electric drive used to control this element consists of the following parts:

• body and cover with O-ring;
• valve mounted on an axis with an oil seal;
• plastic gear sector;
• steel gearbox output gear;
• small electric motor;
• control board.

How the equipment works

There is a button on the body of some electric drive models that, when pressed, allows you to manually control the operation of the crane. This is convenient when there is no electricity in the house and there is no alternative power source.

The operation of the crane can be controlled manually.

The operating principle of the device is as follows: when an electrical signal is applied to the motor, it starts, and due to the movement of the gearbox, the valve opens or closes. The position is determined by limit switches. When installing special sensors, in the event of leaks in heating or water supply systems, a signal is sent to the drive and they are blocked.

Purpose of ball valves

Thanks to its design, the ball shut-off element allows you to smoothly turn on and off the supply of the medium transported through the pipeline. This eliminates the phenomenon of water hammer, making it convenient and safe. Some models of electric drives allow you to control them from a distance, but at the same time, if necessary, they can be turned on / off manually.

This design is widely used in various liquid or gas supply systems. It is actively used in everyday life, food processing, and other industries.

Depending on the assigned tasks, a type of fittings is selected that differs in material, design, reliability, and cost.

Specifications

Depending on the model of the electric drive for the crane, its technical characteristics will be different.

In everyday life, equipment with the following indicators is more often used:

• material: brass, ABS plastic;
• working pressure: up to 32 bar;
• size: DN15, DN20, DN25, DN32, DN40;
• temperature of the pumped medium: -10…+100°С;
• opening/closing time: 12-30 seconds;
• power supply: 220 V 50 Hz;
• control: manual or electric motor;
• Ambient air temperature: -10…50°С;
• power consumption: from 5 to 9 W;
• protection class: IP 44 - IP 54;
• service life: 100,000 times.

Specifications vary depending on the model.

Possible applications

A ball valve with an electric drive is actively used in everyday life and in many industrial enterprises.

This is explained by the wide possibilities of this design. Among them:

• remote control of pipeline opening/closing;
• thermostat control, which allows you to install it in a “smart home” system;
• quick blocking of the system in case of liquid leaks;
• control of the operation of several devices: pump, boiler, boiler.

Conclusion

Drives for ball valves allow not only to control them remotely, but also to use them in automatic flow control systems. In particular, home flood protection systems have become extremely popular recently. Based on this, they can be called a promising invention (see also the article “Radiator valve - everything you need to know about this shut-off and control valve”).

From the video in this article it is possible to obtain some additional information on the designated topic.

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Re: Servo drive for ball valve

Myp » March 26, 2013, 08:39 pm

Re: Servo drive for ball valve

by alexey_and » Mar 26, 2013, 09:10 pm

Re: Servo drive for ball valve

Myp » Mar 26, 2013, 10:15 pm

hmm, I was really interested, I went to the bathroom to check, Skill 2027 with a torque of 36 Nm and a price of 2200 rubles. The ball valve turns without any problems, even trying to screw up the limiter.

and Shurik’s 600 ruble Leruamerlen battery ran out as usual. but I think I have to check it out. I'll check tomorrow if I don't forget))

Re: Servo drive for ball valve

by alexey_and » Mar 26, 2013, 10:52 pm

Re: Servo drive for ball valve

Myp » March 27, 2013, 10:26 am

I took a charged Shurik in the morning for 600 rubles. on fresh batteries it also turns without problems, you need to figure out how to attach the gearbox to the tap and stop the motor by closing the winding, otherwise, by inertia after acceleration, it tries to break the valve. You need a powerful power supply, Shurik, it consumes a lot of current. and do not turn them on at the same time

I’ve been wanting to build a leakage sensor for a long time and turn off the taps. but the price for the “Neptune” set of 8 thousand is clearly too much.

Added after 8 minutes 46 seconds:

Re: Servo drive for ball valve

by alexey_and » Mar 27, 2013, 11:05 am

and what kind of model is Shurik for 600 rubles? Is this a shurik or a screwdriver? Is there a speed control?

I don't think it's complicated. First I will make a concept board from a piece of plywood or a block. Then I’ll mill a slab of aluminum and attach it to it. Then I’ll bend the lid from iron from the auto shop, and the cunning ears on the tap will help out with the sealant. Can you tell me more about closing the winding?

is it necessary? Let them be powered by the original batteries, which are constantly charged. and then suddenly it’s a coincidence - the power will be turned off and something will leak, and the control logic will be powered by the oops

agree. and it would be nice if Neptunes and the like had good faucets included. it would be easier to buy. but in reality there is Chinese bullshit, and there were precedents for flooding, the taps simply turned sour. and I need to do not only shut off the water, but also backwash the filters; I already have sensors like these https://www.chipdip.ru/product/electroni. er-sensor/ work great, you just need to come up with a housing for them

Types of electric cranes

Different models of such products will differ from each other in the following indicators:

• supply voltage: 12 or 220 V;
• drive type: Professional, Ultimate, Winner, Special Edition (it depends on the diameter of the pipeline);
• material: brass or stainless steel;
• manufacturer;
• operating principle (direct, reverse or controlled closing angle);
• form (two- or three-way).

Two and three way

A two-way ball valve is the main shut-off element, which is designed to completely open or shut off the system.

The two-way ball valve is designed to completely shut off the system.

It is used in environments such as:

• cold and hot water;
• gas;
• petroleum products;
• esters;
• steam-air mixtures;
• alcohol, etc.

They open it only at full speed, doing it smoothly and without jerking.

Such a structure cannot be installed on vibrating pipelines as a regulating or throttling element.

Three-way valve - tee with a locking mechanism. It is installed when it is necessary to mix the flows of the medium transported through the system. According to the principle of operation, it is similar to a kitchen faucet, but here the mixed components are not discharged outside, but are directed into one of the main branches. It is also used to separate the flow of the transmitted medium and direct it to different circuits. According to their purpose, three-way shut-off elements are divided into mixing and separating.

Open and closed

According to the degree of cross-country ability, there is the following classification:

1. Open or full bore. They ensure the passage of 80% to 99% of liquid or gas. Here the diameters of the tap and pipeline openings are almost equal. This allows the coefficient of hydraulic resistance to be reduced, so the pressure loss is minimal. The cost of such structures is higher than that of partial bores. More often they are installed when there is cleaning or diagnostic equipment in the system.
2. Closed or incomplete bore. They pass from 50% to 80% of the pumped medium. Here the diameter of the passage hole is smaller than the same size of the pipeline. This leads to an increase in the coefficient of hydraulic resistance. Such taps are used when a slight decrease in pressure does not matter. Most often they are installed when connecting household appliances and plumbing fixtures. Such cranes are cheaper because... they use less metal. They help to quickly shut off the working environment, while minimizing the likelihood of water hammer.

Purpose

The presented devices have shown high performance in water supply systems, as they smoothly switch on and off. They are mainly used for process water supply, which is due to their great advantage and ease of use. Some forms offer the ability to be controlled even from a distance, however they also retain the ability to be controlled manually.

Since the design of this device has excellent characteristics, the electric actuated ball valve has found wide use in liquid and gas supply systems. It is used in the food, chemical and processing industries. Installed in heating systems. Actively used in the electrical industry.

For any individual case, various types of fittings are selected, which are distinguished by cost, design and reliability. Based on the specified parameters, the final price of the crane may vary. For example, you can choose a steel option or PVC. A little further we will discuss the most well-known manufacturers with different price indicators.

Advantages of an electric drive system

Among the advantages, it should be noted that installation of such a structure is simple and quick. The presence of a manual override helps control the system in the event of a power outage.

The electric crane has convenient controls.

In addition, such a crane has the following advantages:

• economical (in standby mode it consumes about 3 W, and in working mode - up to 12 W);
• compactness;
• convenient control;
• installation on fittings having different nominal diameters;
• if repairs are necessary, it is possible to remove the drive (this will not affect the performance of the system);
• stable speed and high accuracy of work;
• high efficiency (compared to other types of drives);
• practically silent.

Disadvantages of actuated ball valves

Although this solution has many advantages, you should also be aware of its disadvantages:

• higher cost than a product without a drive;
• the need to connect to the electrical network, and to ensure uninterrupted operation - the presence of a backup power source;
• the need for specialized knowledge (although the device is rarely serviced);
• electricity costs (due to low power consumption, they are minimal, and therefore do not significantly affect overall costs).

Actuated ball valves have a higher cost.

Application

First of all, it must be said that the electric drive only changes the position of the locking mechanism. This device is controlled by thermostats, thermostatic timers or other devices that send electric current to the electric motor of the mechanism.

As an example, consider the operation of this device in a flood protection system, which can be used for both water supply and heating.

So, in addition to shut-off valves, it includes:

• Leak sensors.
• Controller.

The photo shows elements of the flood protection system

Such a system works as follows:

• Sensors are located in areas where there is the greatest likelihood of water accumulation in the event of flooding . The operating principle of this device is based on the fact that water closes two contacts, as a result of which a pulse is sent to the controller.
• The controller, after receiving a signal from the sensor, sends electric current to the electric motor.
• The electric drive, in turn, closes the valve and thereby blocks the water supply. You can then turn on the water supply yourself by pressing the button on the drive housing.

Other systems using shut-off valves with a drive also operate on this principle.

Note! A valve with a drive in flood protection systems is installed after the shut-off valves that shut off the water at the entrance to a house or apartment. It is prohibited to use the device instead of mechanical valves.

Here, perhaps, are all the main features of shut-off valves with a drive.

Ball valve control via Wi-Fi

This control system consists of:

• ball locking element with electric drive;
• sensors;
• command module.

In places where there are likely leaks (heating radiators, shower stalls, bathtubs, washing machines, etc.), special sensors are installed.

When water gets in, they send a signal to the command module, and it turns on the supply of electricity to the drive. The valve shuts off the system until the repair team arrives.

Through the built-in Wi-Fi module, the equipment is connected to the “smart home” system, so you can control and control the water supply and heating by phone, from anywhere.

Possibility of using cranes

• It is worth saying that at many industrial facilities and not only samples with a controlled ball electric drive are very popular, all because of remote control at a distance.
• Compactness.
• Liquid losses in the supply are minimal.
• Convenient and intuitive control.
• Turning on and off several devices, such as pumps, boilers, boiler burners.
• They can be controlled by thermostats, the latter set the time for turning on and off the taps.
• The price of the products is high, but is fully compensated by low maintenance costs.
• It is worth adding that these devices are very popular in smart homes.
• Preventing water hammer in water supply.
• Can be used when pumping liquids with a solid particle content of no more than 2%.

Installation of electric water tap

Almost any man can handle the installation of such an electrically driven device.

The work is carried out as follows:

1. Drawing up a diagram.
2. Marking places for installing a locking element, sensors, controllers.
3. Laying electrical wiring.
4. Crane insert. This is done at the pipe entrance, after the rune valve. Such an element cannot be used instead of inlet shut-off valves.
5. Installation of sensors. They are cut into the floor covering in places of probable leaks (in this case, the contact plates should be raised a few millimeters), laid on the floor, turning the sensor downwards.
6. Installation of controllers. Power is supplied from the power board according to the diagram. The mounting box is fixed in a recess made in the wall. Install the controller and connect all the wires according to the diagram.

Water tap installation includes installation.
If the system is working properly, the green diode on the device lights up.

When leaks occur, a red lamp lights up, a sound signal sounds and the water supply tap is turned off.

Installation and Installation

The photo above shows a version of a smart device circuit in a smart home.

Now about the installation of such products. I’ll say right away: it’s very simple and won’t cause you any trouble. To do this you need:

• clean the pipes from unnecessary chips;
• fix the faucet to your liking;
• make sure that before and after attaching the tap, the cross-section of the pipe remains the same;
• We connect the device according to the diagram in the box, the main thing is to follow the color marking of the wires;
• remember - first you need to check the readiness of the device for operation, and then supply water.

Above is a simple wiring diagram for installation.

Is it possible to make a drive yourself?

If you have some skills, you can make an electric drive for a ball valve with your own hands. Manual control must be provided.

The work is performed in the following order:

1. Creation of a bed. To do this, use thin tin.
2. Fixing the electric motor. A motor from a car window lifter will do.
3. Fastening the frame to the pipe. This is done using clamps.
4. Installation of the transmission mechanism. You can buy it or make it yourself.
5. Installation of limit switches and microphones.
6. Fixing the finished device on the faucet handle.
7. Connecting power and checking system functionality.

Tips for using an electric faucet

During operation, such a crane requires virtually no maintenance. To ensure that it works for a long time and without breakdowns, they purchase products from reliable manufacturers. The design must be durable and of high quality. When choosing a shut-off device, take into account the features of its operation, data on the physical and chemical parameters of the pumped medium. Pay attention to the material of the case, as well as the quality of the sealing elements.

You cannot leave such a shut-off valve in a half-open position, because this leads to its rapid failure. It must be completely open or closed.

The best manufacturers and features of their products

There are several popular companies that produce ball valves.

"Iskander ArmaFit"

The company produces different versions of such products, but all of them have a manual backup, which allows you to turn off the supply in the absence of electricity. There are taps made of steel, brass and other materials. Some models have a plastic body, so they are not subject to corrosion.

Italian company Bugatti

She pays much attention not to the design of the crane, because... it is almost universal, and the materials from which it is made. An alloy of brass and lead is used, which allows for high strength and anti-corrosion resistance, but at the same time maintaining environmental safety. To create the saddle on Bugatti, they use 3 fluoroplastic gaskets, which ensure smooth and easy rotation of the ball and high tightness.

"Sitall"

Even with intensive use, such structures last up to 15 years or more. There are different types of connections - welded, flanged, threaded, which allows the use of Sitalla products in domestic and industrial areas. The housings are made of galvanized steel, so they are low cost and highly resistant to corrosion. The company produces shut-off and control ball elements.

Zonafar Company

A famous company that produces high-quality and reliable products. The materials used in production (nickel-plated brass and additional coating) ensure high anti-corrosion resistance of these products. In standby mode, the devices do not consume energy, and in operating mode they require only 4.5 W. If the electricity is lost, the tap is fixed in the position in which it was at the specified moment. There is a possibility of manual control.

The use of ball valves with an electric drive and leakage sensors in the house allows, in the event of unforeseen situations, to reliably protect everything in the building from flooding. You can buy these products in the KVANTA + online store.