Actuator Training

Product Sizing Training

 Index
• Introduction
• Required Materials for Course
• Definitions
– General
– Pressure Limits
– Pressure Stroke
– Spring Stoke
– Valve Positions
• Matching Valve & Actuator Positions
• Torque Characteristics
– Ball Valves
– Butterfly Valves
– Plug Valves
 Index
• Pressure Regulation
• Minimum Information Required for Sizing
• Sizing
– First Steps
– Procedures Introduction
• Rack & Pinion
– Double-Acting
• DA Example
– Spring-Return – Fail Close
• SR Fail Close Example
– Spring-Return – Fail Open
• SR Fail Open Example
• Scotch-Yoke
– Double-Acting
• DA Example
 Index

• Scotch-Yoke – continued
– Spring-Return – Fail Close
• SR Fail Close Example
– Spring-Return – Fail Open
• SR Fail Open Example
• Actuator Sizing Program
• Additional Information
 Introduction

This course is intended for those entities

and individuals that have an
understanding of Bettis quarter-turn
actuators and their applications. The
information and instructions contained
herein are not intended to cover every
possible application or consideration..
 Definitions – General

• Quarter-turn
– A device which rotates a minimum of 90 degrees. All Bettis quarter-turn
actuators will rotate more than 90 degrees
• Position
– That degree of rotation describing an actuator’s current location. The
mid position of a quarter-turn actuator is generally at forty-five (45)
degrees
• CW
– Clockwise rotation. Most quarter-turn valves close in a clockwise
direction.
• CCW
– Counterclockwise rotation. Most quarter-turn valves open in a
counterclockwise direction.
 Definitions – General
• Stroke
– A continuous, ninety (90) degree rotation of a quarter-turn actuator. Bettis
spring-return actuators have two (2) different strokes, a pressure stroke and
a spring stroke. Bettis double-acting actuators have two (2) pressure strokes.
Note that rack and pinion actuators have common torque values for both
pressure strokes, while scotch-yoke actuators have different torque values
depending on which side of the piston is doing the work.
• Cycle
– The collective reference to two (2) strokes, one (1) for clockwise (CW)
rotation and one (1) for counterclockwise (CCW) rotation. Bettis actuators
must rotate through two (2) strokes to complete one (1) cycle.
• Safety Factor
– Represents a protection component (an adjustment to torque requirement)
sometimes added to a valve’s required torque value. Often used when the
user/specifier is not certain of the valve’s torque requirement, or because of
other application concerns.
 Definitions – Pressure Limits

• MOP (Maximum Operating Pressure)

– The maximum recommended pressure at which the actuator should be
operated
• MRP (Maximum Relief valve set Pressure)
– The maximum recommended relief valve pressure value set point. (G-
Series actuators have a MRP = MOP x 1.15)
• MSP (Maximum System Pressure)
– The maximum allowable system supply pressure to which an actuator may
be exposed. (G-Series actuators have a MSP = MOP x 1.25)

• Clarifying Comments
– A) MOP – Bettis recommends that regulators be set at the minimum sizing
pressure but never above the MOP value. Generally, to obtain maximum
cycle life, the actual supply pressure to an actuator should be as low as
practical to meet the required valve torques
 Definitions – Pressure Limits

• Clarifying Comments – continued

– B) MRP – Bettis recommends that relief valves be set at 15% above the
regulator set point but never above the MRP value

• Typical Questions Concerning Pressure Limits

– Q) What happens if I continuously cycle a G-Series actuator at MSP or above
MOP?
– A) Continuous operation at MSP will eventually decrease the total cycle life
potential of the actuator. Bettis does not recommend the actuator be cycled
indefinitely above MOP. Failed regulators or relief valves contributing to this
“unintentional above MOP exposure” should be repaired as soon as possible.

– Q) Can I set my relief valve to MSP on a G-Series actuator?

– A) Bettis does not recommend it, but it is permissible when no alternative is
available. See MOP and MRP
 Definitions – Pressure Limits

• Typical Questions Concerning Pressure Limits – continued

– Q) Can I size a Bettis actuator using MSP?
– A) NO. Bettis actuators must not be sized above MOP. Any Bettis actuator
sized above MOP will void all warranty regardless of application. See MOP.

– Q) Isn’t MSP the same thing as MAWP?

– A) No. MAWP is a pressure value that establishes the limit of a pressure
boundary.

– Q) What is the MAWP of a G Series actuator?

– A) There is no MAWP currently published for G Series actuators, see MSP
or consult factory. Note that no pressure above MSP is allowable on any G
Series actuator unless the actuator is pressurized simultaneously and
equally on both sides of the piston. Always consult the factory with any
application that may exceed any limit.
 Definitions – Pressure Stroke

• Start: (starting)
– That torque output position, at which an actuator produces its greatest
torque output. The starting torque outputs listed in Bettis scotch-yoke
torque output charts are the lesser of the two (2) pressure strokes, when
there is a difference (different areas).
• Minimum: (min.)
– That torque output, at an intermediate position, at which an actuator
produces its lowest torque output. The minimum torque outputs shown
on Bettis pressure torque output charts are the lowest torque values
produced during the pressure stroke(s). For double-acting actuators,
this is also the mid position.
• End: (ending)
– That torque output position, at which an actuator has reached the limit
of a pressure stroke. For double-acting actuators the end torque output
is equal to the start torque output.
 Definitions – Spring Stroke

• Start: (starting)
– That torque output position, at which a spring-return actuator produces
its greatest torque output during the spring stroke. The starting torque
output listed in Bettis spring-return torque output charts is that torque
output position, where the spring is fully compressed, and capable of
transferring its maximum force.
• Minimum: (min.)
– That torque output, at an intermediate position, at which an actuator
produces its lowest torque output. The minimum torque outputs listed on
the Bettis spring torque output charts are the lowest value of torque
output produced at any position, during either stroke (pressure or
spring).
• End: (ending)
– That torque output position, at which an actuator has reached the limit
of the spring stroke. The spring ending torque output values listed on
Bettis spring-return torque output charts is the torque output value
where the spring is fully extended, and is transferring its lowest force
value.
 Definitions – Valve Positions

For the sizing examples detailed later in this course, the following terms will be
used to indicate valve position:
• Valve Opening Stroke
– BO = Break Open
– RO = Run Open
– EO = End Open

• Valve Closing Stroke

– BC = Break Close
– RC = Run Close
– EC = End Close (often referred to as the reseat position)
 Matching Valve & Actuator Positions

When sizing actuators it is obviously critical to ensure that the actuator’s torque
output exceeds the valve torques at all of the six valve positions (BO, RO, EO,
BC, RC & EC).

For spring-return actuators it is important to ensure that the Start, Min and End
output torques on the pressure and spring strokes are correctly matched with
the valve torque requirements on the correct valve stroke, i.e. opening or
closing.

The above concept is best explained in the two cases discussed on the
following two slides.
 Matching Valve & Actuator Positions
• Case 1) A Spring-Return Actuator is Required to Move a Valve to it’s Closed
Position on Loss of the Actuator’s Supply Pressure
– The actuator will need to be a CW type (i.e. actuator rotates in clockwise direction
on spring stroke) since the spring is required to close the valve (remembering that
typically valves close in the clockwise direction) when the supply pressure is lost
– Due to the above, on the actuator’s pressure stroke it will be opening the valve
and therefore when sizing we need to ensure that:
• Actuator pressure Start torque is greater than the valve’s BO torque
• Actuator pressure Min torque is greater than the valve’s RO torque
• Actuator pressure End torque is greater than the valve’s EO torque
• Actuator spring Start torque is greater than the valve’s BC torque
• Actuator spring Min torque is greater than the valve’s RC torque
• Actuator spring End torque is greater than the valve’s EC torque
 Matching Valve & Actuator Positions
• Case 2) A Spring-Return Actuator is Required to Move a Valve to it’s Open
Position on Loss of the Actuator’s Supply Pressure
– The actuator will need to be a CCW type (i.e. actuator rotates in counter-
clockwise direction on spring stroke) since the spring is required to open the
valve (remembering that typically valves open in the counter-clockwise direction)
when the supply pressure is lost
– Due to the above, on the actuator’s pressure stroke it will be closing the valve
and therefore when sizing we need to ensure that:
• Actuator pressure Start torque is greater than the valve’s BC torque
• Actuator pressure Min torque is greater than the valve’s RC torque
• Actuator pressure End torque is greater than the valve’s EC torque
• Actuator spring Start torque is greater than the valve’s BO torque
• Actuator spring Min torque is greater than the valve’s RO torque
• Actuator spring End torque is greater than the valve’s EO torque
 Torque Characteristics – Ball Valves
Ball valves typically have high BO, EO, BC and EC torques with RO and RC
torques typically being about 50-55% of the BO torque. Scotch-Yoke type
actuators are best suited for ball valves since they closely match the torque
characteristics of these valves.
Valve Torque

Valve Torque
Requirement

Requirement

BO (0º) RO (45º) EO (90º) BC (90º) RC (45º) EC (0º)

 Torque Characteristics – Butterfly Valves

Soft-Seated Butterfly valves typically have high BO, and EC torques with RO
and EO torques typically being about 50% of the BO torque. Scotch-Yoke type
actuators are best suited for butterfly valves since they closely match the torque
characteristics of these valves.
Valve Torque

Valve Torque
Requirement

Requirement

BO (0º) RO (45º) EO (90º) BC (90º) RC (45º) EC (0º)

 Torque Characteristics – Butterfly Valves
Metal-Seated Butterfly valves typically have EC torques higher than BO torques
with RO and EO torques typically being about 50% of the BO torque. Scotch-
Yoke type actuators are best suited for butterfly valves since they closely match
the torque characteristics of these valves.
Valve Torque

Valve Torque
Requirement

Requirement

BO (0º) RO (45º) EO (90º) BC (90º) RC (45º) EC (0º)

 Torque Characteristics – Plug Valves
Plug valves typically have very similar torque requirements at all positions
throughout the valve stroke. Rack & Pinion or Rotary Vane type actuators are
best suited for butterfly valves since they closely match the torque
characteristics of these valves.
Valve Torque

Valve Torque
Requirement

Requirement

BO (0º) RO (45º) EO (90º) BC (90º) RC (45º) EC (0º)

 Pressure Regulation

An important consideration when sizing any actuator is whether the customer

will allow for the actuator’s supply pressure to be regulated, either by
themselves or the actuator supplier.

If regulation is permitted then an actuator can be sized that meets the valve
torques but has a lower Maximum Operating Pressure (MOP) than the
maximum actuator supply pressure.

If regulation is not permitted then an actuator has to be sized that meets the
valve torques and has a MOP at least equal (see slide notes) to the maximum
supply pressure.

Typically pneumatic systems permit pressure regulation by the actuator

supplier and hydraulic systems do not.
 Minimum Information Required for Sizing

An accurate maximum torque requirement must be obtained before actuator

sizing begins. Normal maximum stem torque for a properly applied and
maintained valve is usually defined as: The maximum starting torque required
to rotate the valve element (ball, disc, plug, etc.) from a fully closed position
(unseating), against the maximum normal valve rated differential pressure.
Most valve manufacturers make adjustments in the form of torque amendments
under various operating conditions. Application operating conditions such as
temperature extremes, actual differential pressure, unusual loading, high flow
rates, operating speeds, etc. are some of the most common causes for
adjustment(s).

Bettis recommends that the valve manufacturer supply the maximum required
torque value(s) (including any adjustments or suggested safety factor).
Additionally, the valve manufacturer should identify at which position(s) and
direction(s) of rotation (CCW or CW) these maximum requirements occur.
 Minimum Information Required for Sizing

Bettis actuators include stops which will resist the maximum rated torque output
of the actuator. The possibility exists, that should the valve become immobilized
during rotation, the actuator could exceed the maximum stem torque rating. If
this possibility is a concern, your application needs further review.

Once the maximum torque requirement, its position, and direction of rotation
are identified, the appropriate Bettis actuator can be selected from torque
output charts. Note that all Bettis published actuator torque values are
guaranteed minimum values.
 Sizing – First Steps

• Determine the type of Bettis actuator required: double-acting or spring-

return; and then, rack and pinion or scotch-yoke.

• Determine the power supply media: pneumatic or hydraulic, and the

minimum/maximum supply pressure(s) at the actuator.

• Using this information, select the applicable torque rating table and see the
appropriate following examples.
 Sizing – Procedures Introduction

The sizing procedures detailed on following slides are designed to aid in sizing
Bettis quarter-turn pneumatic and hydraulic actuators for specific valve
requirements. The six examples that follow assume a valve/device which
closes in a CLOCKWISE DIRECTION (CW) and has a maximum torque
requirement at the unseating (Start) position.

For all procedures, please note that valve’s torque requirements must be
exceeded by the actuator’s torque output at all corresponding positions and
directions of rotation.

Do not proceed past this point if you are not qualified or do not understand the
application and use of Bettis actuators. Contact your local Authorized Bettis
VAC or a Bettis manufacturing facility if you require assistance.
 Rack & Pinion – Double-Acting

• Using your minimum operating pressure, select an

operating pressure column from the Pressure Torque
Rating Section of less than or equal pressure. Select
from that column a start/end torque output which
exceeds the valve’s maximum torque requirement.
Determine the Bettis model number at the far left, in
the model number column.
Above is the operating
pressure column for an 80
• Once a Bettis actuator model has been selected, use psig supply pressure
the performance data tables to ensure your maximum
supply pressure does not exceed the Maximum
Operating Pressure (MOP) for the selected Bettis
actuator. If the actuator selected is not rated for your
maximum supply pressure, either the maximum
supply pressure must be reduced or an actuator
rated for a higher MOP must be selected.
 Rack & Pinion – DA – Example

What would be the smallest double-acting actuator suitable to operate a valve

with the following torque requirements (inclusive of required safety factor)?

BO = 3,000 lbs.in. (valve torque required at Break Open position)

RO = 1,500 lbs.in. (valve torque required at Run Open position)
EO = 2,000 lbs.in. (valve torque required at End Open position)
BC = 2,500 lbs.in. (valve torque required at Break Close position)
RC = 1,500 lbs.in. (valve torque required at Run Close position)
EC = 2,200 lbs.in. (valve torque required at End Open position)

The minimum actuator supply pressure is 80 psig.

 Rack & Pinion – DA – Example

From the torque table below for double-acting RPC actuators, we can see that
the smallest actuator that will meet the required valve torques with a minimum
supply pressure of 80 psig is a RPC3650-DA.
 Rack & Pinion – Spring-Return – Fail Close

• Select from the Spring End column an output torque which exceeds the
valve’s maximum seating requirement.
• Proceeding to the right, and using your minimum operating pressure, select
an operating pressure column from the Pressure Torque Rating Section of
less than or equal pressure. The Pressure Start torque output must exceed
the valve’s torque requirement at this position (unseating) and direction of
rotation (CCW). The Pressure End torque output must exceed the valve’s
torque requirement at this position (full flow) and direction of rotation (CCW).
• Once a Bettis actuator model has been selected, use the performance data
tables to ensure your maximum supply pressure does not exceed the
maximum operating pressure (M.O.P.) for your Bettis actuator. If the
actuator selected is not rated for your maximum supply pressure, either the
maximum supply pressure must be reduced or an actuator rated for a higher
M.O.P. pressure must be selected.
 Rack & Pinion – SR – Fail Close – Example

What would be the smallest spring-return actuator suitable to operate a valve

with the following torque requirements (inclusive of required safety factor)?

BO = 800 lbs.in. (valve torque required at Break Open position)

RO = 400 lbs.in. (valve torque required at Run Open position)
EO = 500 lbs.in. (valve torque required at End Open position)
BC = 750 lbs.in. (valve torque required at Break Close position)
RC = 400 lbs.in. (valve torque required at Run Close position)
EC = 600 lbs.in. (valve torque required at End Close position)

The minimum actuator supply pressure is 60 psig and the actuator is required
to fail the valve closed on loss of the supply pressure.
 Rack & Pinion – SR – Fail Close – Example
From the torque table below for spring-return RPC actuators, we can see that
the smallest actuator that will meet the required valve torques with a minimum
supply pressure of 60 psig is a RPC2250-SR3-CW.
 Rack & Pinion – Spring-Return – Fail Open

• Select from the Spring Start column an output torque which exceeds the
valve’s maximum unseating requirement.
• Proceeding to the right, and using your minimum operating pressure, select
an operating pressure column from the Pressure Torque Rating Section of
less than or equal pressure. The Pressure End torque output must exceed
the valve’s torque requirement at this position (seating) and direction of
rotation (CW). The Pressure Start torque output must exceed the valve’s
torque requirement at this position (full flow) and direction of rotation (CW).
• Once a Bettis actuator model has been selected, use the performance data
tables to ensure your maximum supply pressure does not exceed the
maximum operating pressure (M.O.P.) for your Bettis actuator. If the
actuator selected is not rated for your maximum supply pressure, either the
maximum supply pressure must be reduced or an actuator rated for a higher
M.O.P must be selected.
 Rack & Pinion – SR – Fail Open – Example

What would be the smallest spring-return actuator suitable to operate a valve

with the following torque requirements (inclusive of required safety factor)?

BO = 300 lbs.in. (valve torque required at Break Open position)

RO = 120 lbs.in. (valve torque required at Run Open position)
EO = 180 lbs.in. (valve torque required at End Open position)
BC = 270 lbs.in. (valve torque required at Break Close position)
RC = 120 lbs.in. (valve torque required at Run Close position)
EC = 200 lbs.in. (valve torque required at End Close position)

The minimum actuator supply pressure is 100 psig and the actuator is required
to fail the valve open on loss of the supply pressure.
 Rack & Pinion – SR – Fail Open – Example
From the torque table below for spring-return RPC actuators, we can see that
the smallest actuator that will meet the required valve torques with a minimum
supply pressure of 100 psig is a RPC450-SR5-CCW.
 Scotch-Yoke – Double-Acting

• Using your minimum operating pressure, select an operating pressure

column from the Pressure Torque Rating Section of less than or equal
pressure. Move down the column until both starting and minimum output
torques are found which exceed the valve’s maximum and minimum torque
requirements. Determine the Bettis model number at the left, under the
model number column.

• Once a Bettis actuator model has been selected, use the performance data
tables to ensure your maximum supply pressure does not exceed the
maximum operating pressure (MOP.) for your Bettis actuator. If the actuator
selected is not rated for your maximum supply pressure, either the
maximum supply pressure must be reduced or an actuator rated for a higher
MOP. must be selected
 Scotch-Yoke – Double-Acting – Example

What would be the smallest double-acting actuator suitable to operate a valve

with the following torque requirements (inclusive of required safety factor)?

BO = 12,000 lbs.in. (valve torque required at Break Open position)

RO = 8,000 lbs.in. (valve torque required at Run Open position)
EO = 10,000 lbs.in. (valve torque required at End Open position)
BC = 11,000 lbs.in. (valve torque required at Break Close position)
RC = 7,000 lbs.in. (valve torque required at Run Close position)
EC = 10,500 lbs.in. (valve torque required at End Close position)

The minimum actuator supply pressure is 90 psig.

 Scotch-Yoke – Double-Acting – Example
From the torque table below for double-acting HD actuators, we can see that
the smallest actuator that will meet the required valve torques with a minimum
supply pressure of 90 psig is a HD731-DA.
 Scotch-Yoke – Spring-Return – Fail Close

• Select from the Spring Torque column a Spring Ending torque output which
exceeds that of the valve’s maximum seating requirement.
• Proceed to the right using your minimum operating pressure and select an
operating pressure column from the Pressure Torque Rating Section of less
than or equal pressure. The Pressure Start torque output must exceed the
valve’s torque requirement at this position (unseating). The Pressure End
torque output must exceed the valve’s torque requirement at this position
(full flow) and direction of rotation (CCW).
• Once a Bettis actuator model has been selected, use the performance data
tables to ensure your maximum supply pressure does not exceed the
maximum operating pressure (MOP.) for your Bettis actuator. If the actuator
selected is not rated for your maximum supply pressure, either the
maximum supply pressure must be reduced or an actuator rated for a higher
MOP. must be selected
 Scotch-Yoke – SR – Fail Close – Example

What would be the smallest spring-return actuator suitable to operate a valve

with the following torque requirements (inclusive of required safety factor)?

BO = 16,000 lbs.in. (valve torque required at Break Open position)

RO = 8,000 lbs.in. (valve torque required at Run Open position)
EO = 13,000 lbs.in. (valve torque required at End Open position)
BC = 15,000 lbs.in. (valve torque required at Break Close position)
RC = 8,000 lbs.in. (valve torque required at Run Close position)
EC = 14,000 lbs.in. (valve torque required at End Close position)

The minimum actuator supply pressure is 2,500 psig and the actuator is
required to fail the valve closed on loss of the supply pressure.
 Scotch-Yoke – SR – Fail Close – Example
From the torque table below for spring-return G-Series actuators, we can see
that the smallest actuator that will meet the required valve torques with a
minimum supply pressure of 2,500 psig is a G01002.2-SR1-CW
 Scotch-Yoke – Spring-Return – Fail Open

• Select from the Spring Torque column a Spring Start torque output which
exceeds that of the valve’s maximum unseating requirement.
• Proceed to the right using your minimum operating pressure and select an
operating pressure column from the Pressure Torque Rating Section of less
than or equal pressure. The Pressure End torque output must exceed the
valve’s torque requirement at this position (seating). The Pressure Start
torque output must exceed the valve’s torque requirement at this position
(full flow) and direction of rotation (CW).
• Once a Bettis actuator model has been selected, use the performance data
tables to ensure your maximum supply pressure does not exceed the
maximum operating pressure (MOP.) for your Bettis actuator. If the actuator
selected is not rated for your maximum supply pressure, either the
maximum supply pressure must be reduced or an actuator rated for a higher
MOP. must be selected
 Scotch-Yoke – SR – Fail Open - Example
What would be the smallest spring-return actuator suitable to operate a valve
with the following torque requirements (inclusive of required safety factor)?

BO = 290,000 lbs.in. (valve torque required at Break Open position)

RO = 110,000 lbs.in. (valve torque required at Run Open position)
EO = 180,000 lbs.in. (valve torque required at End Open position)
BC = 270,000 lbs.in. (valve torque required at Break Close position)
RC = 110,000 lbs.in. (valve torque required at Run Close position)
EC = 160,000 lbs.in. (valve torque required at End Close position)

The minimum actuator supply pressure is 50 psig and the actuator is required to
fail the valve open on loss of the supply pressure.
 Scotch-Yoke – SR – Fail Open - Example
From the torque table below for spring-return G-Series actuators, we can see
that the smallest actuator that will meet the required valve torques with a
minimum supply pressure of 50 psig is a G7032-SR4-CCW