Instruction Manual

INS/37-38/REV-B/03-2006 MIL 37/38, 6A

Spring Diaphragm Pneumatic Actuator &
Side Mounted Handwheels

ISO 9001 : 2000

Certificate : 04100 2002 0157

Purchase Order No. :

The following instructions should be thoroughly

reviewed and understood prior to installing,
operating or performing maintenance on this
equipment. Throughout the text, safety and/or
caution notes will appear and must be strictly adhered to,
otherwise, serious injury or equipment malfunction could result.

MIL Controls Limited

Description (37 / 38 Pneumatic Actuator)

The spring-diaphragm actuator is a simple, powerful the diaphragm case, and yoke and a packing box around
mechanical device. There are two general types, the actuator stem prevents air leakage. The diaphragm
“Air-to-close” (Type 37) and “Air-to-open” (Type 38). acts as a flexible upper guide and the packing box assembly
Actuators are designated by case size: as Nos. 11, 13, as the lower guide for the actuator stem.
15, 18 and 24.
Air connections are ¼" NPT for actuators upto 18" and
The nominal range of a spring-diaphragm actuator is ½" for 24". Connections are located in the upper
the air pressure range in pounds per square inch (psi) diaphragm case for air-to-close actuators and in the yoke
for rated stroke under no load. Common ranges are for air-to-open actuators.
3-15 and 6-30 psi. The spring range and maximum
allowable supply pressure are marked on the tag plate. Standard Effective Maximum
For a 3-15 psi nominal range, the stem will start to stroke Actuator Diaphragm Stroke
when the air pressure reaches 3 psi and will complete Size Area (sq.in.) (in.)
the stroke when the pressure reaches 15 psi (plus or
minus 5%). 11 81.5 1
13 115.2 11/2
In the air-to-close actuator, conformation of the moulded
diaphragm to the diaphragm plate serves as a flexible 15 176 2
upper guide for the actuator stem (26). Nut (30) and
18 272 21/2
washer (41) above the diaphragm prevents air leakage.
The lower guide is an oil impregnated bronze bushing 18L 272 4
(37) located in the spring adjustor (36). The air-to-open 24 368 4
actuator differs from the air-to-close unit in that the
spring (22), spring barrel (71) and spring adjustor (36)
are located above the diaphragm plate (40) and diaphragm Caution: Do not exceed the recommended air pressure
(39) which are inverted. A gasket (19) at the joint of shown in the serial plate.

Maintenance
Air-to-close Actuators (Type 37)
Diaphragm replacement:
Caution: Before dismantling the actuator, all spring
compression should be relieved by turning the spring
adjustor (36), to prevent the upper case popping up
when the cap screws (45) are removed.
This is especially important on actuators with a high
initial spring setting. Remove cap screws (45), nuts (46)
and upper diaphragm case (43). Remove nut (30) and
washer (41) to release the diaphragm (39). If possible,
the replacement diaphragm should be of the moulded
type supplied by MIL but in case of an emergency a
diaphragm may be cut from flat sheet stock for up to
and including No. 15 actuators. To allow sufficient stroke,
without restriction due to flatness of the diaphragm,
the diaphragm bolt circle should be about 10% greater
than that of the diaphragm case.
Replace washer (41), nut (30) and upper diaphragm case.
Spring adjustment: Connect an air supply, with a guage
and regulator should be piped to the upper diaphragm
case for this adjustment. Spring compression can be
adjusted by turning the spring adjustor (36). Adjust spring
compression so that the actuator stem (26) just begins
to move when air pressure reaches minimum pressure
of the range stamped on the Serial Plate. This movement
is most easily detected by feeling the stem as air pressure
is applied.
Caution: Adjust Spring compression only when there
is no air pressure on diaphragm.
Air-to-open Actuators (Type 38)
Diaphragm replacement: Procedure is the same as that
for air-to-close actuators except that the upper diaphragm
case assembly including spring barrel (71), Spring (22),
Spring seats (33 & 34), nut (30) and diaphragm plate
(40) must be removed to release the diaphragm. Install
a new diaphragm and reassemble the above parts.
In case of leakage through lower diaphragm case and
yoke joint, replace the yoke gasket. For replacement of
yoke gasket, the entire diaphragm case assembly
including the above mentioned parts and lower
diaphragm case (44) & cap screw (18) have to be removed.
Spring adjustment: Procedure is similar to that
for air-to-close actuators except that supply air is piped
to the 1/4" port in the yoke. Spring compression can
be adjusted by turning the spring adjustor (36), which
is at the top of the actuator.
Packing box: The packing box is subject to low air
pressure only and requires minimum maintenance.
The packing rings have a square section and are of PTFE.
The packing may be added to or completly replaced
without dismantling either the actuator or the mechanism
(or valve) to which it is attached. Be sure to tighten
packing nut (20) lightly.
Caution: Do not over tighten the packing nut. It results
in sluggish performance.

2
 39 30 56 43

45

46 44

40
18
33
22
35
Air-to-close 22A
26

actuators 34
70

17
(Type 37) 36

56 37

57

Case Nos. 15, 18, 18L & 24

Case Nos. 11 &13

36

72

71

22 33

74
30
43
40
34
45

46
Air-to-open
18 39

44 actuators
19

26
41 (Type 38)
32 17

21
31
15
56
20
57

Figure 1
Case Nos. 11 &13 Case Nos. 15, 18, 18L & 24
Parts Reference
Ref. Ref. Ref.
Part Name Part Name Part Name
No. No. No.

*15 Gasket (Packing box)
*32 Packing 46 Nut (Diaphragm Case)
17 Yoke 33 Spring Seat (Upper) 56 Stroke Scale
18 Cap Screw 34 Spring Seat (Lower) 57 Pointer Screw
(Lower Case to Yoke) # 35 Pipe Plug
70 Ball and Retainer

*19 Gasket
36 Spring Adjuster
71 Spring Barrel
(Lower Case to Yoke) # 37 Bushing
72 Spring Barrel Cap

20 Packing Nut (Spring Adjuster)
73 Ball Bearing Race

21 Snap Ring *39 Diaphragm
74 Cap Screw
22 Actuator Spring 40 Diaphragm Plate (Spring Barrel to

22 A Actuator Spring 41 Diaphragm Washer Upper Diaphragm Case)
26 Actuator Stem 43 Upper Diaphragm Case
30 Nut (Actuator Stem) 44 Lower Diaphragm Case

31 Packing Box 45 Cap Screw (Diaphragm Case)

* Recommended Spare Parts. # Only for Type 37, Direct Actuators
Only for Type 38, Reverse Actuators
3
Actuator Removal
1 Removal of Actuators from Valves
Caution : On actuator equipped with auxiliary
handwheel, ensure that this one is set on neutral
position prior to proceed with actuator removal or
installation and plug stem adjustment.
1.1 Size 11,13 Air-to-close and Air-to-open
Actuators
1.a. On Air-to-close Actuator (Type 37) : Shut off air
supply pressure and disconnect air lines at the
actuator.
1.b. On Air-to-open Actuator (Type 38) : Fully retract
actuator stem (26) and plug by applying air pressure.
2. Loosen stem locknuts (27), turn them down until
threaded end of plug stem (5) and lock. Disengage
the locking plate (55) from actuator stem (26).
3. Unscrew drive nut (9). By means of a wrench applied
over the locknuts, turn the plug stem (5) out of
actuator stem (26).
Note : If the valve is of lower plug stroke, the length
of threaded stem engaged into actuator stem might be
larger than valve stroke; So, it may be necessary to lift
the actuator during unscrewing plug stem, after
unscrewing drive nut (9).
4. PIug stem being unscrewed and actuator removed,
remove locking plate (55), locknuts (27) and travel
indicator disk (58) from the plug stem. Remove drive
nut (9).
5. Only on Air-to-open Actuator (Type 38) : Shut off air
pressure and disconnect air lines at the actuator.
1.2 Size 15, 18 & 24 Actuators
On Air-to-close Actuator (Type 37)
Shut off air supply and disconnect air lines at the actuator.
Remove nut (53), screw (52) and clamps (51). Unscrew
drive nut (9), then remove actuator from the valve bonnet.
On Air-to-open Actuator (Type 38)
Retract actuator stem and plug about few millimeters by
applying air pressure. Remove nut (53), screw (52) and
clamps (51). Unscrew drive nut (9), then remove actuator
from the valve. Shut off air pressure and disconnect air
lines at the actuator.
2. Spring(s) Adjustment
Do not modify the setting of the actuator spring except
when it is really necessary, to replace the diaphragm for
example. In this case proceed as follows :
With Air-to- Extend or Air-to-open Actuator
(Type 37 or 38)
An air supply, with a gauge and regulator should be piped
to the 1/4” or 1/2" NPT air connection located on upper
diaphragm case (on Type 37) or on the yoke (on Type 38).
With spring adjustor (36), adjust spring compression so
that the actuator stem (26) just begins to move when air
pressure reaches minimum pressure of the range stamped
on the serial plate (initial of spring range). This movement
4
is most easily detected by feeling the stem as air pressure
is applied.
Caution : Adjust spring compression only when there is
no air pressure on diaphragm.
3. Actuator Assembly and Adjustment
3.1 Size 11 & 13 Actuator
On Air-to-close Actuator (Type 37)
a. Push plug stem (5) down until the plug seats, then
replace locknuts (27), travel indicator disk (58) and
locking plate (55#) on threaded end of plug stem.
Carefully lower actuator and drive nut (9) over plug
stem and bonnet and turn plug stem (5) into actuator
stem (26) as far as it will go. Install actuator on
bonnet in required position and secure with drive
nut (9).
Note : If the length of threaded stem engaged into
actuator stem is larger than valve stroke, it may be
necessary to screw plug stem into actuator stem during
the lowering of actuator on bonnet, therefore before
securing with drive nut.
b. Connect a temporary supply air line on actuator.
Apply to diaphragm sufficient air pressure to extend
actuator stem (26) to valve stroke. Turn plug stem
out of actuator stem until plug is seated. Slightly
release air pressure and tighten locking plate (55#),
stem locknuts (27) and travel indicator disk (58)
against bottom of actuator stem.
c. Adjust travel indicator scale (56) in front of travel
indicator disk (58) when the plug is seated under the
supply pressure (max. signal of positioner). Relieve
air pressure and insure that the plug travels the rated
stroke.
On Air-to-open Actuator (Type 38)
a. Push plug stem (5) down until the plug seats, then
replace locknuts (27), travel indicator disk (58) and
locking plate (55#) on threaded end of plug stem.
Connect a temporary supply air line on actuator.
Admit sufficient air pressure to fully retract actuator
stem.
Caution : Do not allow the plug to turn on the seat
during this operation.
b. Carefully lower actuator and drive nut (9) over plug
stem and bonnet and turn plug stem (5) into actuator
stem (26) as far as it will go. Install actuator on
bonnet in required position and secure with drive
nut (9). Relieve air pressure from actuator.
Note: If the length of threaded stem engaged into the
actuator stem is larger than valve stroke, then it may
be necessary to screw plug stem into actuator stem
during the lowering of actuator on bonnet, therefore
before securing with drive nut.
# For 13" Actuators only.
Actuator Removal

c. Unscrew plug stem from actuator stem until plug is

seated. Increase air pressure to retract actuator stem
and plug about 1,5 mm (.06 in.) then unscrew plug
stem until plug is seated. Slightly increase air pressure
and tighten locking plate (55), stem locknuts (27)
and travel indicator disk (58) against bottom of
actuator stem.

Caution : Do not allow the plug to turn on the seat

during this operation.

d. Relieve air pressure and adjust travel indicator scale

(56) in front of travel indicator disk (58) when the
plug is seated under the spring tension. Apply air
pressure corresponding to the valve open and insure
that the plug travels the rated stroke.
3.2. Size 15, 18 & 24 Actuators
On Air-to-close Actuator (Type 37) : Figure 2B
a. Push plug stem (5) down until the plug seats.
b. Connect a temporary supply air line on actuator.
b. Install actuator on bonnet in required position and Admit sufficient air pressure to fully retract actuator
secure with drive nut (9). Connect a temporary supply stem. Install actuator on bonnet in required position
air line on actuator. Apply to diaphragm sufficient and secure with drive nut (9) .
air pressure to extend actuator stem (26) to rated
stroke. c. Relieve air pressure from actuator, then increase air
pressure to retract actuator stem (26) about 1,5 mm
c. Install the stem clamps (51) and travel indicator (.06 in.).
pointer (58) with screw (52) and nut (53). It may be
necessary to slightly raise or lower the actuator stem d. Install stem clamps (51) and travel indicator pointer
(26) to mate the threads of the actuator and plug (58) with screw (52) and nut (53). It may be necessary
stem with the stem clamp. The amount of thread to slightly raise the actuator stem (26) to mate the
engagement of both stems should be approximately threads of the actuator and plug stem with the stem
equal. Tighten clamp screw (52), then nut (53). clamp. The amount of thread engagement of both
stems should be approximately equal. Tighten clamp
d. Adjust travel indicator scale (56) in front of travel screw (52), then nut (53)
indicator pointer (58) when the plug is seated under
the supply pressure (max. signal of positioner). Relieve e. Relieve air pressure and adjust travel indicator scale
air pressure and insure that the plug travels the rated (56) in front of travel indicator pointer (58) when the
stroke. plug is seated under the spring tension. Apply air
pressure corresponding to the valve open and insure
On Air-to-open Actuator (Type 38) that the plug travels the rated stroke.
a. Push plug stem (5) down until the plug seats.
Parts Reference
5 Plug Stem
9 Drive Nut
26 Actuator Stem
26
27 Actuator Stem Nut
36 Spring Adjustor
51 Stem Connector Clamp
52 Clamp Screw *
52 53 Clamp Nut *
57 55 Locking plate #
56 Stroke Scale
57 Pointer Screw
58 Travel Indicator Pointer
(or Travel Indicator Disk)
Stem Lock Split Stem Clamp 72 Spring Barrel Cap
(On No 11 & 13 Spr. (On No 15, 18 & 24 Spr.
Diaph. Actuators) Diaph. Actuators * Replaced by Hexagonal Screws in certain ranges.
Figure 2A # For 13" Actuators only.
5
Description (6A - Side Mounted Handwheels)
The side mounted hand wheel provides a means of
manually operating the control valve during startups,
emergency service, or in the event of air failure. It
also provides for limiting plug travel in either direction
Operation
1) Manual operation
To move plug down rotate handwheel clockwise.
To move plug upward rotate handwheel counter-
clockwise.
2) To shift from automatic to manual operation
Lift hand wheel lock (19) from hand wheel spoke and
turn wheel until pointer (17) is at Neutral Position on
Hand-wheel Position Plate (16).
3) To shift from automatic to manual operation
a) Direct Actuator (air to close) - Lift hand-wheel lock
from hand wheel spoke and spin wheel clockwise
until bell crank levers (10) are engaged by jackscrew
crosshead (3). Vent diaphragm pressure. Valve will
remain at that point until manually adjusted as
directed in (1) above.
b) Reverse Actuator (air to open) - Lift hand-wheel
lock from hand wheel spoke and spin wheel
counterclockwise until bell crank levers (10) are
engaged by jackscrew crosshead (3). Vent diaphragm
pressure. Valve will remain at that point until
manually adjusted.
Maintenance
Jackscrews which are not so treated, however, should be lubricated. Periodic lubrication of lever pin (6) is necessary by
means of lubricant fitting (24).
7
(but not both at the same time). It employs no clutching
device and may be adjusted and manually operated
with air pressure on the diaphragm.
4) To limit travel - Direct actuator
a) Upward travel - If necessary turn wheel (12) until
pointer (17) is at “Neutral Position” on hand wheel
position plate (16). Vent diaphragm pressure. Turn
hand wheel clockwise until valve is at desired limit.
Lock hand wheel.
b) Downward travel - If necessary turn wheel (12)
until pointer (17) is at “Neutral Position” on hand
wheel position plate (16). Apply sufficient air
pressure to diaphragm to move plug to the desired
limit and turn hand wheel counter-clockwise until
crosshead (3) engages bell crank levers (10). Lock
hand wheel.
5) To limit travel - Reverse actuator
a) Upward travel - If necessary turn wheel (12) until
pointer (17) is at “Neutral Position” on handwheel
position plate (16). Apply sufficient air pressure
to diaphragm, to move plug to the desired limit
and turn hand wheel clockwise until crosshead (3)
engages bell crank levers (10). Lock handwheel.
b) Downward travel - If necessary turn wheel (12)
until pointer (1) is at “Neutral Position” on
handwheel position plate (16). Vent diaphragm
pressure. Turn handwheel counter-clockwise until
valve is at desired limit. Lock handwheel.
The jackscrews (4) of the Hand-wheels have a dry-film
lubricant applied at the factory and need no attention.
 STEM CONNECTOR TYPES

ON ON
6A3 6A1-6A2

17

STEM CONNECTOR TYPES

6A Series Side Mounted Handwheel Unit mounted

on Direct (Air-to-close Type-37) Actuator

Parts Reference
Ref. Ref. Ref.
No. PART NAME PART NAME PART NAME
No. No.
1 Gasket (Packing box) 13 Handwheel Washer 26 Stud (Bracket)
2 Pointer Stud Nut 14 Handwheel Nut 26A Nut (Bracket)
3 Jackscrew Crosshead 15 Handwheel Position Plate Screw # 27 Stem Clamp
4 Jackscrew 16 Handwheel Position Plate # 28 Stem Clamp Crosshead
5 Yoke 17 Pointer # 29 Travel Indicator
6 Lever Pin 18 Travel Indicator Scale 30 Retaining Ring
7 Lever Pin washer 19 Handwheel Lock 31 Roller Bearing
8 Lever Pin Nut 20 Handwheel Lock Pin 32 Travel Indicator Scale Screw
9 Bracket Bearing 21 Thrust Bearing 33 Actuator Stem Crosshead
10 Bell Crank Lever 22 Set Screw (Bracket) * 34 Crosshead Stop Nut
11 Stud (Bracket) 23 Bearing Retainer * 35 Travel Indicator
11 A Nut (Bracket) 24 Lubricant Fitting
12 Handwheel 25 Handwheel Bracket
* only on 6A 1 and 6A 2 # Only on 6A3

6
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A KSB Company
NEW DELHI CHINA
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