

Double-acting or spring-return – choosing the right pneumatic ball valve
| Feature | Double-acting (DA) | Spring-return SR NC (fail-close) | Spring-return SR NO (fail-open) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating principle | Air opens AND closes | Air opens · spring closes on air loss | Air closes · spring opens on air loss |
| Fail-safe | No – stays in last position | Yes – closes (safely shut) | Yes – opens (safely open) |
| Output torque | Symmetric – equal force both ways | Asymmetric – air force > spring force | Asymmetric – air force > spring force |
| Envelope size | Compact – no spring pack | Larger – spring pack integrated | Larger – spring pack integrated |
| Cycle life | Very high – > 1 million cycles | High – limited by spring fatigue | High – limited by spring fatigue |
| ATEX | Yes – II 2GDc | Yes – II 2GDc | Yes – II 2GDc |
| Typical use | Process control, fast cycling, batch processes | Emergency isolation, safety valve, fire dampers | Venting, pressure relief, bypass protection |
The choice between DA and SR determines how the ball valve with pneumatic actuator behaves on air loss. FERGO supplies double-acting actuators and single-acting actuators as standalone components too.
NAMUR accessories – configuring the complete pneumatic unit
The NAMUR interface (VDI/VDE 3845) on the actuator enables direct mounting of control components – without additional adapters or piping. FERGO supplies all components from stock and assembles the complete function-tested unit on request:
- NAMUR solenoid valve (3/2 or 5/2): controls the actuator via PLC signal (24 V DC); 3/2-way for single-acting, 5/2-way for double-acting; ATEX version available
- Limit switch box: IP67 / ATEX; potential-free contacts or inductive sensors; OPEN/CLOSED position feedback to PLC/SCADA
- Inductive sensors: non-contact position sensing; 2-wire or 3-wire; PNP/NPN
- Flange gaskets: matching gaskets for flanged ball valves
- Strainers: upstream protection for PTFE/TFM seat rings
Materials and product series – stainless steel ball valve pneumatic, brass and GGG40
- Stainless steel ball valve pneumatic (KH154 – 3-piece): body & ball 1.4408; TFM 1600 seat; TA-Luft, ATEX, AD2000-A4, Fire Safe; PN63; ISO 228 F-F; DN8–DN100; –25 °C to +180 °C. Preferred for chemicals, pharma, food and emission-regulated plants
- Stainless steel ball valve pneumatic (KH113 – 2-piece): body & ball 1.4408; PTFE+15 % GF; PN63; ISO 7-1 F-F; DN8–DN100; full bore. Cost-effective stainless steel for standard processes
- Brass ball valve pneumatic (KH105): CW617N; PTFE+FKM; 25 bar; WRAS-certified; –15 °C to +90 °C. For drinking water, HVAC, irrigation, building services
- Flanged ball valve pneumatic (KH155 / KH121 / KH120): stainless steel, WCB or GGG40; PN10–PN40; EN 558-1 F4/F1; TA-Luft, DVGW gas/drinking water (KH121/KH120); DN15–DN200
- 3-way pneumatic ball valve (KL103 L / KT103 T): stainless steel 1.4408; PN63; L- or T-bore; DN15–DN100. For diverting, mixing and bypass
Check media compatibility: FERGO resistance check tool. For aggressive media: duplex ball valve. DVGW variants: DVGW ball valve.
Certifications – ATEX, TA-Luft, Fire Safe, DVGW, SIL
- ATEX II 2GDc to EU Directive 2014/34/EU: all pneumatic actuators are directly suitable for Zone 1 (gas) and Zone 21 (dust) – the key advantage over electric ball valves, which require expensive Ex-rated actuators in hazardous areas
- TA-Luft / ISO 15848-1: low-emission stem seal for licensed chemical plants
- Fire Safe (API 607 / ISO 10497): fire test for soft-seated ball valves
- AD2000-A4 / PED 2014/68/EU: for pressure-bearing valves; EN 10204 3.1 on request
- DVGW Gas / Drinking Water: GGG40 flanged ball valves KH121 (gas) and KH120 (drinking water) with pneumatic actuator
- SIL 3 (IEC 61508): for safety-instrumented systems – preferably with SR NC actuator
All certificates in the FERGO certificate portal.
Pneumatic ball valves in stock – EU-wide delivery
All 393 pneumatic ball valves ship from the FERGO warehouse in Neuss, Germany – fully assembled and function-tested as a unit comprising ball valve with pneumatic actuator, ISO 5211 coupling and optional NAMUR solenoid valve + limit switch box. Delivery: 2–5 working days by DHL across Europe. Special configurations (positioner, feedback unit, heating jacket) on request with short lead times. Technical advice: +49 (0) 21 31 / 15 39 28-0 · [email protected]

















