How to Select Electric Actuator for Control Valves? | THINKTANK

23 Dec.,2024

 

How to Select Electric Actuator for Control Valves? | THINKTANK

Selection Methods and Skills of Electric Actuators

As the most important control element in the industrial process-control valves, it is driving commonly used in electric and pneumatic types. The electric control valve simply says just a control valve body assembly with an electric actuator. There are many types and functions of electric actuators. In the process of design and selection, usually, only valve parameters are emphasized, but the relevant requirements of electric actuators are ignored or not clear. So if not pay attention to actuator requirements, debugging, use processes will also bring unnecessary trouble.

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I. Briefly introduce several electric actuators that can be matched with the control valve.

1. Rotary type electric actuator (rotation angle <360 degrees);

The rotation of the output shaft of the electric actuator is less than one circle, that is, less than 360 degrees, usually 90 degrees to achieve the valve opening and closing process control.

electric butterfly control valves electric butterfly valves electric u type butterfly valveselectric ball valves threaded electric ball valves electric actuated ball valves flanged ens 1

This type of electric actuator is divided into two types: direct connection type and base crank type according to the different installation methods.

a) Direct connection type: refers to the form in which the output shaft of the electric actuator is directly connected to the valve stem.

b) Base crank type: refers to the form in which the output shaft is connected to the valve stem through a crank. This type of electric actuator is suitable for butterfly valves, ball valves, plug valves, etc.

2. Multi-turn electric actuators (angle of rotation>360 degrees);

This type of electric actuator is suitable for gate valves, globe valves, etc.

electric actuated knife gate valves electric high pressure gate valve

3. Linear type electric actuator (linear motion);

This type of electric actuator is suitable for single-seat control valves, double-seat control valves, etc.

eletric control valves for power plant electric globe type control valve

II. Select electric actuators according to the production process control requirements of valve electric actuators

The control modes of electric actuators are generally divided into two categories: On/off type (open-loop control) and regulating/modulating type (closed-loop control).

On/off type (open loop control)

On/off type electric actuators generally realize the full opening or closing control of the valve. The valve is in the fully open or fully closed position. This type of valve does not require precise control of the medium flow rate. For on/off type electric actuators can be divided into split structure and integrated structure due to different structural. This must be explained when selecting the model, otherwise mismatches such as conflicts with the control system during on-site installation will often occur.

a) Split structure (usually called ordinary type):

The control unit is separated from the electric actuator. The electric actuator cannot control the valve alone. It must be controlled by an external control unit. The disadvantage of this structure is that it is inconvenient for the overall installation of the system, increases the cost of the level transmitter, wiring, and installation, and is prone to failure. When a failure occurs, it is not easy to diagnose and repair, and the cost performance is not ideal.

b) Integrated structure (usually called integral type):

The control unit and the electric actuator are packaged as one, and can be operated on the spot without external control unit, and can be operated remotely only by outputting relevant control information. The advantage of this structure is that it facilitates the overall installation of the system, reduces wiring and installation costs, and is easy to diagnose and troubleshoot.

Regulating type (closed loop control)

Regulating electric actuators not only have a switch-type integrated structure but also precisely adjust the medium flow, it can also accurately control the valve. The following is a brief description of the parameters that need to be noted when selecting the adjustable electric actuator.

a) Control signal type (current, voltage)

The control signal of the regulating electric actuator generally includes current signal (4&#;20mA, 0&#;10mA) or voltage signal (0&#;5V, 1&#;5V), which should be clarified when selecting the signal type and parameters.

b) Working type(opening type, closing type)

The working mode of the regulating electric actuator is generally opening type (taking 4-20mA control signal as an example, opening type means that 4mA signal corresponds to valve closing, 20mA Corresponds to valve opening), and the other is closing type (means that 4mA signal corresponds to valve opening, and 20mA corresponds to valve closing).

c) Loss of signal protection

Loss of signal protection means that when the control signal is lost due to cable faults, the electric actuator will open and close the control valve to the set protection value. The common protection values have three situations, fully open, fully closed, or keep the last position. The intelligent electric actuator can be flexibly modified through on-site settings, and any position (0~100%) can be set as the protection value.

III. Choose the electric valve actuator according to the valve operating torque

The torque required for the normal opening and closing of the valve is determined by factors such as valve diameter, working pressure, etc. However, the processing accuracy and assembly process of different valve manufacturers are different, so the torque required for the same specification valve is also different. When selecting the type of actuator, if the torque of the actuator is too small, the valve cannot be opened and closed normally. Therefore, the electric actuator must select a reasonable torque range. The output torque of the electric actuator should be 1.2 to 1.5 times the maximum torque of the valve operation.

IV. Electrical parameters of electric actuators

Due to the differences in electrical parameters of different actuator manufacturers, it is generally necessary to determine their electrical parameters during design and selection, mainly including motor power, rated current, and secondary control loop voltage.

The most important parameter of electric actuators is the output force.

For linear electric actuators, the unit is N or Kg, 10N = 1Kg, which is called thrust. For rotary type electric actuators, The unit is Nm or Kg.m, 10Nm=1Kgm.

When selecting the output force, it should be determined according to the maximum driving force of the control valves. Generally, the actuator is required to retain 30% of the margin to be safe. Because the calculation of the driving force of the valve is very complicated, the following gives some empirical data of common valves:

Electric Actuator Torque for Gate Valves (DN25~DN, Pressure Rating 1~320Kg/cm2, 0.1~32MPa&#;Toque Unit: Kg.m)
gate valve torque
Electric Actuator Torque for Globe Valves (DN15~DN350, Pressure Rating 6~320Kg/cm2, 0.6~32MPa, Toque Unit: Kg.m)
globe valves torque
Electric Actuator Torque for Ball Valves (DN50~DN, Pressure Rating 6~100Kg/cm2, 0.6~10MPa, Toque Unit: Kg.m)
ball valves torque
Electric Actuator Torque for Butterfly Valves (DN50~DN, Pressure Rating 2.5~25Kg/cm2, 0.25~2.5MPa, Toque Unit: Kg.m)
butterfly valves torque

Valve Selection Guide: Things You Must Know

Selecting the right valve for any given industrial operation is no small task. Valves are critical components in a wide range of applications, from power plants to water systems and more. The right valve must be selected to ensure optimal performance and safety. That&#;s why it&#;s important to understand the fundamentals of valve selection before making a decision.

Source: Freepik

In this valve selection guide, consumers will discover the basic considerations of valve selection and learn how to identify the ideal valve for different applications. From valve types to construction material and operational requirements, this guide offers the essential information that every consumer needs in order to confidently make the best choice.

Select the Valve Type

Depending on the service medium and application requirements, some specific valve selection chart needs to be evaluated when selecting a valve including flow direction, temperature and pressure requirements, type of actuator, and leak tightness. 

Selecting the right valve type is essential for a successful piping system. Valve types can be classified according to the media they regulate, such as liquid and gas, and by their internal construction, such as globe and gate valves. 

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Industrial Ball Valve

Industrial ball valve offers a shut-off point for the flow of liquids or gasses. The ball valve is designed to remain shut off until its lever is manually turned to open it. This allows for easy control over the flow of fluid or gas through a pipeline. It also offers extremely tight sealing capabilities and is not prone to leakage due to its quarter-turn operation mechanism.

Needle Valve

This particular valve is commonly employed to manage the flow of liquids, gases, and other substances. Its composition comprises a threaded needle with a gradually narrowing tip, typically crafted from brass or stainless steel. The valve operates through a gradual adjustment of the aperture at the needle&#;s base as the user rotates the stem of the valve.

Globe Valve

This consists of a spherical body, which contains an internal seat surrounded by a disc-shaped plug. The valve can be opened or closed by turning the plug against the seat, which regulates the amount of flow through the valve. Globe valves are widely used in industrial applications because they can handle high pressures, temperatures, and viscosities, and they are leak-proof when properly installed.

Plug Valve

This particular kind of quarter-turn rotary valve utilizes a cylindrical or tapered plug to control the flow of liquids or gasses. The plug generally has one or more groove openings or passages, which can be aligned with an inlet and outlet port on either side of the valve body, allowing media to pass through the valve.

Diaphragm Valve

This valve variant leverages a pliant diaphragm to manage the flow of liquids or gases. The diaphragm is fashioned as a circular disk with a central aperture and links to a stem that connects to the valve body. When put into use, the pressure from the liquid or gas under control keeps the diaphragm sealed against the valve seat, ensuring precise regulation of the flow.

Butterfly Valve

A butterfly valve is a kind of quarter-turn valve that uses a disk with a rotating shaft to control the flow of a fluid. They are commonly used in industrial applications and are available from various butterfly valves supplier worldwide. The disk is positioned in the middle of the pipe or other passage and rotates so that when it is perpendicular to the flow, fluid is able to pass, and when it is aligned with the flow, fluid can not pass.

Butterfly valves are used extensively in industrial applications such as controlling the flow of liquids, gasses, and vapors. They also find extensive use in water treatment plants and wastewater systems, due to their excellent capabilities in regulating and throttling fluid flows.

Check Valve

A check valve is a kind of valve that allow fluids to flow in only one direction. It has applications in both residential and industrial settings. Check valves help prevent backflow, which happens when pressure forces fluid to move backward rather than forward. 

Relief Valve

A relief valve is a safety device used to protect a plumbing system from damage due to excessive pressure buildup. It allows controlled release of pressure when a predetermined level is exceeded, thus protecting the system and its components from damage caused by too much pressure.

Solenoid Valve

A solenoid valve is an electrically powered valve used to control the flow of liquids, gasses, or other fluids. It consists of a cylindrical coil of wire containing a ferromagnetic core surrounded by an outer shell of non-magnetic material. When electricity is passed through the coil, a magnetic field is created which causes the core to move and open or close the valve. The core is secured to a plunger that also moves and connects with the valve opening/closing mechanism.

Gate Valve

It is a linear motion valve, which works by removing a round or rectangular gate/wedge from the fluid&#;s path. In most cases, the gate is linked to an actuator, which opens or closes the valve in accordance with a signal from the controlling system. Gate valves are most commonly used for isolation purposes, as opposed to control purposes. 

Selecting Valve Seat Material

When selecting valve seat material, there are several important considerations. The material must be able to withstand high temperatures and pressures. It should also be able to maintain a good seal between the valve and seat. Here are some considerations on selecting valve seat materials.

Pressure

When choosing a valve, valve seat material pressure should be considered. It affects the performance of the valve and can ultimately determine its longevity. The valve seat material should be chosen based on the specific application, the pressure range of the system, and the working environment.

Temperature

The temperature range and pressure range of the system should also be taken into account when selecting a valve seat material. The material should be able to withstand both low and high-pressure ranges without becoming damaged or deformed. Different materials have different properties, such as thermal conductivity, so it&#;s important to select a material that can handle the environment in which it will be operating in.

Size Range

The size range of these materials is an important consideration in their selection. Generally, many valves factory across the world have their valve seat material be able to accommodate a significant range of sizes, from very small to large.

For smaller valve sizes, bronze and stainless steel are usually well-suited. For larger valve sizes, cast iron or hardened steel are often used. They provide maximum sealing strength, excellent rigidity, and long service life for heavier-duty applications. 

Corrosion Resistance

One of the key factors in selecting a suitable material for a valve seat is its corrosion resistance. Corrosion can significantly reduce the efficacy of the valve and cause extensive damage, so selecting a material that offers excellent corrosion resistance is essential. 

 Ability to Seal

The sealing performance of a valve seat relies on two primary factors: its type of seal and its ability to form a strong bond between the seat and the valve body. The amount of force applied to the seal and the amount of contact area between the seat and the valve body will determine the type of seal needed for a particular application.

Wear & Tear Resistance

Wear and tear resistance is an important factor to consider, most of the industrial valve company already offer this factor to their valve products. Valve seats are subject to extreme temperatures and high pressures, which can cause them to wear out quickly. To guarantee optimal performance and longevity, it is essential to select a material that is durable and abrasion resistant.

Cost-Effectiveness

Cost-effectiveness when selecting valve seat material is crucial to select the most appropriate material for the application so that the desired performance can be achieved, while also considering its cost. Cost considerations will include not only the initial purchase price of the valve seat material, but also its lifetime costs such as installation, maintenance and energy consumption.

Conclusion

Valve selection is an important task for any industrial operation. By having an in control valve selection guide and making an informed decision, consumers can ensure that their chosen valve meets their specific requirements and provides optimal performance.

Dombor is an industrial valves supplier that specializes in providing tailored solutions for a variety of industries. With our wide range of products and experienced team, we have become a leading name in the industry. Our company provides a comprehensive selection of industrial valves ranging from basic butterfly valves to ball valves.

Our products are designed to meet the highest standards and are certified by global third-party certifiers. Furthermore, we offer customized valve solutions for specific requirements, allowing customers to get the exact product they need. Contact us today for any valve solution for any industrial applications.

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