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Valve Actuators Information On GlobalSpec
Valve Actuators Information On GlobalSpec
Valve Actuators
Valve actuators mount on valves and, in response to a signal, move a valve to a desired position using an outside power source. Selecting the correct valve actuator will
increase uptime, reduce maintenance costs, and increase plant safety. Most valve actuators come permanently lubricated and will operate best with instrument-quality
air. They can also be packaged with position sensing equipment, digital communication capacity, and motor protection.
Valve Function
Actuation Method
There are several basic types of valve actuators: manual, electric, pneumatic, and hydraulic.
Manual valve actuators do not require an outside power source. They use a handwheel or lever to drive a series of gears whose ratio results in a higher output
torque compared to the input (manual) torque.
Electric valve actuators use a single-phase or three-phase alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) motor to drive a combination of gears to generate the
desired torque level.
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Pneumatic valve actuators adjust valve position by converting air pressure into linear or rotary motion.
Similarly, electrohydraulic valve actuators and hydraulic valve actuators convert fluid pressure supply into linear or rotary motion.
Actuator Specifications
Below are specifications for rotary and linear valve actuators.
Rotary actuators produce rotary motion or torque. The mechanical device produces motion in one direction to cause rotation. Electric versions of the rotary actuator have
continuous rotation, while servo or step motors are used to move the actuator to a fixed angular position.
Rack and pinion actuators consist of a housing to support a pinion, which is driven by a rack with cylinder pistons on the ends. Racks are available in single,
double, or multiple designs. The overall efficiency of rack and pinion actuators averages 85-90%. They are able to cover a wide range of torque outputs and
rotations range from a few degrees to five revolutions or more. The equation for calculating torque is:
M = Aprp
Where,
M - output torque,
A - cylinder piston area
p - operating pressure
rp - pitch radius of the pinion
Rotary actuators can be used in working pressures of up to 18 bar for pneumatic and 210 for hydraulic actuators with rotations of 90, 180, or 360.
As the media moves it creates dynamic torque, which results from non-uniform static pressure distribution on the closure (rotating) member of a quarter-turn
valve. Since the pressure is unevenly distributed, it is equal to the resultant force acting at the same distance from the stem axis. Dynamic torque acts on the
valve stem; it is the sum of the product of each resultant force and its offset distance. It can either aid or hinder the valve actuator. If the friction torque is less than
the dynamic torque, it will cause rotary motion if unchecked by the actuator.
The most common cause of rotary actuator failure is the introduction of shock and surge pressures beyond the maximum rated working pressure of the unit. Failure often
occurs in actuators that have rotational speeds in excess of 10 RPM, control of a large mass in the horizontal plane or moving over the center, or operation of a long lever
arm.
A linear actuator is an assembly that creates motion and force along a straight line. Linear actuators use an external energy source and various methods to achieve this
motion. Mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electric actuators can be designed as linear actuators. Hydraulic and pneumatic actuators inherently produce linear
motion, while other types provide linear motion from rotating motors.
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Performance specifications for linear actuators include valve stem stroke length, actuation time, number of turns, and actuator force or seating thrust.
Valve stem stroke length- Stroke is a term used to define the travel required by the valve from fully open to fully closed. The stroke of an actuated valve is
determined by the actuator if the actuator selected has a stroke that is less than the stroke of the valve. Using an actuator with fewer strokes than the valve will
"short stroke" the valve and the full CV rating of the valve will not be realized.
Actuation time- The time it takes to fully close the linear motion valve
Actuator force or seating thrust- The actuator must supply enough force to overcome the pressure in the system to close the closing element and keep it
closed.
Load capacity- Actuators handle static and dynamic loads. Static load capacity is how much load the actuator can support when the device is not moving.
Dynamic load capacity is the load the actuator can support while it is in use.
Actuator
Type
Advantages
Disadvantages
Mechanical
Electromechanical
Linear motor
Simple design. Minimum of moving parts. High speeds possible. Selfcontained. Identical behavior extending or retracting.
Low force.
Piezoelectric
Hydraulic
Pneumatic
General Specifications
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mixtures. Devices for non-hazardous locations are designed for environments without the risk of combustion or explosion. Electric actuators are not recommended
in outdoor applications or hazardous locations since condensation can form inside the actuator, instead compressed air should be used if possible.
Operating temperature- The full range of ambient operating temperature. Pneumatic and electric actuators can be used in a wide temperature range.
Actuators can vary in operating speed. The speed should be selected based on the speed and power requirements of the system and availability of energy to the
actuator.
Fast-acting actuators are best used when a system must be quickly isolated or opened. Fast action is provided by hydraulic, pneumatic, and solenoid actuators.
The speed of actuation is set by installing the correct orifice in the lines and the valve is closed by spring pressure, which is opposed by hydraulic or pneumatic
pressure to keep the valve open. Electrical motors can also provide fast actuation when the speed is set through the motor speed and gear ratio.
Slow-acting actuators are best used when cold water is injected into a hot system or slower opening is needed.
There is a direct relationship between the speed of the actuator and the power needed. An increase in valve/actuator speed requires an increase in horsepower. Threephase electric motor operators have a fixed speed, while smaller DC motors may have adjustable speeds. The speed of fluid powered actuators can be controlled using
a fluid control valve.
Failsafe Method
Actuator Size
Due to the wide variety of and variations in valves, the actuator must be sized to the specific valve in the system. Actuator sizing is best done after gathering information
on the type of actuator desired, and the torque requirements calculated. Actuator sizing is usually done using a manufacturer's sizing chart. Additional specifications to
consider are the required speed of operation since speed has a direct relationship to the power requirement.
If the actuator is undersized, it will be unable to overcome the forces against it. This will cause slow and erratic stroking. If the actuator is not stiff enough to hold the
close position, the closure element will slam into the seat, causing a pressure surge. If the actuator is oversized, it will cost more, weigh more, and be more sluggish in
terms of speed and response. Larger actuators may also provide a higher thrust that will damage internal valve parts. Actuators tend to be oversized because of safety
factors but smaller sizes function just as well when the built-in safety factors are considered.
Resources
Proper Actuator Sizing and Selection Reduces Downtime
How to Select Valve Actuators for Rotary Valves
Rotary Actuator Applications Guide
A DESCRIPTIVE DEFINITION OF VALVE ACTUATORS
Read user Insights about Valve Actuators
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