Electric Ball Valve for Seawater Treatment: Saudi Arabia Project Case Study

This case study looks at an electric ball valve solution supplied for a seawater treatment project in Saudi Arabia, covering valve selection, technical specifications, and how the valves were integrated with supporting flow, pressure and temperature instrumentation.

Project Overview: Electric Ball Valve for a Saudi Seawater Treatment System

DELCO Valve supplied electric ball valves for a seawater treatment project in Saudi Arabia. The client required electrically actuated valves for automated on/off flow control, installed on a skid-mounted equipment unit fitted with casters for on-site mobility, together with supporting instrumentation for flow, pressure and temperature monitoring.

To meet the different pressure and material requirements across the system, two types of electric ball valves were supplied: a UPVC electric two-way flange ball valve and a Duplex 2205 electric flange ball valve. These were installed alongside electromagnetic flow meters, pressure transmitters and a temperature sensor, supplied as part of the overall project scope.

Project Requirements and Valve Selection Considerations

Seawater is a corrosive medium, so material selection and pressure rating were central to valve selection on this project. The system required two pressure classes — 150 lb and 600 lb — and valve sizes ranging from DN25 to DN50, depending on the pipe size and duty required within the skid-mounted unit.

For lower-pressure sections, a UPVC valve body was selected. UPVC offers good chemical resistance in water treatment applications and was suitable for the 4 bar working pressure and Class 150 flange specification required for this part of the system.For higher-pressure sections, a Duplex 2205 valve body and ball with a PTFE seat were specified for the Class 600 application. Duplex 2205 provides good resistance to chloride-containing environments and is widely used in demanding water, marine and seawater-related applications.

Both valve types are equipped with 220V AC electric on/off actuators for remote automated flow control. A manual override handwheel is also provided, allowing the valves to be operated locally during maintenance or in the event of a power interruption.

Electric Ball Valves Supplied for the Project

UPVC Electric Two-Way Flange Ball Valve

The UPVC electric two-way flange ball valve was supplied in DN25, DN40 and DN50 sizes to suit different pipe diameters within the skid-mounted unit. The 220V AC electric on/off actuator enables remote operation as part of the site's automated control system, while the manual override provides a local backup option.

Duplex 2205 Electric Flange Ball Valve

For the section of the system requiring a higher pressure rating, a DN25 Duplex 2205 electric flange ball valve was supplied. Duplex 2205 is widely used in demanding water and marine applications because of its corrosion resistance and mechanical properties, while the PTFE seat provides reliable sealing for on/off service.

Supporting Instrumentation Integrated with the Electric Ball Valve System

The electric ball valves were supplied alongside supporting instrumentation — electromagnetic flow meters, pressure transmitters and a temperature sensor — as part of the overall equipment package for this project. This instrumentation reflects the equipment supplied for the system, rather than products manufactured by DELCO Valve, whose core scope is electric and pneumatic valves.

Electromagnetic Flow Meters

Two electromagnetic flow meters in DN50 and DN25 sizes were supplied for flow monitoring at different points in the system. Both meters feature PTFE liners, titanium electrodes and 24V DC power supply, with a standard 4-20mA output for integration with the site's control system.

Pressure Transmitters

Two pressure transmitters with measuring ranges of 0-6 bar and 0-100 bar were supplied for different pressure monitoring points across the system. Both feature titanium diaphragms, 316L wetted connections and standard 4-20mA outputs.

Temperature Sensor

A temperature sensor with a 0-60°C measuring range, titanium wetted section and 100 mm insertion length was also supplied for process temperature monitoring.

How the Electric Ball Valve Works with the Supporting Instrumentation？

The flow meters, pressure transmitters and temperature sensor provide process data including flow rate, pressure and temperature, while the electric ball valves perform automated on/off control at the corresponding pipeline locations. The instrumentation and valves can be integrated into the site's control system for centralized monitoring and operation, depending on the project control design.

Each electric ball valve is equipped with a manual override handwheel, providing a convenient local operating option during maintenance, commissioning or temporary power loss.

Project Outcome and Customer Follow-Up

The electric ball valves and supporting instrumentation were delivered and installed as part of the seawater treatment project in Saudi Arabia. On-site photos provided by the client confirmed the installation of the valves and instrumentation within the system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can electric ball valves be used in seawater treatment systems?

Yes. Electric ball valves can be used in seawater treatment systems for automated on/off flow control, particularly where remote operation and centralized control are required. The appropriate valve material, seat material, pressure rating and actuator configuration should be selected according to the actual process conditions. 

What instrumentation can be integrated with an electric ball valve system?

Electric ball valves are often used alongside supporting instrumentation such as flow meters, pressure transmitters, temperature sensors and level instrumentation, depending on the monitoring requirements of the project.

What should be considered when selecting an electric ball valve for seawater treatment?

Key fctors include the valve body and seat material, pressure and temperature requirements, valve size, connection standard, actuator voltage, operating mode and manual override requirements. For seawater service, material compatibility and corrosion resistance should also be considered based on the actual medium and process conditions.

Are electric ball valves suitable for desalination plants?

Electric ball valves can be used in various sections of desalination and seawater treatment systems where automated on/off isolation is required. Material selection and pressure rating should be based on the specific process conditions, including the medium, pressure, temperature and piping requirements.

DELCO Electric Ball Valve Solutions for Water and Seawater Treatment

DELCO Valve supplies electric ball valves for water treatment, seawater treatment and desalination applications, with different valve materials, sizes, pressure ratings and actuator configurations available according to project requirements. Options include UPVC, stainless steel and duplex stainless steel construction.

Valve selection is based on the pressure, material and control requirements of each project, and valves can be supplied together with supporting instrumentation as part of a complete equipment package.

Need electric ball valves for a seawater treatment or desalination project? DELCO Valve can provide valve selection based on size, pressure rating, material, actuator voltage and application requirements. Contact DELCO Valve to discuss your project requirements.

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