D&R Metal Industry – Your Premier Brass Water Valves Manufacturer in China

D&R is a premier manufacturer and supplier of brass water valves in China. D&R brass water valves are highly corrosion-resistant, highly durable, and malleable.

If you are starting your own hardware store, or want to win big plumbing projects, D&R is your best source.

D&R brass water valves are made of solid brass, heavy-duty metal construction perfect for residential and commercial plumbing applications. It can withstand high temperatures, 100% rust-free.

D&R has a complete range of brass water valves including a 1/2 brass water valve, brass water pressure reducing valve, brass water shut-off valve, brass drain valve for water heater, and so on.

We have valve features inlet port and outlet port. You will have vast options to choose from, sizes, types, design, and other features.

However, if you have a design on hand for your next project, we will be glad to help you make it real. D&R is equipped with experienced engineers to help you in product development.

We can custom brass water valves based on your sample drawings, samples of products provided for you to check.

D&R only uses good materials to manufacture valves, we have good connections to our reliable supplier. Together with advanced manufacturing equipment, we can ensure to manufacture fine-quality products. D&R can deliver your orders on time, even in peak season.

You can also wholesale a brass water valve with at least 500 pieces MOQ, 3000 pieces for 1/2 brass water valves.

With over 15 years of manufacturing experience, we have established cooperation with dozens of customers from different countries and regions. D&R is dedicated to serving worldwide hardware clients with the best valve and fittings solution.

D&R is your best partner in brass valves and fittings in China. You will get the best solution based on you and market standards. Sens us your orders now, we have 24/7 online support for your order.

Brass Water Valve: The Ultimate Guide

Brass water valves control water movement through tubes, pipes, or from water containers or tanks.

There are various types of water valves. However, this guide will focus mainly on Brass water valves.

You will understand their functioning, pros, cons, installation and compare them to other common water valve types.

Types of Brass Water Valves

We have many types of brass water valves such as:

Brass Water Shut Off Valve

 Brass shut off valve

This is one of the most common brass water valves. It is used in controlling water flow in tubes and pipes around your home or building.

Its body is majorly made out of brass.

It has a handle that controls the water flow and an inlet connection on the bottom side.

This is alongside a more minor outlet connection on either the top or side part.

There are two common types of brass water shut-off valves:

• Ball Shut-off – Which functions with a quarter-turn of the handle.
• Compression Shut-off – Which functions with multiple turns of the handle.

Brass Water Valve ¾ Inch

Brass Water Valve ¾ Inch

The ¾ inch is either the size of the male, female, or both endings of the valve.

These types of brass water valves perform a similar function to the brass water shut-off valve.

Note that the ¾ inch only means the size of the openings. Otherwise, they are either ball or compression shut-off valves.

Brass Water Tank Valve

 Brass Water Tank Valve

These are used in water tanks to cut off the water supply completely. Commonly, you will see them in the toilet tanks. They are also referred to as Brass float valves.

The valve’s component is majorly made out of brass except for the floating plastic part fixed to the main body.

As the water level rises, the floater also rises, consequently sealing the inlet valve. The vice-versa happens when the water level drops in the water tank.

The brass water tank valve is used to control the water level in a tank and prevent any instances of overflow.

Double Female Thread Brass Ball Valve

 Double Female Thread Brass Ball Valve

This is a ball valve with both endings having female threads.

It does not differ from a regular ball valve, only that the double female threading means that it has to be larger than the pipe.

This is because the threads are inside like a nut, so the pipe has to go inside similar to a bolt.

Brass Water Gauge Valve

Brass Water Gauge Valve

Brass water gauge valves are commonly installed in containers to control the liquid flow. They are usually two connected with a glass in between.

Also, they can be installed in steamers and connected with pressure gauges to check on pressure.

Brass Water Ball Valves

These are quarter-turn valves with hollow balls to control water flow.

They fall under the shut-off valves category.

Besides, they can either permit or block the flow depending on the positioning of the handle.

If the handle is aligned to the piping, the valve is opened, permitting water flow.

To restrict water flow, you turn the handle at an angle of 45^o, making it adjacent to the piping.

Brass Water Butterfly Valves

 Brass Water Butterfly Valves

These are also quarter-turn valves that resemble ball valves on the outside. However, their inside make-up and functioning are different.

This type of valve regulates water flow through a rotating metal disc at the center of the valve. Unlike the ball valve that permits or restricts water flow, butterfly valves help regulate the volume flow of water.

Commonly, they are industrially used in power plants and wastewater plants.

Brass Water Check Valves

Brass water check valve

Brass water check valves permit for unidirectional fluid flow. In simple terms, they do not allow for the backflow of fluids or water.

Moreover, they can also double up as shut-off valves.

There are two main types of brass water check valves:

• Lift-type brass check valves use a spring-backed piston or ball that opens up under specific pressure and closes if the pressure drops. As such, they are mainly used in high-pressure conditions.
• Swing check valves use a gate or wafer mechanism that flips open when pressure increases and closes when the pressure drops. They are ideal for low-pressure conditions.

Brass Water Globe Valves

 Brass globe valve

Brass water globe valves are spherical-shaped valves that used globe-shaped discs to restrict water flow by closing against the opening.

For manual brass water globe valves, they are operated by handwheel.

On the other hand, the automatic ones are operated with an actuator and a sliding shaft.

Depending on the disc’s shape, the valve can either permit or regulate water flow or both.

Brass Water Gate Valves

Brass water gate valve

Brass water gate valves have a plate-like barrier that is either lowered or raised; to either block or permit water flow.

Once raised fully, the barrier will permit full flow with no restriction. As such, you can raise the barrier halfway to regulate water flow.

Brass water gate valves are categorized as either:

• Rising stem – Stem rises over the handwheel.
• Non-rising stem – Stem rises with the handwheel.

Brass Water Cock Valves

The usage of brass water cock valves is mainly in draining tanks. The means for opening and closing are usually threaded.

When fitted with quarter-turn levers, they can be used as low-pressure shut-off valves.

Brass Water Pressure Reducing Valves

Brass Water Pressure Reducing Valves

These types of valves have an adjustable spring and diaphragm to aid in the reduction of water pressure.

They are neither check nor shut-off valves but instead fall under the throttle valves category.

They are installed if the water pressure in the pipes is high and can cause damage to the plumbing system.

Why Brass is the Best Material for Water Valves

Brass is a zinc and copper metal alloy. Although formerly lead was a component of brass, current brass metals are lead-free.

Lead-free brass is ideal for regulating water flow since it does not pollute the water with lead. The presence of lead in drinking water can contribute to lead poisoning in adults and children. Lead-free brass is thus ideal in manufacturing water valves for drinking water.

Additionally, brass is malleable, making it easy to work with. It is relatively easy to forge, heat extrudes, cast, or cold draw brass.

Lastly, brass is highly corrosion-resistant, making it more durable. However, this feature will not hold if exposed to a high level of chlorine. Such a condition will result in its breakdown.

How to Determine Sizes of Brass Water Valves

The easiest and most direct way is to look at the features of the brass water valves as outlined in the manufacturer’s or seller’s website or catalog.

Contact us now for our complete catalog.

Most brass water valves have a size of ¾ inches.

Alternatively, you can opt to measure the size of the brass water valve by yourself.

Although tedious, this option is also viable. If you are unable to do so, your plumber can help you.

You must get the accurate sizes of the brass water valves before purchase.

This will help you purchase the perfect fit water valve, eliminating the chances of possible leaks.

For mathematical valve sizing, use the below formula:

 Flow calculation

The formula implies that the fluid’s velocity square should be directly proportional to the pressure drop across the valve’s openings for efficient flow through a water valve.

The valve’s coefficient value is similar to the flow rate per minute through the valve, with a maintained 1PSI pressure drop across the valve.

Best Properties of Brass Water Valve

Our Brass water valves are made out of high-quality brass, with more copper concentration. This makes them more corrosion-resistant and durable.

Also, our brass water valves are lead-free. As a result, you are guaranteed not to get lead poisoning when using them to pass water.

Depending on your need, there are various brass water valves ranging from shut-off valves to gate valves. You can select any brass water valve that will be convenient.

Moreover, the connection type should be convenient. We offer plug-in brass water valves whose installation involves plugging in the water valve.

Our brass water valves also offer female – male or female-female connections.

Additionally, our brass water valves have a high-pressure rating that can accommodate any pressure flow.

Lastly, brass water valves such as ball valves are easy to use. All you need is to make a quarter turn to either turn the valve on or off.

Factors Determining Cost of Brass Water Valves

The cost of brass water valves varies depending on several factors. Highlighted below are some reasons explaining why the prices differ

• Size – Similarly to any commodity, the larger it is, the more costly to purchase it. This is because more material goes into manufacturing it.
• Type – Depending on the kind of brass water valve you choose, it may either be cheap or expensive. For example, a brass ball water valve is more costly than a brass gate water valve.
• Manufacturer – You may argue that manufacturers tend to set the same prizes. However, the price of brass water valves will vary from one manufacturer to another. Each manufacturer has its pricing policy aside from the market price.
• Purchasing mode – Say, for example, you purchase the brass water valve directly from the manufacturer, the price will be lower than when you buy it from a retailer.
• Quality – High-quality brass, with more copper, is expensive than low-quality brass.

What to Consider When Selecting Brass Water Valve

You can’t just visit a store or look up brass water valves online without having some considerations in mind.

They will help you pick the perfect fit water valve for your piping or tank.

Here are the topmost considerations you have to keep in mind while selecting the ideal brass water valve:

Dimensions

Knowing the dimensions of the pipe and the valves is crucial. The brass ball valve that interests you must be a perfect fit for the piping it is installed on.

Otherwise, there is a high probability that you will have to deal with leakage issues in the near future.

Direction of Flow

You should determine the direction of water flow. If the water is flowing from down going up, choose a brass water valve to prevent any backflow.

Pressure

Select low-pressure brass water valves for low-pressure conditions.

Examples of brass water valves that work under low pressure include check valves and cock valves.

Some brass water valves work best in any pressure condition, whether high or low. An example is the ball valves.

Also, brass water valves that instantly shut off water flow are not the best choice for high-pressure conditions since they can cause hammering.

Purpose

Outline the intended function you need the brass water valve to perform. Some are ideal for draining water in tanks, while others are suited for piping.

For example, the brass float valve is used to cut off the water supply into tanks. On the other hand, brass cock valves are ideal for draining water from tanks or boilers.

Space

Ascertain if the area around where you want to install the brass water valve is spacious. This will guide you on the type of brass valve to choose.

You can go for a brass water valve with a handle that requires less rotation if the space is narrow.

For a spacious area, you can choose a wheel handle.

Quality

The brass used in making the water valve should have a higher copper concentration. High copper concentration means high quality and corrosion resistance.

Uses of Brass Water Valve

Brass water valves have four primary uses; shutting off water acquisition, directing water flow, adjusting water pressure, and preventing backflow.

Shutting off Water Access

This is the ultimate function of brass water valves. This is primarily useful during repairs. You can restrict water flow to the parts under maintenance or repair.

Also, brass water valves such as the float valves will shut the inlet pipe once the water tank is full.

Directing Water Flow

Depending on the type of brass water valve used, you can change the water flow to be either unidirectional or multidirectional.

A valve with one outlet will ensure the unidirectional flow is maintained. Conversely, a valve with multiple outlets will result in the water flowing in various directions.

Adjusting Water Pressure

You can use the brass water valve to adjust water pressure by fully or partially opening the valve. However, this is not the critical function of the brass water valves.

Prevention of Backflow

Brass water valves such as the check valves are used in preventing any backflow of water.

The valves open when the water pressure outside the valve is high and closes when the pressure drops.

This helps prevent water from the valve’s inlet from going back.

This is primarily applicable in scenarios where water flows from down to up under low pressure.

Causes of Failure of Brass Water Valve

There are various reasons your brass water valve may fail or perform inefficiently. Below are the standard explanations behind the failures.

Not a Perfect Fit

If the valve is too small or too large, it may not fit well on the pipe or tank.

As a result, it may leak.

For a valve that leaves a slightly smaller space, you can reinforce it with sealing tape to make the connection air-tight.

Excessive Chlorine

If the water passing through the brass water valve has a lot of chlorine, the valve will be corroded. Chlorine corrodes the zinc component in brass. This damages the valve.

Debris

If the water being passed has debris, the debris might get trapped on the orifice – blocking the valve. Also, dirt residue in water might pile up over time, causing blockage to the valve.

Worn Out Seals

Over time, the seals used to make the valve connection to the pipes may way out.

This may cause the brass water valve to leak.

Extremely High Temperatures

If the brass water valve is operating over a temperature higher than the one specified by the manufacturer, it may not function efficiently.

Dormancy

The handle of a brass water valve may become immobile if you do not use it for an extended period. Greasing or regularly turning the manual actuators is vital to ensure they remain functional.

Wrong Usage

Lastly, if you subject a brass water valve to a function it was not designed for, there is a high probability that the valve will fail.

How Brass Water Valves compare to Stainless Steel Water Valves

 Stainless steel water valve

 Brass water valve

The first difference between the two is in their composition. Brass is a zinc and copper alloy, whereas steel is an alloy comprising iron, nickel, and chromium.

In terms of durability and resilience, steel has the upper hand. Steel water valves can withstand higher temperatures and pressure than brass water valves.

With regard to malleability and welding, brass is the go-to. Brass water valves are easy to weld, making them more versatile than their steel counterparts.

Both water valves have high corrosion resistance. However, brass water valves will corrode if exposed to high chlorine concentrations. On the other hand, the iron, molybdenum, and nickel composition of steel makes it resistant to chloride corrosion.

As per FDA standards, steel water valves are generally accepted in the food industry. Conversely, only a lead-free water valve is permitted in the food industry.

Lastly, brass water valves are cheaper than steel water valves. This is because steel is a relatively expensive metal and is difficult to weld.

Limitations of Brass Water Valve

The first drawback of brass water valves is that they can only be used in low chlorine conditions. Exposure to high chlorine will affect the zinc component, thereby corroding the water valve.

Moreover, brass water valves are prohibited in the food industry. They can only be used in the food industry only if they are certified to be lead-free. This is an FDA directive that helps reduce the chances of lead poisoning.

Advantages of Brass Water Valves over Plastic Water Valves

 Plastic water valve

 Brass water valve

Brass water valves have several advantages over plastic water valves, including:

• Durable – Brass is more durable and resilient than plastic.
• Corrosion resistance – Unlike plastic, brass has a high corrosion resistance
• Tolerance – Brass has a higher temperature and pressure tolerance compared to plastic and other valve types.
• Heat conduction – Brass has better heat conduction making it ideal in hot environments.

Why Brass Water Valve is Popular

Over the past years, the usage of brass water valves has gained popularity. Discussed are the key reasons for the occurrence.

Lightweight

Unlike other metals, brass is a relatively light metal. This makes the brass water valves easy to transport and install.

Additionally, it is also less challenging to seal them.

Availability of Sealing Materials

Due to the popularity and increased usage of brass water valves, their sealing materials have become readily available in the market.

Non-lead Brass

In the past, brass was not ideal since part of its composition was lead.

However, with the advent of non-lead brass, FDA has offered approval for use in the food industry. This has broadened the application of brass water valves.

Cheap

Compared to other metal water valves, such as stainless steel, the brass water valve is a less expensive option.

Temperature and Pressure Tolerance

Despite its relatively cheap cost, brass water valves have a high temperature and pressure tolerance just like other metal valves.

Where to use Brass Water Valve

Brass water valves have diverse applications. First, we’ll consider where NOT to use brass water valves:

• If the brass water valve is not certified as lead-free, it should not be used in the food industry or for drinking water. This will help prevent any cases of lead poisoning.
• For passing medium with high chlorine concentration. Chlorine corrodes brass water valves by removing the zinc components through a process referred to as dezincification.
• In extremely high temperature and pressure conditions. Although brass has a high temperature and pressure tolerance, there are some extreme conditions that will interfere with it.

Having clarified that we can now look at some common places you can use the brass water valves:

• Residential and commercial plumbing to connect pipes and other water inlets and outlets.
• In water tanks to regulate water overflow.
• In water treatment plants to control and direct the flow of water.
• In machineries that need regulation of water flow.

How Bronze Water Valve compare to Brass Water Valve

 Bronze gate  valve

Brass gate valve

You are likely to confuse the two due to their physical appearance. However, there is more than what meets the eyes.

The first difference is in terms of the material composition of the two. Brass is made up of majorly copper and partly zinc.

Conversely, bronze has copper as its major component with a few other additives.

Quality-wise, bronze water valves are of a higher quality than brass water valves.

This attribute makes them more expensive than the latter.

However, sometimes bronze water valves can be cheaper than brass water valves.

In terms of lead content, either of the two water valves can have or not have lead.

Lastly, bronze water valves are more corrosion resistant and harder due to their high copper composition.

Effects of Chlorinated Water on Brass Water Valve

Chlorinated water has a corrosion effect on brass if the water has a high chlorine concentration. Chlorine interferes with the zinc component in brass through dezincification.

Dezincification is a corrosive process involving the selective removal of zinc from the brass alloy, leaving behind the copper.

This reduces the mechanical strength of the metal alloy (brass).

Factors Determining Lifespan of Brass Water Valve

Below are factors that will determine how long your brass water valve remains functional:

Repair and Maintenance

Timely addressing any fault in your brass water valve will guarantee that it lasts longer.

You should repair any damages before they render the valve completely dysfunctional.

For brass water valves with manual actuators, regularly turning the actuators will ensure that they remain functional.

Medium being Passed

If the brass water valve is used to control the flow of highly corrosive fluids, it will probably have a short lifespan.

The same applies if the water being passed has a high chlorine concentration.

Operating Conditions

Exposure of brass water valves to extremely high temperature and pressure conditions will significantly reduce their lifespan.

Copper Concentration

A high-quality brass water valve with more copper concentration is durable and more corrosion resistant.

Comparison between Quarter-turn Brass Water Valve and Multi-turn Brass Water Valve

The names of the two brass water valve types are derived from the mechanism they use to turn the valves on or off.

For quarter-turn brass water valves, they have a handle which, when turned or reversed at 45^o, turns the valve either on or off.

The valve is thus opened if the handle is aligned with the piping.

An example of a brass water valve that operates in a like manner is the brass ball water valve.

In the case of the multi-turn brass water valve, the handle is usually a wheel.

To turn the valve either on or off, you will have to turn the wheel multiple times, gradually lowering or raising the barrier inside the valve.

Brass gate water valves use this type of actuation.

Quarter-turn brass water valves tend to cut off water supply almost immediately, unlike their multi-turn counterparts.

Lastly, on gradual closing and opening of the valve:

While using multi-turn makes your piping less prone to water hammering than the instant shut-off by the quarter-turn brass water valve.

When to Replace Brass Water Valve

A more straight answer is you should replace your brass water valve when it is damaged and beyond repair.

However, there are also other instances should consider replacing your brass water valve, such as:

• When either the pipes or the valve is leaking.
• If the valve is not lead-free.
• If the valve’s actuator is completely immobile.
• When the valve freezes.
• If the valve shuts off partially.
• If the valve is old, over 10 years old.

Quality Standards for Brass Water Valve

Brass water valves have to comply with certain quality standards to ensure they are internationally accepted and safe to use. Such standards include:

• Specific ASME, ANSI, and API standards
• The American Water Works Association (AWWA) certification.
• FDA approval indicates that the brass used is lead-free.
• NPT standards for the threading.

Safety Features of Brass Water Valve

Generally, our brass water valves’ design makes them safe, provided they are used correctly. Ensuring that the valve perfectly fits the pipe and is efficiently sealed will guarantee safety.

Since brass is relatively strong, it is unlikely that the valve will burst due a spike in pressure.

Recommended Temperature Rating for Brass Water Valve

Brass water valves can have a temperature limit from as low as – 4^oF to 360^oF.

There is no recommended rating, but you should do your due diligence to select a valve within your preferred temperature range.

Determining Pressure Rating for Brass Water Valve

According to plumbing codes, any fixture ought to have a maximum pressure of 80psi.

If there are no outlined specifications, the minimum pressure limit is 30psi.

The pressure ratings of brass water valves are indicated on their bodies.

Therefore, the question that needs to be answered is how to know the pressure level at the point you intend to fix the valve.

You can determine the pressure level using this simple calculation that factors in elevation losses. Elevation loss is the pressure loss as the water climbs up a floor or a level.

Foot of Rise x 0.434psi = Elevation drop

Note: 0.434psi is equivalent to pressure drop per unit rise

For example, if the pipe supplying the water is elevated 3ft from the ground, and you intend to install the valve on the 2^nd floor of the building, which is 17 feet high, and assuming the water pressure was 60ft; you can calculate the pressure at the installation point by:

• First getting the elevation drop which is: 20 ft x 0.434 = 8.68 psi
• Subtracting the elevation drop from the pressure to get the installation point pressure: 60–8.68 =51.32psi

The pressure at the point of installation is thus 51.32 psi.

From the above example, you should thus buy a brass water valve with a pressure limit of not less than 50psi.

Common Mistakes when Operating Brass Water Valves

There are several mistakes in using brass water valves right from installation to operation. Some common mistakes in the installation of brass water valves include:

• Using the wrong seal tape
• Over tightening the joints
• Not disconnecting the water supply
• Using wrong tools
• Mixing the fittings
• Using the wrong valves

When operating brass water valves, you are likely to make include:

• Applying excess pressure on stuck valves or actuators.
• Shutting the valve abruptly –may cause water hammering in the pipes.
• Leaving the valves dormant for a lengthy time period.
• Irregular maintenance of the valves.
• Assuming the leakages.
• Replacing the worn-out parts with non-matching parts.

Causes of Leakages in Brass Water Valve

Any leakage from your brass water valve is an indication that the valve needs repair or replacement. However, sometimes the problem is not with the valve.

Below are the major causes of leakages in brass water valves:

• Increased pressure – pressure that exceeds the valve’s pressure specification may result to leakage.
• Non-fitting valve – If the valve does not fit tightly to the pipes, it will gradually start leaking.
• Worn-out seal tapes – Seal tapes do wear out after some time resulting to leakages.
• Dysfunctional valve – After prolonged usage, the valve might break down, consequently leaking.
• Obstruction – If the valve is blocked by materials such as debris, dirt, or any other solid particles, it will not permit efficient water flow. This leads to water pressure building up in one end of the valve leading to leakage.

How to Maintain Brass Water Valve

Brass water valve maintenance is rather direct and straightforward. It involves carrying regular checkups, cleaning, repairing, and carrying out frequent replacements.

Regularly check your brass valves.

Look out for any leakages and establish the root cause. Also, ensure you periodically turn the actuator to ensure it doesn’t freeze or get stuck.

Periodically, disconnect the valve, wash it to remove any obstructions on the orifice. This will eliminate the potential buildup of solid particles on the valve’s openings.

Lastly, ensure you lubricate the valve’s actuators and seals. Lubricating the actuator will make turning the valve on and off smooth.

Also, it will reduce the probability of the actuator getting stuck.

How to Connect Brass Water Valve in Piping System

You can connect brass water valves by yourself (DIY) or hire a plumber to do the job for you. However, not all brass water valves are installed in a similar manner.

Some are push-to-connect valves, others are fixed with nuts, while some are welded.

As such, there is no one common connection guideline for all brass water valves. However, below are some simplified and common steps in the installation of the valves

• First, ensure that you have disconnected the water supply.
• Check that you have the perfect fit valve prior to installation
• Clean the pipes and the valve
• Hold the valve in place –you can use a wrench.
• Place the sealing tape on the pipe’s ending where you plan on fixing the valve
• If it is a push to connect valve, simply push it into the pipe. However, for valves that require sealing using nuts or welding, do the necessary (either tighten the nuts or weld the pipe to the valve)
• At this point, you should have successfully installed the valve. Turn back on the main water supply and inspect whether the valve is working efficiently. Ensure there are no leakages.

Considerations when Connecting Brass Water Valve to Dissimilar Plumbing Pipes

When installing brass water valves in an old house or plumbing system, you are likely to encounter dissimilar pipes.

These pipes will not directly fit into the valve. However, this is no reason for alarm.

To counter this, you will need to purchase the valve together with fittings.

The fittings will help you connect the pipes to the brass ball valve.

The popular fittings in the market are either welded, wrenched, or pushed.

In summary, the materials will need to connect brass water valve to dissimilar plumbing pipes include:

• Pipe dope
• Pipe glue
• Pipe adapters
• Flux and solders
• Fittings and couplings

Choosing the Best Actuator for Brass Water Valve

An actuator is a device that induces the movement which controls the opening or closing of valves. They are mounted on valves, and they move the valve to the desired position following a signal.

There are various types of actuators that you can use for brass water valves.

Electric Valve Actuator

Electric valves actuators, powered by external power sources, automatically move to the desired position upon transmitting a signal.

They are mounted on valves and have either single-phase or triple-phase DC or AC motors that operate a set of gears resulting in the desired rotation force (torque).

These types of actuators are preferred by many since they operate automatically, have a high precision level, and a minimal response time.

Hydraulic and Electrohydraulic Actuators

Both of these actuators open and close the valve by converting fluid pressure to motion once they receive signals.

These signals are measured in either pressure, volts, or amperes. They also rely on an external power source.

Their application is the best fit when the valve’s operation requires a lot of force. The most common hydraulic actuator you are likely to encounter is the piston-type.

They are used in both throttle valves and start/stop valves.

Manual Valve Actuators

Unlike the previous two actuators, manual valve actuators do not require an external power source.

To achieve the desired position, manual valve actuators use either a chain wheel, hand wheel, detachable mechanism, or lever to achieve the required torque by moving a series of gears.

The pros of these actuators is that they are cheap and do not require any external power source (making them reliable).

Pneumatic Valve Actuators

These actuators control the valve’s positioning by converting air pressure to rotary or linear motion.

The two types of pneumatic valve actuators are the piston actuators and the diaphragm actuators. These actuators are light, fast, simple, and strong.

However, their major drawback is that it is difficult to use them to attain exact precision control.

Note: All the above valve actuators are classified according to their motion or function. In terms of motion, they can either be: rotary motion (require quarter-turn such as ball valves) and linear motion (for linear valves such as gate valves).

As for function, the actuators can either be used in throttling valves or start/stop valves.

Now, in case you have any questions about brass water valves, feel free to contact us.