The Future of Electric Valve Actuators: AI, Wireless Networking, and Digital Twins

Introduction:

As industries continue to embrace digital transformation, electric valve actuators' landscape will significantly advance over the next five years. The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI), wireless networking, and digital twin technologies will revolutionize how electric valve actuators are designed, operated, and maintained. This article explores the potential developments and their impact on various industries.

AI-Powered Predictive Maintenance:

Electric valve actuators will include advanced AI algorithms continuously monitoring and analyzing performance data. These intelligent systems will detect anomalies, predict potential failures, and schedule maintenance activities proactively. AI-driven predictive maintenance will minimize downtime, extend equipment lifespan, and optimize system efficiency. Operators will receive real-time alerts and recommendations, enabling them to make informed decisions and prevent costly disruptions.

Wireless Connectivity and Remote Control:

The proliferation of wireless networking technologies, such as 5G and IoT (Internet of Things), will transform how electric valve actuators are controlled and monitored. Wireless connectivity will enable remote access and control of actuators from anywhere in the world. Operators can adjust valve positions, monitor performance, and receive alerts through mobile devices or centralized control systems. This level of remote accessibility will enhance operational flexibility, reduce response times, and improve overall plant efficiency.

Digital Twin Integration:

Digital twins, virtual replicas of physical assets, will become integral to electric valve actuator management. By creating digital twins of actuators, engineers can simulate various operating scenarios, optimize performance, and predict maintenance requirements. Digital twins will comprehensively understand actuator behavior under different conditions, enabling proactive decision-making and risk mitigation. Integrating digital twins with AI algorithms will further enhance the accuracy and reliability of predictive maintenance strategies.

Self-Diagnosing and Self-Healing Capabilities:

Electric valve actuators of the future will possess self-diagnosing and self-healing capabilities. Embedded sensors and AI algorithms will continuously monitor actuator health, identifying potential issues before they escalate into failures. In minor malfunctions, the actuators can self-correct and adapt their operation to maintain optimal performance. This self-healing capability will reduce the need for manual interventions and minimize downtime, ensuring a more resilient and reliable valve control system.

Cybersecurity Enhancements:

Cybersecurity will be a top priority as electric valve actuators become more connected and digitally integrated. Manufacturers will invest in robust security measures, such as encryption, secure communication protocols, and regular security updates, to protect actuators from cyber threats. Advanced authentication and access control mechanisms will prevent unauthorized access and ensure the integrity of the valve control system. Cybersecurity will be integral to the design and development process, ensuring that electric valve actuators are resilient against evolving cyber risks.

Conclusion:

The next five years will witness a transformative shift in the capabilities and performance of electric valve actuators. The convergence of AI, wireless networking, and digital twin technologies will unlock new possibilities for predictive maintenance, remote control, and self-healing. These advancements will drive operational efficiency, reduce downtime, and enhance plant performance. As industries embrace these technologies, electric valve actuators will become more intelligent, connected, and resilient, paving the way for a new era of intelligent valve control systems.

CTi Controltech
https://cti-ct.com
925-208-4250

Commissioning the ROTORK CK Range Valve Actuators

The Rotork CK actuator range has been designed to meet the needs of diverse actuation applications required by the valve industry and its customers. The modular design concept enables quick product configuration from stock to customer specification with a very short lead time. 

The CK range provides the customer with a range of options to suit all of their actuation requirements. Rotork CK actuators are designed for minimum user interaction. Their primary goal is to provide safe and reliable actuation in harsh environments. 

The modular CK product range offers simple, robust actuators (CK/CKr) suited to harsh environments with the option for two different control packages (Atronik and Centronik) to meet exact site requirements. Atronik offers modest control and feedback for a simple integrated starter solution. Centronik offers advanced control and feedback for more complex site system integration and increased flexibility through remote mounting. 

For questions about all ROTORK products in Northern California and Nevada, contact CTi Controltech.

https://cti-ct.com
925-208-4250

Rotork Electric Valve Actuators on Gas Production Wells Powered by Solar Panels

Solar Powered Rotork Electric Valve Actuators

Engineered for choke and control valve applications, Rotork’s IQTF actuators provide reliable flow control for oil and gas or process operations, capable of achieving accuracy to 0.3% and resolution to 0.1%. A highly accurate absolute position sensor can measure up to 22 output turns independent of electrical power.

Rotork’s customer has ordered IQTF actuators to carry out modulating duties on wellhead rotary non-rising choke valves. Approximately 60 actuators have already been installed to control the flow and pressure of gas and condensate, a mixture of liquid hydrocarbons formed when pressure and temperature decrease as a result of well drilling, at the site near the city of Lufkin. Two IQTF actuators have been installed on each well. More than 30 have also been ordered to hold in the customer’s inventory.

All wells are fully automated to maintain flow and well pressure. To maximize the lifespan of the wells, the customer uses two choke valves on each one to step pressure down from 10,000 psi to 1,200 psi. Shale gas is metered between the wellhead and midstream trunkline where it is transported to domestic supply customers as well as industries including LNG plants and power stations.

The remote location of the wells means a DC power supply using a solar system and battery pack is being used to power the IQTF actuators. This solution was specified as a more reliable option than hydraulic or pneumatic actuation as it avoids potential leakage common in hydraulic actuators. At this location there is also plenty of sun to use as a source while electric actuators use less power than a hydraulic system.

Rotork’s lightweight, compact IQTF actuator provides fast and accurate valve control and can perform up to 1,800 starts per hour, an important factor given the need for a tight well flow threshold to avoid over pressure in the main trunkline. If too much gas is extracted in a short period of time the reservoir can implode or cause ground fractures which water or gas can infiltrate and cause a loss in production. The involvement of Rotork Site Services (RSS), which offered final commission and warranty, and Rotork’s support during initial testing and calibrating was also key in the customer’s decision to choose the company’s products.

IQTF actuators are available with rotary, linear or rising stem valve drive outputs to ISO / MSS standards.

A sealed for life internal lubrication system ensures reliability for the actuators installed on wells at unmanned, remote sites. This system uses oil which can perform in temperatures ranging from -50 to +70 °C (-58 to +158 °F), ideal for the environment in East Texas where temperatures very rarely drop below the lowest point.

For more information about Rotork product in California and Nevada, contact CTi Controltech by calling 925-208-4250 or by visiting https://cti-ct.com.

Reprinted with permission from Rotork.

Replace Old Boiler Damper Drives with Better Performing, Drop-in Replacements

Industrial dampers and louvers are used to precisely control combustion air and flue gases in power plants, refineries, powerhouse boilers, furnaces and process heaters. A damper drive is a specialized pneumatic or electric actuator that positions air and flue gas dampers on combustion based systems in industrial environments.

Damper drives can provide linear or rotary motion to meet certain application requirements. The damper positioning is a process control function that is used to increase efficiency, reduce maintenance, control harmful emissions, and lower fuel consumption.

Damper drives have been installed in commercial and industrial application for many decades, and the replacement of older and obsolete models is an ongoing concern for operators. Retro-fitting an existing damper drive application can be mechanically challenging and labor-intensive. "Drop-in" refers to fitting in the existing drive's footprint, bolting pattern, and overall size envelope, so any replacement claiming "drop-in" compatibility is favorable in terms of time and materials.

Rotork, a globally recognized manufacturer of valve and damper actuators, has developed a product series within their damper drive line that specifically addresses the drop-in replacement of legacy damper drives.

Rotork's PM and DM Series drives, a portion of the company's Type K Damper Drive line, provide rotary operation in the 30 to 100 degree range and are available as pedestal mount or direct mount versions. As a subset of this broad offering, the company has crafted the FasTrak Series, which are preconfigured as ready-made units to replace common, older legacy damper drives. Twelve models cover the most commonly occurring pneumatic or electric damper drive replacements. The manufacturer states that the FasTrak drives will:

• Bolt to the floor where the old drive was mounted
• The existing link rod and clevis will attach to the FasTraK drive lever
• Simply verify envelope dimensions to assure that there are no external obstructions

A product catalog describing the full line of Type K drive can be found here. For more information, contact CTi Controltech at 925-208-425 or visit their website at https://cti-ct.com.

Pneumatic Damper Drives Superior to Electric Drives on Boiler Dampers

Pneumatic Damper Drives (Rotork)

In flue gas and combustion air applications, rapid response is critical for optimal efficiency, safety, and equipment longevity. Pneumatic vane damper drives don't have gears or motor windings that slow down response or introduce slop. In power plants boiler applications, Rotork Type K damper drives continue to provide a better solution for critical damper applications over electric drives.

Old Electric Drive

Balanced-draft power generation boilers can experience very serious equipment failures if low pressure conditions exist inside the combustion chamber. Transients in boiler pressure can cause combustion complications leading to irregular heating of steam tubes, and in extreme situations, negative boiler pressure can collapse boiler walls and buckstays. There is a possibility for catastrophic failures (ruined boiler tubes, destroyed  refractory, boiler structural damage) leading to long shutdowns, lost production, and expensive re-construction. Pneumatic damper drives are excellent alternatives to electric drives in these applications because of speed, accuracy, and reliability.

Understanding the catastrophic possibilites, it is extremely important to provide consistent internal operating pressure environment for efficient and manageable combustion. ID (induced draft) fans on combustion boilers play a critical role in maintaining reliable boiler pressure. In turn, the ID fan inlet damper control system that regulates fan induced airflow and pressure need to be accurate, responsive, and reliable to assist in keeping boiler combustion chamber pressure fluctuations in check. Pneumatic vane drives react to signal changes and produce movement instantaneously and repeatably.

New Pneumatic Drive

Rotork Type K PM Series Pedestal-Mount Damper Drives have proven themselves time and time again as the best choice for these applications. Pneumatic vane drives deliver high torque at tested speeds of less than 3 seconds for a full 90-degree stroke. They offer drop-in-place retrofit to the existing damper drive footprint, plus smart positioner technology. The Type K Drives perform quickly and smoothly at full boiler pressure and damper load, and as required, fail to the fully closed position.

The data collected after years of maintenance-free operation, in thousands of successful installations world-wide, is compelling. Pneumatic drives are superior to electric drives on boiler dampers.

Always discuss your damper drive application with an experienced applications engineer for best selection, optimal performance, and maximum safety.

Master-Martyr Valve Arrangements

Electric actuator for industrial valves.
Image courtesy Rotork

Some industrial fluid flow applications are best served with what is known as a master-martyr valve set. Let's look at this arrangement and how it is used.

Valves are used to regulate flow. They are also applied to isolate portions of a fluid system by providing positive leak free shutoff. A master-martyr valve set utilizes two valves, with the performance of each targeted at differing performance goals. By coordinating the operation of the two valves, operational benefits accrue.

The master valve serves as the isolating valve. It will be located upstream of the martyr valve. The master valve provides fully open or fully closed operation and is commonly selected to accommodate the most severe operating condition anticipated in the system. Usually, this valve is normally open and is designed to contribute little to no pressure drop to the fluid flow. A good example is a full port metal seated ball valve. It offers very low pressure drop, substantial resistance to system pressure or heat, and can be driven from fully open to closed positions quickly.

The martyr valve provides flow regulation or throttling and is not intended to be the positive means of shutoff for the fluid flow. This valve will experience a range of pressure drop, possibly some flashing, or other conditions that, along with the frequent repositioning applied to the valve, will serve to produce wear and tear on the mechanism. Generally, the martyr valve is expected to wear out from normal operation and need servicing or replacement. The master valve, located upstream, serves as a point of isolation that allows the martyr valve to be easily serviced.

The overall goal is to operate the master valve as little as possible and expose it to the lowest possible pressure drop. Generally, this will call for the master valve to be opened first and closed last.

There are numerous potential applications for this valve arrangement. Smart actuators can function within the control system by delivering information about valve position and service level, as well as responding accurately to system commands. Share your fluid flow control challenges and applications with valve automation specialists. Leverage and effective solution by combining your own knowledge and experience with their product application expertise.

Smart Position Indicator for Multi-Turn Valves

Model SPI Smart Position Indicator
Image courtesy Rotork

Centralized control systems need information in order to function. Reliable indication of valve position rates as essential information in maintaining fluid process control operations.

The Rotork product lineup includes the SPI Smart Position Indicator. Installed on multi-turn manual valves, the unit provides a reliable open/close signal to a control system. The unit is housed and constructed to provide maintenance free operation in an industrial environment. Commercially available switches from recognized manufacturers are used in the indicator for signalling. More detail is provided in the datasheet included below.

Share your valve automation challenges with application experts, leveraging your own knowledge and experience with their product application expertise to develop effective solutions.

Smart Position Indicator for Industrial Valves from CTi Controltech

Electric Actuator for Linear and Quarter Turn Control Valves

Many process control valve installations present the option of selecting either electric or pneumatic actuators as part of the control component train. Pneumatic actuators have been in use for many years, but advances in electric motor design that delivered greater torque and more precise operation have brought electric valve actuators into a prominent market position.

Electric actuators are compact and comparatively self contained, requiring only cable connections and none of the additional devices sometimes needed for a pneumatic installation. There are some points of advantage to consider with electric actuators. Rotork introduced their CVA line of electric actuators almost ten years ago, making it something of a mature product now. Here are some advantageous points about the CVA actuators that likely apply generically as well.

• Setup is accomplished with a Bluetooth enabled device which provides quick calibration of open and closed positions, as well as establishment of valve setup parameters.
• A separately sealed electrical connection compartment keeps motor and mechanical compartment isolated from the environment while electrical connection section cover is removed.
• An on board datalogger records thrust and position data over time for use in asset management and service functions. Data can be downloaded by Bluetooth or transmitted by common protocol to another station.
• Change in setpoint produces a rapid and precise change in valve position with high resolution accuracy and repeatability.
• Actuator can be programmed to move to a preset condition in the event of a loss of electric power. The energy to achieve the failsafe position is stored in the actuator.
• Force balance positioning used in pneumatic valves, with spring force vs. air pressure, has resilience that can result in a change in position of the valve trim in response to a bump in system pressure. Resistance from the gear train on electric drives prevents this movement.
• Static friction of the valve packing and other parts increases the amount of force to intially get the valve moving toward a new position. The additional time required to build air pressure and force to overcome static friction results in delayed valve response, then overshoot of the new setpoint. A combination of a sensor system and the mechanical drive section of an electric actuator eliminates overshoot and delayed response.

Electric actuators can be had in quarter turn and linear versions, with torque ranges suitable for a broad range of process control applications. The datasheet below, from Rotork, provides useful illustrations of the actuator interior, along with additional detail about electric actuators. Share your process control valve requirements and challenges with product application specialists, combining your own process knowledge and experience with their product application expertise to develop the best solutions.

Compact Electric Control Valve Actuators

CML linear valve actuator
Image courtesy of Rotork

Rotork's CMA line of electric valve actuators are intended for use in industrial process control applications where precise response and positioning are key requirements. The variants of linear, rotary and quarter-turn actuators span a wide range of application requirements and support on-board programming and connection via any of several recognized communication protocols.

The compact actuators are available with enclosures rated for several environments, ranging from non-hazardous to hazardous. Low temperature operation to -40 degrees Celsius is provided with the inclusion of a low temperature option.

These are but a small recounting of the useful features incorporated into the product line. More detail is provided in the document included below. For best results, share your valve automation requirements and challenges with process valve automation specialists, combining your own process knowledge and experience with their valve automation expertise to develop effective solutions.

Rotork CMA Compact Electric Valve Actuators from CTi Controltech

Rotary and Linear Drives for Damper Control on Combustion Air and Flue Gas Applications

Pneumatic vane damper drive, one of several
variants available.
Image courtesy Rotork

Combustion air and flue gas damper drives fill a critical role requiring safety, accuracy and reliability above all else. It is critical to deploy the best drive technology to maximize combustion efficiency, minimize emissions and reduce installation costs.

Damper Operator (Drives) Types :

Damper drives can be one of three types: pneumatic, electric, or electro-hydraulic, as described below.

• Pneumatic. These damper operators are used whenever controls rely primarily on compressed air (pneumatic) for moving operators.
• Electric. These damper operators are used whenever controls rely primarily electricity as the power source.
• Electro-hydraulic. These damper operators are the same as the electric type described above, but also have a hydraulic system to position the damper.

A very important part of damper design is determination of damper torque, and sizing and selection of the damper actuator for the maximum torque. Actuator torque should be selected to provide the maximum torque required to operate the damper as well as to provide margin and allow for degradation over the life of the damper. Actuators should be evaluated for damper blade movement in both directions, at the beginning of blade movement, and while stroking blades through the full cycle of movement.

The Goal for Selecting the Best Drive Technology:

Reduced emissions, lower fuel consumption and improved boiler draft control.

Ways to achieve this goal:

• High speed continuous modulation of ID/FD fan and inlet guide vanes 
• Improved modulation and control of secondary air dampers 
• Improved automation and burner management 
• Quick response to plant demand 
• Improved reliability in high temperature environments 
• Precise damper and burner positioning 
• Simple commissioning and diagnostics 
• Low running costs, virtually maintenance free 
• Pneumatic, analog and bus network communications 

For more information, share your requirements and challenges with combustion experts. The combination of your facilities and process experience and knowledge with their application expertise will yield an effective solution.

Electric Control Valve Actuators

CVQ Electric Valve Actuator
For quarter turn valves
Courtesy Rotork

Many process control valve installations present the option of selecting either electric or pneumatic actuators as part of the control component train. Pneumatic actuators have been in use for many years, but advances in electric motor design that delivered greater torque and more precise operation have brought electric valve actuators into a prominent market position.

Electric actuators are compact and comparatively self contained, requiring only cable connections and none of the additional devices sometimes needed for a pneumatic installation. There are some points of advantage to consider with electric actuators. Rotork introduced their CVA line of electric actuators almost ten years ago, making it something of a mature product now. Here are some advantageous points about the CVA actuators that likely apply generically as well.

• Setup is accomplished with a Bluetooth enabled device which provides quick calibration of open and closed positions, as well as establishment of valve setup parameters.
• A separately sealed electrical connection compartment keeps motor and mechanical compartment isolated from the environment while electrical connection section cover is removed.
• An on board datalogger records thrust and position data over time for use in asset management and service functions. Data can be downloaded by Bluetooth or transmitted by common protocol to another station.
• Change in setpoint produces a rapid and precise change in valve position with high resolution accuracy and repeatability.
• Actuator can be programmed to move to a preset condition in the event of a loss of electric power. The energy to achieve the failsafe position is stored in the actuator.
• Force balance positioning used in pneumatic valves, with spring force vs. air pressure, has resilience that can result in a change in position of the valve trim in response to a bump in system pressure. Resistance from the gear train on electric drives prevents this movement.
• Static friction of the valve packing and other parts increases the amount of force to intially get the valve moving toward a new position. The additional time required to build air pressure and force to overcome static friction results in delayed valve response, then overshoot of the new setpoint. A combination of a sensor system and the mechanical drive section of an electric actuator eliminates overshoot and delayed response.

Electric actuators can be had in quarter turn and linear versions, with torque ranges suitable for a broad range of process control applications. The datasheet below, from Rotork, provides useful illustrations of the actuator interior, along with additional detail about electric actuators. Share your process control valve requirements and challenges with product application specialists, combining your own process knowledge and experience with their product application expertise to develop the best solutions.

Electric Control Valve Actuators for Industrial Process Applications from CTi Controltech

Rotary Vane Actuators for Damper Control

One example of a rotary vane pneumatic damper drive
Courtesy Rotork

A rotary vane actuator is simply a part of an automated damper assembly: its role is to change the position of the damper, converting the motive force of fluid pressure into torque and applying it to a mechanism that will position the damper.

Vane actuators are widely used on quarter turn valves in industrial process automation, but their application also extends to dampers on all types of equipment and installations. Vane actuators are well suited for applications with operation requiring fully open or fully closed damper positions, although some do provide modulating service. A rotation of the actuator drive mechanism through a 90 degree arc, in combination with connecting linkage, quickly moves a damper between open and closed positions. A rotary vane actuator is well suited for driving this type of actuation, with its own 90 degree arc of movement.

A rotary vane actuator is specific to quarter turn opeartion. A pressure tight housing contains a movable vane which is sealed to the sides of the pressure chamber by means of a low friction gasket. Inlets and outlets to the chamber on opposing sides of the vane allow a controller to produce a pressure differential across the vane. The vane will move, in response to the pressure differential, in either direction. A shaft is connected to the vane and the vane acts like a lever to rotate the shaft as the vane is moved by fluid pressure. The torque produced by the actuator assembly is dependent upon the applied fluid pressure.

Hydraulic rotary vane actuators have the ability to handle large amounts of fluid and dynamic motions, exhibiting also qualities of durability and compactness. Pneumatic vane actuators use plant air pressure as the motive force. Both types generally provide fast operation, have few moving parts, and require little regular maintenance. A variety of typical automation accessories and options are available to customize a unit for a particular application.

More information is available from product specialists, with whom you should share your application requirements and challenges. Combining your process and facilities knowledge with their product application expertise will produce effective solutions.

Electronic Line Break Detection - Pipeline Monitoring

Electronic line break detector unit
Courtesy Rotork

There are some process control challenges for which you may need to establish or produce a solution of your own design. These should be applications where a pre-engineered option or product is not available. A manufactured product for your application likely is comprised, not only of appropriate physical attributes suitable for the application, but also the experience gained from numerous successful iterations solving the same problem, challenge, or issue you currently face. There can be expertise, knowledge, and experience provided as part of a hardware item, and bringing that knowledge and experience of others into the solving of a process control challenge is sound practice.

Pipelines, when considered from differing organizational vantage points:

• A source of revenue
• A means of transportation
• A pipe with fluid in it
• An ongoing operation requiring monitoring and control
• An extensive physical presence with an associated risk element

Pipelines are all those and more. Regardless of your vantage point, line breaks are decidedly negative events worthy of early detection and rapid response. Part of that solution is available in the electronic line break detection device from Rotork, globally recognized leader in the design and manufacture of valve actuators employed throughout the industrial sphere. The ELB model incorporates a set of features and capabilities that can be used to detect and respond to gas pipeline breaks. It is a self contained unit employing technology to detect line breaks and execute a predetermined response.

Read more about the ELB from Rotork in the document included below. It provides a detailed outline of the operational features of the unit. Share your fluid system control challenges with an experienced application team, combining your process knowledge with their product application expertise to develop effective solutions.

Electronic Line Break Protector for Fluid Systems from CTi Controltech

Electro-hydraulic Valve Actuators Applied at Tank Farm

Electro-hydraulic valve actuators
Rotork Skilmatic

Rotork is a global leader in the design and manufacture of valve and damper actuators for industrial applications. The company's Skilmatic line of electro-hydraulic actuators is designed to provide a solution for modulating control and electric failsafe operation in rotary and linear designs. The company has created an animated video illustrating how the actuators can be deployed on control valves in a tank storage application. The presentation provides good detail of the inner workings of the actuator, along with the actuator control unit display. The video is short, but very informative.

Share your valve and automation requirements and challenges with application experts. A combination of your process and facility knowledge and their product application expertise will produce effective solutions.

Type K Vane Actuator Provides Long Term Solution for Tough Power Plant Application

Rotork K-TORK vane type valve actuators on

bottom ash spray valve control.

Rotork K-TORK vane type valve actuator has solved a difficult flow control application found in many coal-fired power plants – high-pressure bottom ash spray valve control.

High-pressure spray water is used to sluice bottom ash and pyrites from the boiler hopper bottoms and to carry the ash out of the plant. The valves used are typically ANSI Class 300 double-offset high-performance butterfly designs ranging in size from 3” to 12”, automated with double-acting actuators. They cycle from four to ten times per day and discharge to atmospheric pressure, creating a very high pressure drop. The flow media is re-circulated ash water that is abrasive and flows at pressures between 400 and 500 psi.

In many power plants around the world, K-TORK actuators have provided over 10 years of maintenance-free service whilst preserving the life of the valves and valve seats in this arduous duty.

Among the challenges, it is imperative that the valves close fully and with zero leakage in a high pressure drop state. If the valve disc moves even slightly from the seat, the abrasive, high-pressure water will “wire-draw” or cut the butterfly valve seat. Traditionally, rack-and-pinion or scotch-yoke actuators have been used in this application, but “slop” or hysteresis in the rotary-to-linear conversion allows for the pressure in the pipe to move the disc from the seat, often causing premature failure of the valve after a period of only three to twelve months.

The problem becomes more acute when multiple valves are leaking, lowering the available back-pressure at the header, which makes it difficult or impossible to move the ash from the boiler.

When assembled to the valve with a ‘No-Play’ coupling, the K-TORK actuator has zero lost motion, “slop” or hysteresis. The one-piece vane and drive shaft cannot be back-driven and will hold the disc of the valve firmly in place.

Additional challenges include the location of the valves on a manifold at the bottom of the boiler where space is critical and plant air can be poor quality. K-TORK provides a high torque-to-size ratio and the double-opposed lip seal design is forgiving to dirty or contaminated air.

Also, the low-friction performance of K-TORK provides a speed-controlled, smooth valve operation, eliminating the risk of water hammer created by the high pressure drop.

Finally, longer run time between shutdowns demands increased reliability from the equipment in these critical applications. In particular, as the number of plant maintenance personnel has decreased, actuators that reduce maintenance (seal replacement) time and work orders have a direct payback to the owner, especially when valve life can be significantly increased through improved actuator performance.

Share your fluid control and valve actuation challenges with a specialist, combining your process knowledge and experience with their product application expertise to develop effective solutions.

Rotork Wireless Valve Monitoring

Wireless valve monitoring system
Courtesy Rotork

Rotork, a global leader in valve automation, has introduced a new wireless valve position monitoring system that transmits real-time valve position indication to a central control location. The RI Wireless product line is certified Zone 1 Intrinsically Safe and intended for application in new and existing facilities in process industries and utilities.

In operation, each valve will have a Valve Monitoring Device (VMD) installed on the existing or new actuator using industry standard interfaces. The VMD gathers data from the actuator and transmits it across a network established using other routing hardware that is part of the total system. A software package provides the final connection to a receiving monitor or controller using industry standard connections.

There is more to be learned about the operation and benefits of the wireless valve monitoring system. The document included below provides description of the various devices that comprise the complete system, as well as the benefits that can be derived from its deployment. Reach out to a valve automation specialist and share your requirements and challenges. Combining your process knowledge with their product application expertise will produce effective solutions.

Wireless Valve Monitoring System From Rotork from CTi Controltech

Electric Valve Actuator - Inner Workings

IQ3 Electric Actuator
Rotork

Rotork's IQ3 electric actuator is one of the most advanced and full featured valve actuators available today. The IQ3 incorporates many innovative features which expand its functionality, making it an advantageous choice for many industrial applications. In just the latest generation, a number of new features have been incorporated (from Rotork website).

• New intuitive user interface
• Advanced dual stacked display with configurable datalogger functionality
• Toughened glass screen plus optional environmental shield
• Setting tool with secured Bluetooth® connection
• High reliability, solid-state controls (multi-turn variants)
• Reduced internal wiring and connections
• Simplified torque sensor (multi-turn variants)
• Simple and robust absolute position sensor with high reliability and accuracy
• New thrust base design (multi-turn variants)
• Separable gearbox/thrust base across the range (multi-turn variants)
• Advanced real-time status reporting

The video below provides a display of the parts assembly of an IQ3 actuator. The mechanically inclined should find it interesting. You can get more detail on the IQ3 series of actuators for every application from a product specialist. Share your valve and actuator challenges with experts and get the best available solutions.

Power Source for Hydraulic Valves and Dampers

Self contained hydraulic power unit
Rotork

A range of fluid processing and other flow control operations employ hydraulically actuated valves or dampers. Hydraulic actuators use a pressurized incompressible liquid as the motive force to drive the actuator mechanism. They are generally capable of operating large loads at higher speeds than electric actuators, and a smaller size than similarly capable pneumatic actuators. They are not subject to limited run times, power loss, or air line freezing.

A power unit is required to provide adequate hydraulic fluid and pressure for each application. A single unit can service more than one actuator or damper.

Rotork, a globally recognized manufacturer of valve actuators, also provides self contained hydraulic power units specifically tailored to applications involving valve and damper actuators. With fluid capacities up to 7,500 liters (2,000 gallons) and operating pressures up to 345 bar (5,000 psi), the skid mounted units are suitable for a wide range of applications. Each system is customized to accommodate the requirements of the intended application.

Share your fluid control and valve actuation challenges with product specialists, combining your process and project knowledge with their product application expertise for effective solutions.

Rotork Fluid Systems Hydraulic Unit from CTi Controltech

Valve Actuator Video - Rotork IQ3 Absolute Encoder and Battery

One of several variants of the IQ3 Actuator
Courtesy Rotork

Industrial valve actuators are available in an uncountable range of types, styles, power ranges, and feature sets to meet the needs of industrial processes everywhere. Some applications have a requirement for the control and decision making equipment or personnel to know the valve position at all times, including when operating power may be interrupted. This scenario calls for an absolute encoder with a battery backup.

An absolute encoder assigns a unique identifier to every possible shaft position, so any reading of the encoder value will indicate the current shaft position. These devices have historically been rather complex, but Rotork has developed a radically simplified approach that provides good operability while extending the useful life of the mechanism.

The short video below illustrates the primary features of the system. More information is available from product application specialists. Share your valve actuation challenges with them, combining your process expertise with their product knowledge for the best process control solutions.

Drop-In Replacement Damper Drives for Boilers and Other Combustion Operations

Pedestal mount damper drive, PM Series
Courtesy Rotork

Damper drives are specialty actuators that position air and flue gas dampers on combustion based systems in industrial settings. They can be linear or rotary to meet certain application requirements. The damper positioning is a process control function that is used to increase efficiency, reduce maintenance, control harmful emissions, and lower fuel consumption.

With a very large base of legacy damper drives of the rotary type already installed throughout commercial and industrial markets, there is a need for drop-in replacements for older drives that are worn or not able to provide the level of performance accuracy needed to meet modern operating demands. Rotork, globally recognized manufacturer of valve and damper actuators, has developed a product series within their damper drive line that specifically addresses the drop-in replacement of legacy damper drives.

Rotork's PM and DM Series drives, a portion of the company's Type K Damper Drive line, provide rotary operation in the 30 to 100 degree range and are available as pedestal mount or direct mount versions. As a subset of this broad offering, the company has crafted the FasTrak Series, which are preconfigured as ready-made units to replace common, older legacy damper drives. Twelve models cover the most commonly occurring pneumatic or electric damper drive replacements. The manufacturer states that the FasTrak drives will:

• Bolt to the floor where the old drive was mounted
• The existing link rod and clevis will attach to the FasTraK drive lever
• Simply verify envelope dimensions to assure that there are no external obstructions

A product catalog describing the full line of Type K drive is provided below. Share your combustion application challenges with a product specialist and work together to find the best solutions.

Type K Linear and Rotary Damper Actuators - Rotork from CTi Controltech