From ½" to 3": Connexion Expands Automated Ball Valve Range for Industrial Flow Control

Connexion Developments has expanded its automated ball valve range with new pneumatic, electric and smart failsafe solutions from ½" to 3". The range includes 2-way isolation and 3-way T/L port valves in 304/316 stainless steel and UPVC, with double-acting, spring-return and motorised actuation. New options include 50Nm smart actuators, power-loss failsafe, position feedback, WRAS approved valves and fast-acting control, with extensive UK stock available.

Connexion Developments Ltd, the UK-based valve and process control specialist behind Solenoid Valve World, has expanded its automated ball valve range with new pneumatic, electric and smart failsafe solutions covering sizes from ½" to 3".

The expanded range brings together 2-way isolation and 3-way diverting or mixing valves, with stainless steel and UPVC construction and a choice of pneumatic or electric actuation. The aim is to give engineers greater flexibility when specifying automated flow control for water, air, process fluids and other compatible media.

Rather than taking a one-actuator-fits-all approach, Connexion now offers several levels of automation – from straightforward pneumatic ON/OFF control through to electrically actuated valves incorporating position feedback, power-loss failsafe operation and intelligent actuator monitoring.

Pneumatic or Electric Actuation

One of the most important decisions when automating a ball valve is the choice between pneumatic and electric actuation.

For industrial plants with an existing compressed-air supply, pneumatic actuators provide a robust and relatively simple method of automating valve operation. Connexion's expanded pneumatic range includes both double-acting and spring-return configurations, with NAMUR-compatible actuator interfaces allowing pilot solenoid valves and control accessories to be added where required.

For installations without compressed air, or where electrical control and feedback are preferred, motorised ball valves provide an alternative solution. Options range from conventional power-open/power-close operation to failsafe actuators capable of automatically returning the valve to a predetermined safe position following loss of electrical power.

New 3-Way Stainless Steel Flow Control Options

A significant part of the expanded range is the addition of 3-way automated stainless steel ball valves.

Unlike conventional 2-way valves used primarily for isolation, 3-way ball valves can be configured with T-port or L-port flow patterns, allowing a single automated valve to divert, select or mix flow between different pipelines.

Compact ½", ¾" and 1" 304 stainless steel motorised versions are available with ISO 5211 direct-mounted electric actuators, including standard open/close, failsafe and fast-acting control options.

For larger industrial applications, pneumatically actuated 316 stainless steel 3-way valves extend the range from ½" through to 2", with operating pressures up to 25 bar and a choice of double-acting or spring-return pneumatic actuators.

Smart 50 Nm Electric Actuation for Larger Valves

At the larger end of the range, Connexion has introduced its CNX50S smart electric actuator platform.

Providing 50 Nm of actuator torque, the CNX50S combines automated valve control with an OLED status display, open and closed position feedback, manual override and an anti-condensation heater within an IP67 enclosure.

A capacitor-based failsafe system can automatically return the valve following loss of electrical power, providing an important additional level of protection for applications where a valve must move to a defined position during a power failure.

The CNX50S is now available on 1¼", 1½" and 2" stainless steel 3-way ball valves, providing T-port and L-port flow configurations for larger automated diversion and mixing duties.

The same actuator technology is also being used with large-bore 2½" and 3" WRAS approved motorised ball valves for automated water isolation applications.

UPVC Automation for Corrosive Fluid Applications

The expansion is not limited to metal valves.

Connexion has also increased its range of pneumatically actuated UPVC ball valves, with both 2-way and 3-way configurations available from ½" to 2".

The corrosion-resistant UPVC construction makes these valves particularly useful where stainless steel or brass may not be the preferred material, while union-style valve bodies simplify installation and maintenance.

Seal options include PTFE valve seats with EPDM or FKM elastomers, allowing the valve configuration to be selected according to media compatibility and operating conditions.

One Range, Multiple Automation Options

The expanded portfolio gives engineers considerably more choice when selecting automated ball valves:

✓ ½" to 3" valve sizes

✓ 2-way isolation valves

✓ 3-way diverting and mixing valves

✓ T-port and L-port configurations

✓ 304 and 316 stainless steel options

✓ Corrosion-resistant UPVC valves

✓ Pneumatic double-acting actuation

✓ Pneumatic spring-return actuation

✓ Electric motorised actuation

✓ Power-loss failsafe options

✓ Position feedback options

✓ Smart 50 Nm electric actuation

✓ WRAS approved water valve options

✓ Fast-acting electric options

Rather than requiring customers to adapt an application around a limited valve configuration, the wider range allows the valve material, flow pattern and actuation method to be selected around the requirements of the installation.

Available from UK Stock

The new automated valve ranges are available from Connexion Developments through Solenoid Valve World, with substantial UK stock held across many of the configurations.

Customers can select valve size, actuator type and available control options online, with technical support available for applications requiring assistance with valve sizing, flow configuration, failsafe position or actuator selection.

Connexion Developments has supplied solenoid valves, automated valves and pneumatic control equipment to UK and international industry since 1998, and the latest range expansion continues the company's focus on making specialist flow-control products readily available from UK stock.

Free next day UK delivery is available on online orders.