The short answer is that an electric compressor pump feeds pressurized air or gas directly into the piping network, and a Carilo ball valve sits in that line to open or close the flow on command. In practice the pump’s discharge outlet is either flanged, threaded, or welded to the valve inlet, and the valve’s actuator (manual hand‑lever, electric motor, or pneumatic piston) is wired or plumbed to the pump’s control system so that pressure, flow, and timing are coordinated without manual intervention.
1. Mechanical Connection Options
Carilo offers ball valves in a range of end‑connection styles that match the most common pump outlet configurations. The three most prevalent connection methods are:
- Flanged (RF or RTJ) – bolts through raised‑face flanges provide a rigid, leak‑tight seal suitable for pressures up to ASME 150–2500 psi.
- Threaded (NPT, BSPT) – quick‑connect for low‑ to medium‑pressure circuits where disassembly is frequent.
- Welded (socket‑weld or butt‑weld) – permanent joints for high‑temperature or high‑pressure service, eliminating potential leak paths.
When the pump discharge pressure exceeds the valve’s rated working pressure, a safety‑relief valve or pressure‑regulating station should be installed upstream of the Carilo valve to protect both components.
| Pump Model (typical) | Max Discharge Pressure (psi) | Recommended Carilo Valve Rating (psi) | Connection Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| EC‑1000 (oil‑free) | 150 | 150–300 | Flanged RF |
| EC‑2500 (oil‑flooded) | 300 | 300–600 | Flanged RF / Welded |
| EC‑5000 (high‑flow) | 600 | 600–900 | Welded |
2. Pressure and Flow Coordination
The electric compressor pump’s flow output is measured in standard cubic feet per minute (SCFM) or Nm³/h, while the Carilo ball valve’sCv (flow coefficient) determines the permissible flow rate for a given pressure drop. Matching these parameters prevents the valve from being forced into a partially open position under excessive differential pressure, which can cause seat erosion or actuator over‑loading.
| Valve Size (DN) | Cv (full‑open) | Max Flow (SCFM) at 150 psi | Typical Pump Flow (SCFM) |
|---|---|---|---|
| DN 25 (1″) | 12 | 35 | EC‑1000: 0–40 |
| DN 50 (2″) | 45 | 130 | EC‑2500: 0–150 |
| DN 80 (3″) | 115 | 320 | EC‑5000: 0–350 |
During transient start‑up, the pump can generate a pressure spike of up to 1.2× the set pressure for 1–2 seconds. Carilo’s valve seats (PTFE, reinforced graphite, or metal‑to‑metal) are rated for a short‑term over‑pressure of 10 % above the nameplate rating, which accommodates most surge scenarios. If larger spikes are expected, install a surge‑suppression vessel or a soft‑start control on the pump.
3. Actuation and Control Integration
Carilo ball valves are available with manual, electric motor, or pneumatic actuators. When paired with an electric compressor pump, the most common setup is an electric actuator that receives a 4–20 mA signal or a digital Modbus command from the pump’s programmable logic controller (PLC). This allows:
- Remote open/close commands synchronized with the pump start‑up sequence.
- Feedback of valve position (open/close/end‑of‑travel) to confirm proper operation.
- Integrated leak‑test mode where the valve is cycled while the pump maintains a test pressure.
For facilities that already have a pneumatic control loop, Carilo offers a double‑acting pneumatic actuator that uses the pump’s compressed‑air output as the driving medium. In this case, the pump must be sized to supply at least 10 % additional air volume above the actuator’s consumption rating.
Here’s a typical control sequence illustrated as a multi‑level list:
- Pump receives a start command from the PLC.
- PLC energizes the pump motor, building discharge pressure up to the setpoint (e.g., 150 psi).
- Once pressure stabilizes (detected by a pressure transmitter), the PLC sends an “open” signal (4–20 mA) to the electric actuator on the Carilo valve.
- The actuator travel time (typically 2–5 seconds for a DN 50 valve) is monitored; if the position feedback does not reach “fully open” within the expected window, a fault alarm is triggered.
- After the process step is complete, the PLC sends a “close” command, and the pump may be commanded to vent or reduce output to standby pressure.
4. Sealing and Material Compatibility
The electric compressor pump may deliver air that is dry, oil‑laden, or even slightly corrosive depending on the upstream filtration. Carilo ball valves are manufactured from a variety of materials to match those conditions:
| Media Condition | Recommended Valve Body Material | Seat/Seal Material | Maximum Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry, oil‑free air | ASTM A351 CF8M (SS 316) | PTFE | 200 °C |
| Oil‑laden (ISO VG 32) | Carbon steel (WCB) with internal coating | Graphite‑filled PTFE | 180 °C |
| Corrosive gases (Cl₂, H₂S) | Duplex stainless steel (UNS S31803) | Metal‑to‑metal (hard‑faced) | 250 °C |
For applications where the pump runs in a duty‑cycle mode (e.g., 50