Motorized Ball Valves With Timer | U.S. Manufactured

A motorized ball valve with timer — also known as a timer-controlled motorized ball valve — is essentially a standard motorized ball valve that comes equipped with an integrated timer within the actuator.

These timer-controlled valves work by turning electricity into movement. An electric motor powers the valve, and this movement controls a pivoting ball inside the valve to manage the fluid flow. This efficient operation makes the timer actuated ball valve a key tool in many industries and applications.

It’s important to understand that the ability to program a motorized ball valve to cycle at specific times or on predefined schedules is not exclusive to timer-equipped motorized ball valves. In fact, almost all motorized ball valves can accomplish this with the proper equipment and wiring.

The reason most valve manufacturers do not include built-in timers within their electric actuators is to increase application flexibility. Different applications require different influencing factors to trigger the valve to cycle, so it is more pragmatic to offer the base version of the actuator and allow an expert to utilize external wiring and components to program the actuator accordingly.

Generally speaking, the actuated valve assemblies that are available with a timer built in tend to be cost-effective commodity options, making them suitable for low-risk, low-cycle applications. If your application fits that description, an actuator with a built-in timer may be an appropriate choice.

Motorized ball valves with either an external or built-in timer perform the same key functions. Some examples would be:

• Automating processes on a set schedule, streamlining operations and ensuring timely execution
• Serving as a more robust alternative to conventional solenoid valves, reducing operational costs and enhancing the overall efficiency of the system
• Enabling more effective passage of suspended particulate than many other timer valve options, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted flow within the system
• Preventing potential motor damage, extending the lifespan of your equipment and offering significant savings on ball valve maintenance and replacement costs

Motorized ball valves with integral timers are limited to applications where a stringent timer is acceptable to initiate actuator cycling. In contrast, actuators that utilize an external timer extend the scope to allow for a variety of triggers. Both options are used in a variety of industry applications, including:

• Air compressors: These ball valves are integral to the efficient removal of condensate from compressed air systems, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted operation.
• Auto drains: Timer actuated ball valves offer reliable and automated control for drainage systems, eliminating the need for manual intervention.
• Irrigation systems: In agriculture, motorized ball valves with timers provide precision control for irrigation schedules, contributing to water conservation and healthy crop growth.
• Landscaping: In lawn sprinkler systems, the timer function allows for optimal water distribution, keeping landscapes lush and well-maintained.
• Water saving systems: By providing precise control over water flow, these valve types are instrumental in water conservation efforts in both residential and commercial settings.
• Air conditioning systems: Timer valves help regulate air flow within air conditioning systems, contributing to energy efficiency and comfortable indoor climates.
• Home automation systems: As part of smart home technology, timer actuated ball valves offer automated control over various systems such as water supply, heating and more.
• Water treatment systems: In automatic treatment systems, these valves ensure efficient flow control, contributing to the overall efficacy of the treatment process.

In many of these applications, users prefer to control the automated ball valves using a programmable logic controller (PLC). However, for some applications, such as irrigation, home automation systems and auto drains, a timer-controlled valve might be more practical and economical than a PLC-controlled system.