Gate, Ball and Butterfly Valves are the most common form of shut-off valves, with ball and even butterfly valves rapidly becoming the primary choice due to the ease of automation and fast shut-off abilities, and in the case of ball valves the barest minimum of flow restrictions. We are often supplying ball and butterfly valves fully actuated, as plants of today become more and more automated, and are often now run by computers and the flick of a switch. While you go about selecting the right valve, choosing the right kind of operator is also important. Choosing between manual or motorized actuator (Pneumatic/electric/hydraulic) depends on a few factors. To Learn more in detail about the different types and selection criteria of linear actuators vs rotary actuators, Click Here to read my earlier post.