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The rotation speed is the speed at which the ball of an actuated ball valve makes a complete rotation (90-degrees). Typically for the same size units, the rotation speed of an electric ball valve is lower than that of a pneumatic ball valve.

The life span of equipment is the time that the unit is fully functional and operational. Pneumatic ball valves have fewer components and are easier to maintain; hence they have a longer life span than their electric counterparts. Electric actuators have several components that need maintenance, like the electric coil, electronic driver, mechanical actuator, etc.

Precision, or modulation, is for units that stop at a partially open point (i.e. 20-degrees open) to more accurately regulate the flow. Both pneumatic and electric actuators are precise in operation, but motorized ball valves have higher levels of precision. An electric ball valve is capable of opening and closing by very precise degrees. Pneumatic actuators carry out modulation by controlling the air pressure at the inlet port. Leaks or pressure fluctuations can easily affect the valve's position. Electrical actuators, on the other hand, use exact electrical control signals to carry out control. Additional information can be found in our electrical modulating ball and butterfly valves article.

Energy consumption is the energy required by the actuator to rotate the valve. In comparison, the energy consumption of an electric operated ball valve is less than pneumatic actuated ball valves. In pneumatic actuators, the entire air compression system (compressor, filters, lubricators, power, etc.) accounts for their high energy consumption.

This is a safety feature designed to automatically open or close a valve in case of a power failure. It is typically easier and cheaper to feature a fail-safe mechanism on a pneumatic ball valve than on a motor actuated ball valve. Pneumatic acting actuators are very common and make use of a spring to return to the base position and are ideal as a fail-safe solution. Electric actuators with a fail-safe mechanism can operate with a battery or a spring and are usually more expensive than the pneumatic solution.

The cost of a pneumatic ball valve is usually lower than an electric one because the actuator design is less complex. However, this doesn't take into account the costs of the components of the pneumatic system, such as the compressor, air preparation, pipes, etc. When no pneumatic system is available near the valve, usually electric actuation is preferred. The operation of a pneumatic valve is more expensive in the long run due to the higher energy consumption and energy losses that are a result of generating compressed air.

Position indicators indicate the position of the actuator at any given time. They are usually placed atop the actuator for high visibility. Most pneumatic actuators can be equipped with a limit switch on top for electrical feedback. Many electrical actuators have internal limit switches for position feedback. However, more basic actuators do not have this feature.

Torque is the rotary force a ball valve requires to turn. Pneumatic actuators offer a much higher torque per unit size than electric actuators. Therefore, for applications requiring a large valve or high torque typically a pneumatic ball valve is a better option.

An electric ball valve has to be NEMA/ATEX certified before it can operate in hazardous conditions. Pneumatic actuators, however, are more widely available with ATEX certification. Also, they neither generate nor are affected by electromagnetic disturbance. Unlike their electric counterparts, pneumatic actuators are not sensitive to wet environments, neither are they subject to overheating.