What are Pneumatic Control Valves?

Pneumatic control valves have many uses. These valves are frequently seen in the oil and gas and wind energy industries, and they use air pressure to transfer power. This contrasts hydraulic and electric motor options, which are also used in the same sectors.

But that only tells part of the story, as there are pros and cons to each type of valve or motor, and pneumatics can provide significant value in several applications. Understanding how they work and what they offer can help you determine if they're suitable for your company and its project needs.

How Does a Pneumatic Valve Work?

A pneumatic valve works through pressurized air as part of a pneumatic system. With compressed air, energy can be transferred to any or all users in that particular system. Every pneumatic system is different, and a diagram can show what a system offers and where the air can be sent with different valves.

The reason pneumatic valves are so important is that they control the flow and direction of air. They can be closed off to direct air away from one area or opened to encourage airflow. Suppose there are several valves, and most of them are closed. In that case, the pressure of the air sent through the open valve(s) will generally be more robust, all other things being equal.

Pneumatic valves are made of housings, ports and controllers, which help ensure the valve can be opened and closed to send the proper amount of air to the right place at the right time. Some control valves are also used for safety so air can be shut off from the system or redirected quickly in case of a problem.

Are Pneumatic Valves Better Than Hydraulic Options?

A pneumatic valve will often be a better choice than a hydraulic one. These valves are well-suited to low-scale mechanical and engineering tasks and have minimal maintenance needs. While they may not be suitable for tasks that require heavy lifting or higher forces, they are small, responsive and lightweight.

The lifespan of a pneumatic valve depends on several factors, but many last between 20 million and 40 million cycles. How that translates to months or years depends on how many times the valve is cycled or used in a given period and will vary from application to application. It's not necessary to lubricate pneumatic valves, and they can be easily cleaned with soap and water.

Since these valves rely on pressurized air instead of the pressurized liquid used by hydraulic options, they're cleaner and easier to inspect and maintain. If they leak, they only expel air into the environment. They won't create a mess from fluid escaping the way hydraulic valves do. This can help make them the right choice for various projects.

How Pneumatics Compare to Electric Motors

Another option for opening and closing valves is electricity. However, electric motors are only sometimes a good choice for several reasons. They're more complex than pneumatic valves, which puts them at risk of breaking down and requires more maintenance.

Additionally, using electric only works when the power is on and consistent. In areas with sparse electric lines or where there is already a significant drain on the power grid, relying on electric power for stability may need to be more efficient and effective. Electric motors are also often larger and heavier than pneumatic choices and may be more expensive. Using them to control valves can have notable downsides.

Choosing the Right Control Valve for Your Application Matters

Before starting your next project, ensure you have all the equipment and support you need, including the best pneumatics for the job. That can reduce stress and increase options and opportunities for success.

Are you ready to find a suitable pneumatic control valve for your Midland oil and gas or wind power business? Contact us at Aztec today and get the support, training, tools, or repair you need to keep your company moving forward.