In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore how electric ball valves work, their different types, and their applications in industrial automation, HVAC, water treatment, and other fields. Among manufacturers, Hengsen, with its deep expertise in fluid control technology, sets the benchmark for efficient and reliable electric ball valve solutions.
What is an Electric Ball Valve?
An electric ball valve uses an electric actuator to rotate a ball, thereby opening or closing a medium or regulating flow. The ball has a circular hole through it, and opening and closing are achieved by rotating it 90°. Electric ball valves combine the compact structure and good sealing performance of ball valves with the automation advantages of electric control. They are widely used in remote control, intelligent systems, and complex working conditions.
How does an electric ball valve work?
An electric ball valve is an electrically powered fluid control device with a valve body (containing a perforated rotating ball) and an electric actuator.
When receiving an electrical signal, the actuator's motor drives gears to rotate the ball 90 degrees, opening/closing the valve (with on/off or modulating control). Its default state depends on system design.
Widely used in HVAC, chemical pipelines, water treatment, and building automation for remote, reliable, precise fluid control.
Normally Open and Normally Closed Electric Ball Valves
If the electric ball valve is a normally open type:
● As long as the electric ball valve receives no input signal, the valve remains open. Flow through the valve will remain at the maximum flow rate allowed by the pipeline or system under normal conditions.
● This type of normally open electric ball valve automatically closes when an electrical input signal is received (by an electric actuator driving the ball to the closed position). Simply put, when a normally open electric ball valve receives an electrical signal, the valve closes, automatically controlling or shutting off flow through the system.
● Once the electrical input signal to the actuator is removed, the actuator returns to its default open position. Flow will then be restored or unblocked accordingly.
For a normally closed electric ball valve, the above situation is exactly the opposite.
Flange electric ball valve
Standardized flange interfaces adapt to large-diameter pipes, and bolted connections provide a secure, stable connection, meeting the needs of high-flow applications.
●Interface: Standardized flange design adapts to large-diameter pipes.
●Installation: Bolted connections provide a secure and reliable connection.
●Material: The valve body is made of cast iron, ductile iron, and other materials, with sealing materials such as PTFE.
●Application: Suitable for media such as water, and is suitable for high-flow applications such as central air conditioning and industrial processing.
Threaded Electric Ball Valve
Precision threaded connections adapt to small and medium-diameter pipes, offering easy screw-on installation and reliable performance.
●Connection: Precision threaded design, suitable for small and medium-diameter pipes.
●Installation: Simple screw-on installation, no complicated tooling required.
●Material: The valve body is made of forged brass or 304 stainless steel, with PTFE seals.
●Application: Suitable for media such as hot and cold water, ethylene glycol solutions, and is ideal for air conditioning terminal water control.
Electric ball valve applications
(HVAC) system
Chemical Industry
Power Industry
Sewage Treatment
Heavy Industry
Light Industry
Choose from a variety of electric ball valves suitable for controlling media such as liquids, gases, and solid particles. Combining automation technology with highly reliable mechanical design, these ball valves are widely used in industrial, commercial, and building applications. Our diverse product portfolio meets the needs of the following application scenarios:
Water treatment systems
● Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems
● Oil and gas pipelines
● Washing and filling processes in the food and pharmaceutical industries
● Power and energy systems
● Building automation and smart buildings
Electric ball valves are also widely used in home and small commercial equipment control systems. Common applications include:
● Floor heating systems and smart home water supply control
● Cooling tower water management
● Swimming pool and fountain flow control
● Agricultural irrigation and greenhouse intelligent regulation
● Fluid on/off control in industrial automation production lines
What does an electric ball valve look like?
An electric ball valve consists of an electric actuator and a ball valve body. A motor drives the ball to rotate, controlling fluid flow.
● Main Components: The ball valve body contains the ball and seal, controlling fluid flow.
● Electric actuator: Receives electrical signals to rotate the ball, achieving on/off control.
● Casing and connectors: Provides mounting, wiring, and protection for internal components.
Electric ball valves offer a compact design and a high degree of automation, making them widely used in water treatment, HVAC, industrial control, and other systems.
Electric ball valve vs solenoid valve
| Item | Electric Ball Valve | Solenoid Valve |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Method | Electric actuator (motor) | Solenoid coil (electromagnetic force) |
| Control Method | Rotates to open/close after power - on (can be made into an adjustable type) | Actuates immediately upon power - on, suitable for on - off control |
| Valve Body Structure | Ball valve structure, strong flow capacity | Mostly direct - acting or pilot - operated type, compact structure |
| Response Speed | Relatively slow | Fast |
| Service Life | Long, suitable for frequent adjustment | Short, suitable for frequent on - off and instantaneous actions |
| Applicable Medium | Water, gas, oil, steam and other multiple fluids | Clean fluids, air, water, oil |
| Working Pressure | Generally has strong pressure - bearing capacity | Suitable for low - to - medium pressure systems |
| Control Precision | Can achieve proportional control, relatively high precision | Mainly used for on - off control, limited precision |
| Installation and Maintenance | Flexible installation, convenient maintenance | Simple structure, faster installation |
| Typical Applications | HVAC, water treatment, industrial automation, energy systems | Irrigation control, spraying systems, fluid control of small - scale equipment |
Hot Products
hengsen --One-Stop Fluid Control Solution Provider
Zhejiang Hengsen Industrial Group Co., Ltd. is a national high-tech enterprise integrating R&D, manufacturing, and sales, specializing in providing HVAC control products, refrigerant piping components, and intelligent fluid control solutions. Since its founding, the company has been committed to promoting automation upgrades and energy-saving optimization in buildings and industrial systems worldwide.
Hengsen's product lines encompass five core series:
● HVAC Control: Thermostats, electric valves, actuators (precise temperature/energy control).
● Refrigeration Components: Valves, connectors, filter driers (system stability).
● Valves & Fittings: Electric ball valves, regulators, manifolds (water systems/energy management).
● Intelligent Control System: IoT-integrated platform (enhanced automation).
● Custom Services: OEM/ODM solutions (global diverse needs).
Technology & Quality
Mature R&D center/laboratory, advanced production/testing equipment. ISO9001 certified; some products meet CE, RoHS. 400+ employees, ~100 in R&D/tech (driving innovation).
Global Reach
Products exported to 60+ countries/regions (Europe, Americas, Middle East, Southeast Asia). Overseas warehouses/after-sales hubs offer localized support.
Cooperation & Future
Trusted partner for HVAC distributors, integrators, project owners. Committed to a safe, intelligent, energy-efficient fluid control ecosystem (global sustainability).
Hengsen factory real shot
We have a 110,000+ square meter production base with more than 500 employees and nearly 100 professional technicians, using advanced manufacturing processes to produce HVAC and refrigeration components.
Our Certificate
Hengsen Group (est.1988), a high-tech firm in Zhuji, Zhejiang, specializes in HVAC control products, pipe fittings and refrigeration accessories. With 30+ years' experience, 5 subsidiaries, 110,000+㎡ workshops, 500+ staff (100+ technicians), it offers 500+ product categories (3,000+ specs), 70+ patents, and ISO certifications. Serving Fortune 500 firms, it exports globally, providing ODM/OEM and after-sales support for fluid control solutions.
Our address
No.69, Jiefang East Road, Yangmeiqiao Industrial Zone, Diankou Town, Zhuji City, Zhejiang Province
Phone Number
+8613858502138
Nwebmaster@cnhengsen.com
