{"id":709,"date":"2025-08-25T22:17:05","date_gmt":"2025-08-25T20:17:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.valfonta.com\/blog\/self-operated-valve-vs-actuated-valve\/"},"modified":"2026-10-22T10:05:41","modified_gmt":"2026-10-22T08:05:41","slug":"self-operated-valve-vs-actuated-valve","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.valfonta.com\/en\/blog\/self-operated-valve-vs-actuated-valve\/","title":{"rendered":"What are the differences between a self-operated valve and an actuated valve?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-group vf-raiz vf-pl-articulo is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group vf-cat-wrap is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><article class=\"wp-block-group vf-pdp vf-post is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><nav class=\"wp-block-group vf-breadcrumbs vfa-aria-label--Breadcrumbs is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"vf-envolt wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"\/en\/\">Home<\/a><span class=\"vf-sep\">\u203a<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.valfonta.com\/en\/blog\/\">Blog<\/a><span class=\"vf-sep\">\u203a<\/span><span aria-current=\"page\">What are the differences between a self-operated valve and an actuated valve?<\/span><\/p><\/nav><header class=\"wp-block-group vf-post-head is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"vf-pdp-eyebrow wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.valfonta.com\/en\/control-valve\/\">Control valves<\/a><\/p><h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are the differences between a self-operated valve and an actuated valve?<\/h1><p class=\"vf-post-meta wp-block-paragraph\"><span>By H\u00e8ctor<\/span><span><time datetime=\"2026-04-08\">Updated April 8, 2026<\/time><\/span><span>5 min read<\/span><\/p><\/header><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full vf-post-hero is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.valfonta.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/tuberias-gas-industriales-destacada.jpg\" alt=\"What are the differences between a self-operated valve and an actuated valve?\" class=\"wp-image-169\" width=\"1200\" height=\"514\"\/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-group vf-post-grid is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group vf-post-body is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><aside class=\"wp-block-group vf-post-summary vfa-aria-label--In%20summary is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"vf-t wp-block-paragraph\">In summary<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A self-operated valve regulates itself using the energy of the fluid itself, with no electricity or instrument air, while an actuated valve moves the plug by means of an external device driven by a control signal, such as 4\u201320 mA. The self-operated valve is the right choice for a fixed set point, stable demand, and a priority on robustness, like Valfonta\u2019s M1, M2, PRV20, PRV30, PRV44, and VD. The actuated valve, like the C1, is the option for variable set points, PID loops, and PLC\/SCADA integration. Both are sized by Kv\/Cv, not by DN.<\/p><\/aside><details class=\"wp-block-details vf-post-toc-m is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Article contents<\/summary><ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><a href=\"#que-es-una-valvula-autoaccionada\">What is a self-operated valve?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#que-es-una-valvula-con-actuador\">What is an actuated valve?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#cuando-conviene-cada-una\">When is each one the right choice?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#criterios-de-seleccion\">Selection criteria<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#errores-habituales-y-como-evitarlos\">Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#preguntas\">Frequently asked questions<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/details><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A <strong>self-operated valve<\/strong> uses the <strong>energy of the fluid itself<\/strong> (gas or liquid) to regulate; it needs no power supply or external signal. An <strong>actuated valve<\/strong> (e.g., <strong>pneumatic<\/strong>) is moved by an <strong>external device<\/strong> driven by a <strong>control signal<\/strong> (on\/off or modulating), ideal when dynamic accuracy and PLC\/SCADA integration are required.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"que-es-una-valvula-autoaccionada\"><strong>What is a self-operated valve?<\/strong><\/h2><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A <strong>self-operated<\/strong> valve (also called self-regulating) is a device that <strong>keeps a process variable stable<\/strong>, usually the <strong>downstream pressure (P2)<\/strong>, by using the <strong>balance of forces<\/strong> between the fluid pressure and an <strong>elastic element<\/strong> (spring\/diaphragm) or a <strong>piston\/bellows<\/strong>.<br> It requires no <strong>electricity, instrument air, or positioner<\/strong>: the process itself is its source of energy and signal.<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.valfonta.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/logo.png\" alt=\"Steam pressure reducing valve\" class=\"wp-image-254\" width=\"332\" height=\"83\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/figure><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"como-funciona-este-tipo-de-valvula-en-3-pasos\"><strong>How this type of valve works, in 3 steps<\/strong><\/h3><ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>In normal service, the <strong>plug<\/strong> stays in the position that holds the set point.<\/li><li>If <strong>P2 rises<\/strong>, the spring\u2013diaphragm\/piston assembly <strong>corrects<\/strong> the opening to absorb the change and return to the set point<\/li><li>Once equilibrium is restored, the valve <strong>stabilizes<\/strong> the line again with no external intervention.<\/li><\/ol><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ventajas-clave-de-las-valvulas-autoaccionadas\"><strong>Key advantages of self-operated valves<\/strong><\/h3><ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Autonomy and simplicity<\/strong>: fewer components, fewer points of failure.<\/li><li><strong>Reliability and low maintenance<\/strong>: ideal for environments with few control signals.<\/li><li><strong>Proportional response<\/strong>: stabilizes pressure variations without a \u201csawtooth\u201d pattern.<\/li><\/ol><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cuando-elegirla\"><strong>When to choose it<\/strong><\/h3><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Pressure reduction\/stabilization in <strong>industrial water, compressed air, inert gases, or steam<\/strong>.<\/li><li>Processes with a <strong>fixed set point<\/strong> and <strong>stable demand<\/strong>.<\/li><li>Installations where <strong>robustness, controlled cost, and ease of installation<\/strong> are the priority.<\/li><\/ul><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ejemplos-del-catalogo-de-valfonta\"><strong>Examples from the Valfonta catalog <\/strong><\/h3><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>M1, M2<\/strong> (robust regulation in utility networks, including steam).<\/li><li><strong>PRV20, PRV30, PRV44<\/strong> (compact; piston- or bellows-balanced; highly versatile in laboratories, gases, and high temperatures).<\/li><li><strong>VD<\/strong> (direct-acting with piston for water and inert gases).<\/li><\/ul><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"que-es-una-valvula-con-actuador\"><strong>What is an actuated valve?<\/strong><\/h2><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An <strong>actuated valve<\/strong> incorporates an <strong>external mechanism<\/strong> (<strong>pneumatic<\/strong>, electric, or hydraulic) that positions the plug based on a <strong>control signal<\/strong> (e.g., <strong>4\u201320 mA<\/strong>). It can operate <strong>on\/off<\/strong> or in <strong>continuous modulation<\/strong> within a PID loop, with real-time set point changes and integration into <strong>PLC\/SCADA<\/strong>.<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ventajas-clave-de-este-tipo-de-valvula\"><strong>Key advantages of this type of valve<\/strong><\/h3><ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>High accuracy and repeatability<\/strong> in flow\/pressure\/temperature.<\/li><li><strong>Fast response<\/strong> and <strong>dynamic control<\/strong> in the face of disturbances.<\/li><li>Easy <strong>automation<\/strong> (interlocks, sequences, remote control, logging).<\/li><\/ol><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cuando-elegirla-2\"><strong>When to choose it<\/strong><\/h3><ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Processes with <strong>variable<\/strong> flow or pressure and <strong>changing set points<\/strong>.<\/li><li>Need for <strong>traceability<\/strong> and advanced control from the plant system.<\/li><li><strong>Functional safety<\/strong> requirements (fail positions, interlocks).<\/li><\/ol><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ejemplo-del-catalogo-de-valfonta\"><strong>Example from the Valfonta catalog<\/strong><\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>C1 (pneumatic actuator)<\/strong>: control valve for <strong>modulating or on\/off<\/strong> service, with an optional <strong>4\u201320 mA positioner<\/strong>, <strong>top-entry<\/strong> design for quick maintenance, and versions\/materials compatible with industrial standards and demanding environments. Ideal when the process requires <strong>accuracy<\/strong>, <strong>stability<\/strong>, and <strong>automation<\/strong> without giving up mechanical robustness.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-group vf-tbl-wrap is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><figure class=\"wp-block-table vf-post-table\"><table><thead><tr><th><strong>Aspect<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Self-operated (PRV\/M\/VD)<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Actuated (C1 pneumatic)<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Energy source<\/strong><\/td><td>The <strong>process fluid<\/strong> itself (spring + diaphragm\/piston\/bellows).<\/td><td><strong>Instrument air<\/strong> (actuator) and <strong>4\u201320 mA signal<\/strong>\/digital (positioner).<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Control level<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Proportional<\/strong> to pressure; fixed <strong>set point<\/strong>; no PLC.<\/td><td><strong>On\/off or modulating<\/strong> in a PID loop; variable set points and recipes.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Dynamic response<\/strong><\/td><td>Fast and <strong>stable<\/strong> for moderate disturbances.<\/td><td><strong>Very fast<\/strong> and programmable (ramps, limits, interlocks).<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Accuracy<\/strong><\/td><td>High, to keep <strong>P2<\/strong> stable in simple networks.<\/td><td><strong>Very high<\/strong> (low hysteresis and position repeatability).<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Maintenance<\/strong><\/td><td>Low; few components, no air or electricity.<\/td><td>Planned preventive (actuator\/positioner). <strong>Top-entry<\/strong> access.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Total cost (TCO)<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Low CAPEX<\/strong> and very low OPEX.<\/td><td><strong>Higher CAPEX<\/strong>, but optimizes OPEX where accuracy saves energy\/downtime.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>ATEX environments<\/strong><\/td><td>Versions and temperature limits available by model.<\/td><td>Configurable for <strong>ATEX<\/strong> (actuator\/positioner and materials).<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Valfonta examples<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>M1, M2, PRV20, PRV30, PRV44, VD<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>C1<\/strong> (pneumatic actuator, 4\u201320 mA positioner)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure><\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cuando-conviene-cada-una\"><strong>When is each one the right choice?<\/strong><\/h2><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"autoaccionadas-m1-m2-prv20-30-44-vd\"><strong>Self-operated (M1, M2, PRV20\/30\/44, VD)<\/strong><\/h3><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Pressure reduction and <strong>stand-alone stabilization<\/strong> in <strong>industrial water, compressed air, inert gases, or steam<\/strong>.<\/li><li>Networks with <strong>few control signals<\/strong>, fixed set points, and a need for <strong>robustness<\/strong> and <strong>low maintenance<\/strong>.<\/li><li>Plants where <strong>simplicity<\/strong>, quick installation, and controlled <strong>TCO<\/strong> are the priority.<\/li><\/ul><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"con-actuador-c1-neumatica\"><strong>Actuated (C1 pneumatic)<\/strong><\/h3><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Processes with <strong>variable set points<\/strong>, <strong>PID loops<\/strong>, sequences, and <strong>start-ups\/shutdowns<\/strong> with ramps.<\/li><li><strong>DCS\/PLC<\/strong> integration with remote control, safety limits, and <strong>interlocks<\/strong>.<\/li><li>Lines that require <strong>fine accuracy<\/strong> in flow\/pressure\/temperature and <strong>traceability<\/strong>.<\/li><\/ul><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"criterios-de-seleccion\"><strong>Selection criteria <\/strong><\/h2><ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Fluid and conditions (P\/T, corrosiveness, cleanliness).<\/strong> These define the body, trim, and elastomers (stainless steel, PTFE, EPDM, FKM) and the right product family.<\/li><li><strong>Control requirement.<\/strong> Is <strong>proportional modulation<\/strong> of pressure enough (self-operated), or is <strong>modulating control<\/strong> with changing set points required (C1)? Consider accuracy, deadband, and hysteresis.<\/li><li><strong>Process dynamics.<\/strong> Response times, potential for <strong>cavitation\/noise<\/strong>, and the presence of <strong>water hammer<\/strong>; size by <strong>Kv\/Cv<\/strong>, not by DN.<\/li><li><strong>Available energy and signals.<\/strong> Is there <strong>instrument air<\/strong> and a <strong>4\u201320 mA<\/strong> signal\/digital I\/O? If not, favor self-operated valves.<\/li><li><strong>Regulations.<\/strong> <strong>PED\/CE<\/strong> and, where applicable, <strong>ATEX<\/strong> (zones 1\/2\/21\/22) with the corresponding temperature class and nameplate marking.<\/li><li><strong>CAPEX\/OPEX and maintenance.<\/strong> Weigh the initial cost against the savings from <strong>efficiency\/automation<\/strong> and the <strong>ease of maintenance<\/strong> (e.g., <strong>top-entry<\/strong> on the C1).<\/li><\/ol><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"errores-habituales-y-como-evitarlos\"><strong>Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)<\/strong><\/h2><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Using self-operated valves where fine modulation is needed.<\/strong><strong><br>\n<\/strong> <i>How to avoid it<\/i>: define the <strong>control strategy<\/strong> before choosing; if there are variable set points, choose the <strong>C1<\/strong>.<\/li><li><strong>Sizing by line DN instead of by Kv\/Cv.<\/strong><strong><br>\n<\/strong> <i>How to avoid it<\/i>: calculate <strong>flow, \u2206P, P1\/P2<\/strong> and select by <strong>Kv\/Cv<\/strong> with a reasonable margin.<\/li><li><strong>Ignoring material and packing compatibility.<\/strong><strong><br>\n<\/strong> <i>How to avoid it<\/i>: check the <strong>chemistry and temperature<\/strong> of the fluid against the available <strong>steels\/elastomers<\/strong>.<\/li><li><strong>Overlooking ATEX requirements or actuator temperature limits.<\/strong><\/li><li><i>How to avoid it<\/i>: verify the <strong>ATEX zone<\/strong> and <strong>T class<\/strong>, as well as the temperature limits of the <strong>actuator\/positioner<\/strong>.<\/li><\/ul><section id=\"preguntas\" class=\"wp-block-group vf-post-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently asked questions<\/h2><details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Can a self-operated valve work as a control valve?<\/summary><div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u00a0It regulates <strong>proportionally<\/strong> (very well for stable pressure), but if you need variable set points or advanced logic, use an <strong>actuated valve<\/strong> such as the <strong>C1<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What signal does the C1 need for modulating service?<\/summary><div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u00a0Instrument air for the actuator and a <strong>4\u201320 mA signal<\/strong> (or equivalent) for the <strong>positioner<\/strong>; it integrates seamlessly into <strong>PLC\/DCS<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What if there is no instrument air?<\/summary><div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u00a0Give priority to <strong>self-operated valves<\/strong> or consider specific electric solutions; if the strategy requires pneumatic modulation, add a compressor\/dryer and an instrument air line.<\/p><\/div><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>When should you order an ATEX version?<\/summary><div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u00a0Whenever the installation is in <strong>zone 1\/2\/21\/22<\/strong> or there is a potentially explosive atmosphere. Check the <strong>ATEX marking<\/strong>, the <strong>temperature class<\/strong>, and the limits of each model.<\/p><\/div><\/details><\/section><\/div><aside class=\"wp-block-group vf-post-aside is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group vf-post-sticky is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><nav class=\"wp-block-group vf-post-toc vfa-aria-label--Article%20contents is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In this article<\/p><ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><a href=\"#que-es-una-valvula-autoaccionada\">What is a self-operated valve?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#que-es-una-valvula-con-actuador\">What is an actuated valve?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#cuando-conviene-cada-una\">When is each one the right choice?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#criterios-de-seleccion\">Selection criteria<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#errores-habituales-y-como-evitarlos\">Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#preguntas\">Frequently asked questions<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/nav><div class=\"wp-block-group vf-post-cta is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"vf-t wp-block-paragraph\">Do you need a control valve?<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We help you choose the right model and size for your installation.<\/p><p class=\"vf-envolt wp-block-paragraph\"><a class=\"vf-btn vf-btn--pri\" href=\"#contactar\">Request a quote<\/a><\/p><p class=\"vf-envolt wp-block-paragraph\"><a class=\"vf-btn vf-btn--sec\" href=\"https:\/\/www.valfonta.com\/en\/control-valve\/\">View control valves<\/a><\/p><p class=\"vf-tel wp-block-paragraph\">Or call <a href=\"tel:+34933720888\">933 720 888<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/aside><\/div><section id=\"valvulas\" class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Related valves<\/h2><ul class=\"vf-rel wp-block-list\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.valfonta.com\/en\/product\/c1-gas-control-valve\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.valfonta.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/ok-C1-PROVISIONAL-700x700-1.jpg\" alt=\"C1 control valve\" class=\"wp-image-183\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" loading=\"lazy\"><b>C1 control valve<\/b><span>Single-seat globe valve with pneumatic actuator.<\/span><\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.valfonta.com\/en\/control-valve-design\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.valfonta.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/valvulas-de-valfonta.webp\" alt=\"Custom valve design\" class=\"wp-image-162\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" loading=\"lazy\"><b>Custom valve design<\/b><span>Valfonta adapts and custom-designs reducing, relief, and control valves: super duplex, weld ends, clamp ends, reduced Kv, special gaskets.<\/span><\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.valfonta.com\/en\/product\/pressure-reducing-valves-m1\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.valfonta.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/valvula-reductora-presion-m1-perspectiva-400.webp\" alt=\"M1 reducing valve\" class=\"wp-image-201\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" loading=\"lazy\"><b>M1 reducing valve<\/b><span>Up to DN150 and 220 \u00b0C, for steam.<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul><p class=\"vf-post-more wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.valfonta.com\/en\/control-valve\/\">View all control valves \u2192<\/a><\/p><\/section><section id=\"articulos\" class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Related articles<\/h2><div class=\"wp-block-group vf-post-cards vf-t-ul is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group vf-t-li is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group vf-amb-enllac is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><figure class=\"wp-block-image vf-img-suelta\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.valfonta.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/valvula-de-control-tipos-1.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-239\" width=\"400\" height=\"225\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-group vf-in is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"vf-envolt wp-block-paragraph\"><small>Control valves<\/small><b>Control valve: types and recommendations from Valfonta<\/b><span>8 min read<\/span><\/p><\/div><p class=\"vf-enllac wp-block-paragraph\"><a class=\"vf-enllac-estirat\" href=\"https:\/\/www.valfonta.com\/en\/blog\/control-valve-types-and-recommendations\/\" aria-label=\"Control valves Control valve: types and recommendations from Valfonta 8 min read\"><\/a><\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-group vf-t-li is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group vf-amb-enllac is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><figure class=\"wp-block-image vf-img-suelta\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.valfonta.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/valvula-c1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-246\" width=\"400\" height=\"225\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-group vf-in is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"vf-envolt wp-block-paragraph\"><small>Control valves<\/small><b>What automatic control valves can you find at Valfonta?<\/b><span>5 min read<\/span><\/p><\/div><p class=\"vf-enllac wp-block-paragraph\"><a class=\"vf-enllac-estirat\" href=\"https:\/\/www.valfonta.com\/en\/blog\/automatic-control-valves\/\" aria-label=\"Control valves What automatic control valves can you find at Valfonta? 5 min read\"><\/a><\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-group vf-t-li is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group vf-amb-enllac is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><figure class=\"wp-block-image vf-img-suelta\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.valfonta.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/valvula-de-control-de-presion-errores.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-235\" width=\"400\" height=\"225\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-group vf-in is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"vf-envolt wp-block-paragraph\"><small>Control valves<\/small><b>Common mistakes when using pressure control valves in industrial installations<\/b><span>12 min read<\/span><\/p><\/div><p class=\"vf-enllac wp-block-paragraph\"><a class=\"vf-enllac-estirat\" href=\"https:\/\/www.valfonta.com\/en\/blog\/pressure-control-valves-common-mistakes\/\" aria-label=\"Control valves Common mistakes when using pressure control valves in industrial installations 12 min read\"><\/a><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section id=\"contactar\" class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group vf-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can we help with your installation?<\/h2><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tell us the fluid, the inlet and outlet pressures, the temperature, and the flow rate, and we will recommend the right valve.<\/p><p class=\"vf-pdp-contact wp-block-paragraph\">You can also call <a href=\"tel:+34933720888\">933 720 888<\/a> or email <a href=\"mailto:valfonta@valfonta.com\">valfonta@valfonta.com<\/a>.<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"wpcf7 no-js\" id=\"wpcf7-f535-o1\" lang=\"en-US\" dir=\"ltr\" data-wpcf7-id=\"535\">\n<div class=\"screen-reader-response\"><p role=\"status\" aria-live=\"polite\" aria-atomic=\"true\"><\/p> <ul><\/ul><\/div>\n<form action=\"\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/709#wpcf7-f535-o1\" method=\"post\" class=\"wpcf7-form init vf-form wpcf7-acceptance-as-validation\" aria-label=\"Contact form\" novalidate=\"novalidate\" data-status=\"init\" toolname=\"consulta_contacto\" tooldescription=\"Send an enquiry to Valfonta, industrial valve manufacturer; a member of the team will reply.\">\n<fieldset class=\"hidden-fields-container\"><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wpcf7\" value=\"535\" \/><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wpcf7_version\" value=\"6.2.3\" \/><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wpcf7_locale\" value=\"en_US\" \/><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wpcf7_unit_tag\" value=\"wpcf7-f535-o1\" \/><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wpcf7_container_post\" value=\"0\" \/><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wpcf7_posted_data_hash\" value=\"\" \/><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_vf_t\" value=\"1794238290.a3d7039123ae0f58\" \/>\n<\/fieldset>\n<label>Name *<span class=\"wpcf7-form-control-wrap\" data-name=\"nombre\"><input size=\"40\" maxlength=\"400\" class=\"wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-text wpcf7-validates-as-required\" autocomplete=\"name\" aria-required=\"true\" aria-invalid=\"false\" value=\"\" type=\"text\" name=\"nombre\" \/><\/span><\/label><label>Company<span class=\"wpcf7-form-control-wrap\" data-name=\"empresa\"><input size=\"40\" maxlength=\"400\" class=\"wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-text\" autocomplete=\"organization\" aria-invalid=\"false\" value=\"\" type=\"text\" name=\"empresa\" \/><\/span><\/label><label>Email *<span class=\"wpcf7-form-control-wrap\" data-name=\"email\"><input size=\"40\" maxlength=\"400\" class=\"wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-email wpcf7-validates-as-required wpcf7-text wpcf7-validates-as-email\" autocomplete=\"email\" aria-required=\"true\" aria-invalid=\"false\" value=\"\" type=\"email\" name=\"email\" \/><\/span><\/label><label>Phone<span class=\"wpcf7-form-control-wrap\" data-name=\"telefono\"><input size=\"40\" maxlength=\"400\" class=\"wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-tel wpcf7-text wpcf7-validates-as-tel\" autocomplete=\"tel\" aria-invalid=\"false\" value=\"\" type=\"tel\" name=\"telefono\" \/><\/span><\/label><label class=\"vf-full\">Reason for your inquiry<span class=\"wpcf7-form-control-wrap\" data-name=\"motivo\"><select class=\"wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-select\" aria-invalid=\"false\" name=\"motivo\"><option value=\"\">Select<\/option><option value=\"Request a quote\">Request a quote<\/option><option value=\"Technical advice on choosing a valve\">Technical advice on choosing a valve<\/option><option value=\"Spare parts or repair\">Spare parts or repair<\/option><option value=\"Documentation or certificates\">Documentation or certificates<\/option><option value=\"Other\">Other<\/option><\/select><\/span><\/label><label class=\"vf-full\">Message *<span class=\"wpcf7-form-control-wrap\" data-name=\"mensaje\"><textarea cols=\"40\" rows=\"5\" maxlength=\"2000\" class=\"wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-textarea wpcf7-validates-as-required\" aria-required=\"true\" aria-invalid=\"false\" placeholder=\"Tell us what you need: fluid, pressures, flow rate, model, or serial number\u2026\" name=\"mensaje\"><\/textarea><\/span><\/label><label class=\"vf-chk vf-full\"><span class=\"wpcf7-form-control-wrap\" data-name=\"privacidad\"><span class=\"wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-acceptance\"><span class=\"wpcf7-list-item\"><input type=\"checkbox\" name=\"privacidad\" value=\"1\" aria-invalid=\"false\" \/><\/span><\/span><\/span> <span>I have read and accept the <a href=\"\/en\/privacy-policy\/\">privacy policy<\/a> *<\/span><\/label><input class=\"wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-submit has-spinner vf-btn vf-btn--pri\" type=\"submit\" value=\"Send message\" \/><span class=\"vf-hp\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><label>Web <input type=\"text\" name=\"vf_web\" value=\"\" tabindex=\"-1\" autocomplete=\"off\" toolparamdescription=\"Campo de control: d\u00e9jalo vac\u00edo\"><\/label><\/span><div class=\"wpcf7-response-output\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<\/form>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/section><div class=\"wp-block-group vf-pdp-bar is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"vf-envolt wp-block-paragraph\"><a class=\"vf-btn vf-btn--sec\" href=\"tel:+34933720888\">Call<\/a><a class=\"vf-btn vf-btn--pri\" href=\"#contactar\">Request a quote<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/article><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A self-operated valve is regulated by the energy of the fluid itself, with no electricity or instrument air, whereas an actuated valve moves the plug by means of an external device driven by a control signal, such as 4\u201320 mA.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":169,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_generate-full-width-content":"true","_generate-disable-headline":"true","rank_math_title":"Self-operated vs. actuated valve | Valfonta","rank_math_description":"Self-operated vs. actuated valve: differences, advantages, uses, and examples from the Valfonta catalog to choose the best option for industrial systems.","rank_math_focus_keyword":"","vf_jsonld":"[{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.valfonta.com\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Valfonta\",\"legalName\":\"Val Fonta, S.L.\",\"taxID\":\"B59935718\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.valfonta.com\/en\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.valfonta.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/valfonta-logo.webp\"},\"foundingDate\":\"1962\",\"email\":\"valfonta@valfonta.com\",\"telephone\":\"+34 933 720 888\",\"address\":{\"@type\":\"PostalAddress\",\"streetAddress\":\"C\/ Bronze 26, Pol. 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The self-operated valve is the right choice for a fixed set point, stable demand, and a priority on robustness, like Valfonta\u2019s M1, M2, PRV20, PRV30, PRV44, and VD. The actuated valve, like the C1, is the option for variable set points, PID loops, and PLC\/SCADA integration. Both are sized by Kv\/Cv, not by DN.\"},{\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.valfonta.com\/en\/blog\/self-operated-valve-vs-actuated-valve\/#faq\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Can a self-operated valve work as a control valve?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"It regulates proportionally (very well for stable pressure), but if you need variable set points or advanced logic, use an actuated valve such as the C1.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What signal does the C1 need for modulating service?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Instrument air for the actuator and a 4\u201320 mA signal (or equivalent) for the positioner; it integrates seamlessly into PLC\/DCS.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What if there is no instrument air?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Give priority to self-operated valves or consider specific electric solutions; if the strategy requires pneumatic modulation, add a compressor\/dryer and an instrument air line.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"When should you order an ATEX version?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Whenever the installation is in zone 1\/2\/21\/22 or there is a potentially explosive atmosphere. Check the ATEX marking, the temperature class, and the limits of each model.\"}}]}]}]","footnotes":"","_vg_translation_of":"487","_vg_lang":"en","_vg_wpml_state":"{\"lang\":\"en\",\"trid\":\"670\",\"src\":\"es\"}"},"categories":[38],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-709","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-control-and-design"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.valfonta.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/709","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.valfonta.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.valfonta.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.valfonta.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.valfonta.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=709"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.valfonta.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/709\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10392,"href":"https:\/\/www.valfonta.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/709\/revisions\/10392"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.valfonta.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/169"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.valfonta.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=709"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.valfonta.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=709"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.valfonta.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=709"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}