Electric actuators or motorized valves are devices that transform electrical energy into kinetic energy, producing rotary movement. They are specially developed and designed for valve automation, which transmits the torque necessary to operate the valve.
They have the ISO-5211 coupling plane to adapt to the valves. In some cases it has a handwheel, which is part of the standard equipment, allowing the valve to be manually operated with very large sizes or sizes. This movement is usually 0 – 90º, allowing the valves to be opened or closed.
To rotate the valve, torque (the rotational equivalent of linear force) is required. The electric actuator generates this torque and transmits it to its output shaft, which connects to the valve stem or shaft. This, in turn, rotates the valve ball or disc and opens or closes the orifice to allow passage or block flow. The amount of torque generated by an actuator depends on its gearing and the capacity of the motor. The motor capacity (torque) is an important specification for the actuator as it must be greater than the torque required by the valve to ensure that it can open and close the valve. Typically, starting torque is specified as the required torque of a valve, as it is the highest torque required to turn the valve.
Electric actuators are made up of an electric motor that, together with a reduction box, allows to drive an axis, this is the one that rotates 90º allowing the opening or closing of the valve, as mentioned previously. There are some models that can rotate 180º or 270º The entire assembly is protected by a box made of plastic prepared to place the cables using DIN connectors.
They are available in various operating voltages, 12 VDC, 24VDC, 24VAC, 220VAC IP67 protection. They incorporate a thermal temperature sensor and a manual emergency control for possible malfunctions or emergency stops. They are equipped with a visual open/closed indicator, to which cables can be connected to transmit an electrical signal to other peripherals. We can also place limit switches, which are an electromechanical component of the actuators.
They consist of a closing stroke limit cam and an opening stroke cam. When the actuator moves a valve to the open or closed position, the corresponding switch cam moves. When a final position is reached, the corresponding switch cam cuts off the electricity. This prevents further movement and provides a limit seat. Limit seating is the maintenance of a valve in the desired final position. On some actuators, the limit switch cams are adjustable. This allows you to set a position, such as 75% open, as the final position. Limit switch cams can be incorporated into position indicators as a mechanical link between the valve and the actuator.
They have a high range of torque. It also incorporates an electrical torque control, which means that it disconnects if the torque is exceeded, to prevent possible damage or breakage. It also has a manual control or emergency command. Electric actuators are used to remotely control ball, butterfly and other valves, greatly increasing the ease of operation of 90° turn valves by providing remote and automated control.
They also provide sufficient torque for valves that require higher torques that cannot be generated by a human. These actuators are used in industrial automation, irrigation, water supply, fluid dosing, heating systems and fluid transportation or transfer, in any type of industry.
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