Valve automation in industrial plants
Manual valves can be suitable for local isolation, but many industrial plants require automated valves for remote operation, process sequencing and control. EECG's product portfolio includes both pneumatic actuator solutions and AUMA electric actuator technologies.
What is a valve actuator?
A valve actuator is a mechanical device that operates a valve, converting energy into mechanical movement so a valve can open, close or move to a required position. Actuator types include electric, pneumatic and hydraulic.
What is an electric valve actuator?
An electric actuator uses an electric motor to produce the torque required to operate a valve, and suits applications requiring remote operation, automated opening and closing, position control and integration with control systems. EECG's AUMA portfolio includes multi-turn actuators, part-turn actuators and gearboxes.
What is a pneumatic valve actuator?
A pneumatic actuator uses compressed air to generate mechanical movement, which is useful where a reliable compressed-air supply is available and rapid valve operation is required. BDK's portfolio available through EECG includes pneumatic and Scotch Yoke actuator solutions.
Electric vs pneumatic actuators
| Factor | Electric actuator | Pneumatic actuator |
|---|---|---|
| Energy source | Electricity | Compressed air |
| Control | Electrical | Pneumatic / electrical control |
| Plant requirement | Electrical supply | Compressed-air supply |
| Automation | Excellent | Excellent |
| Speed | Application dependent | Often suitable for rapid operation |
| Maintenance | Application dependent | Air-system maintenance required |
| Fail-safe options | Application dependent | Configurable depending on system |
When should you choose an electric actuator?
- Electrical power is readily available
- Precise positioning is required
- Compressed air is unavailable
- The plant control architecture is electrical
- Remote operation is required
When should you choose a pneumatic actuator?
- Compressed air is already available
- Rapid valve operation is required
- The process uses pneumatic automation
- The application is suitable for pneumatic control
Actuator ranges
Multi-turn actuators
Designed for valves that require multiple rotations for operation. EECG's AUMA portfolio includes SA and SAR multi-turn ranges.
Part-turn actuators
Designed for valves requiring limited rotational movement, including suitable quarter-turn arrangements. EECG's AUMA portfolio includes SQV and SQRV ranges.
Scotch Yoke actuators
A Scotch Yoke mechanism converts linear force into rotational torque and can be used for quarter-turn valve automation where torque characteristics are appropriate.
Actuator selection checklist
- Valve type, size and required torque
- Operating pressure and valve operating time
- Power and compressed-air availability
- Control signal and fail position
- Environmental conditions and required duty cycle
Valve automation by industry
Power plants use automated valves across steam, water, cooling and utility systems, while steel and cement plants use them in utilities, process lines and cooling systems. The operating environment influences actuator selection and protection requirements.
Conclusion
Electric actuators suit electrical control and precise positioning; pneumatic actuators are advantageous where compressed air is available and fast operation is required. For plants in Raipur, Bhilai, Korba and Bilaspur, actuator selection should always begin with the valve and process requirements.
Need help specifying instruments, valves or a maintenance contract for your plant? Our engineers can review your process conditions.
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