Valve Operators: Worm Gear Actuators, Planetary Gear actuators, and Mechanical Spring Returns

Worm Gear Actuators:

Worm gear actuators play a crucial role in industrial valve actuation and automation. These actuators consist of a worm gear, a threaded rod, and a worm wheel, a gear with teeth that mesh with the threads of the worm. The worm gear actuator operates by rotating the worm, which, in turn, causes the worm wheel to rotate. This rotation is then transferred to the valve stem, causing the valve to open or close.

In industrial applications, a motor usually drives the worm gear. The design of worm gear actuators provides a self-locking feature because the worm wheel cannot move the worm, making them ideal for holding a position without the need for a brake or a lock. Additionally, the worm gear design allows for a high torque output, which is particularly useful for large valves or those that require a significant amount of force to operate.

Planetary Gear Actuators:

Planetary gear actuators are another gear actuator used in industrial valve automation. These actuators consist of a central sun gear surrounded by several planet gears, all enclosed within a ring gear. The sun gear connects to the motor shaft, and as it rotates, it drives the planet gears, which revolve around the inside of the ring gear. This rotation is then transferred to the valve stem, causing the valve to open or close.

Planetary gear actuators are particularly suited for high torque and speed applications. The design of the planetary gears allows for an even distribution of load across multiple gear teeth, which results in higher torque capabilities and increased efficiency. Additionally, planetary gear actuators often come with a manual override feature, which allows for manual valve operation in case of an emergency or power failure.

Mechanical Spring Returns:

Mechanical spring returns are used in industrial valve actuation to provide fail-safe operation. A spring return actuator uses a spring to return the valve to a pre-determined position (either open or closed) in case of a power failure or loss of signal. This type of actuator usually consists of a pneumatic or hydraulic actuator combined with a spring pack.

During regular operation, the pneumatic or hydraulic actuator controls the position of the valve. However, if there is a loss of power or signal, the spring pack takes over and moves the valve to its fail-safe position. This feature is essential in many industrial applications, as it ensures the system's safety and prevents damage to equipment or the environment in an emergency.

In conclusion, worm gear actuators, planetary gear actuators, and mechanical spring returns are all essential components in industrial valve actuation and automation. Each actuator type has unique features and advantages, making them suitable for different applications. Worm gear actuators are ideal for applications that require a self-locking feature and high torque output, planetary gear actuators are suited for applications that require high torque and speed, and mechanical spring returns are essential for providing fail-safe operation.

WedgeRock, a premier manufacturer of Gear Actuators, Planetary Gear Actuators, and Mechanical Spring Returns, delivers solutions for the most challenging torque and thrust applications. Whether it involves operating valves located several thousand meters beneath the sea or designing a specialized gear operator for your valve line, WedgeRock, in collaboration with Automatic Controls of Virginia, can help you identify and implement the optimal solution for your specific needs.

Automatic Controls of Virginia

https://acva.com

(804) 752-1000

Your Valve Automation Experts

Automatic Controls of Virginia (ACVA) is a provider of valve automation that offers a complete range of services and has facilities that can automate practically any size quarter-turn or linear actuated valve. ACVA can meet even the most complex automated valve requirements, whether you need small ball valves with pneumatic actuators or massive valves, such as those used on municipal pipelines. 

ACVA has a significant competitive advantage over other valve companies in the design, fabrication, assembly, and installation of any valve actuation or automation project. This competitive advantage combines the industry's best pneumatic, electric, and hydraulic valve actuators with its on-premise machine shop and fabrication division. This advantage, along with Automatic Controls' fifty years of expertise, makes them the superior choice as your partner in valve automation.

The technicians at ACVA who work on valve automation are highly knowledgeable in pneumatic rack and pinion and scotch-yoke systems, electric quarter-turn and linear systems, and valve communications. ACVA can handle even the most challenging actuation need, including bus communications, limit switches, fail-safe devices, and solenoid valves.

Automatic Controls of Virginia

https://acva.com

(804) 752-1000

Opening and Closing Solutions for the Most Demanding Valve Torque and Thrust Applications

Every industrial valve requires a mechanism of opening and closing it for the process to continue. Using worm gear actuators, you can operate most quarter-turn butterfly, ball, and plug valves as well as quarter- and multi-turn dampers with your hand's thanks to the mechanical advantage of the worm gear. When an operator opens and closes a valve, the gears provide a mechanical advantage by reducing the required force. When the handwheel changes in size, the torque can be raised or lowered. Worm gear operators that operate manually are relatively affordable, and they require little involvement beyond their position in the production line. 

WEDGEROCK delivers solutions for the most demanding torque and thrust applications by taking a robust approach to the problem. Whether you need to operate valves thousands of meters below the ocean surface or a purpose-made gear operator for your valve line, WedgeRock is the partner you need to provide a solution.

WedgeRock Product Capabilities

• Standard Efficiency and High Efficiency
• Extends Size and Class of Manual Valves
• Fewer Turns to Close/Lower Input Torque
• External Anti-Back Drive - Configurable to Application
• Designed for Submerged Service - Surpasses IP68
• Nearly Zero Backlash for High Resolution Control
• Standard Gear Operators from 5,000 in-lbs. to 16,000,000 in-lbs.

Automatic Controls of Virginia
https://acva.com
(804) 752-1000 

The Bettis XTE3000 Electric Actuator

The Bettis XTE3000 intelligent multi-turn electric actuator is part of the Bettis family of actuators. The XTE3000 meets the most demanding valve automation demands of the Oil & Gas, Power, and Process industries. It is compliant with many international standards, making it the ideal solution to your plant's safety and reliability requirements. 

For more information about sales, service, and support of Bettis or EIM products, contact Automatic Controls of Virginia. Call (804) 752-1000 or visit https://acva.com.

Pneumatic and Electric Valve Actuators, Limit Switches, and Controls

The ability to combine the industry's top electric, pneumatic and hydraulic valve actuators with its in-house machine shop and fabrication division, Automatic Controls of Virginia has a massive advantage over other valve companies regarding design, fabrication, assembly, and installation of any valve actuation/automation project. 

This advantage, along with five decades of challenging application experience, makes Automatic Controls a clear choice to be your valve automation partner.

Automatic Controls of Virginia
https://acva.com
(804) 752-1000 

SmartStep™ Precision Electric Actuators

SmartStep™, by USI, are AC or DC powered precision electric actuators rated for Class 1, Division II, Group A, B, C, and D hazardous areas. They are used for applications requiring 100% modulation and/or open/close operation.

SmartStep™ actuators incorporate non-contact position sensing increases reliability, eliminating wear failure from mechanical switches or contacts.

SmartStep™ is available in four torque outputs, 500, 1200, 2500, or 5000 in-lbs torque. All models include a bright four-line LCD display shows an extensive list of valve states and service advisories, including: valve position, cycle count, back-up power charge statues, current/max temperature values, system faults, and many others.

Get the SmartStep™Brochure Here

SmartStep™ Actuator Features:

• Robust design engineered for 100% Modulation and Open/Close operation
• UL/CUL and CE approved with Class 1, Division II, Group A, B, C, and D Hazardous Location Rating.
• Electronic Power Backup option powers actuator enabling it to return to pre-programmed safe position in the event of loss of control signal or power.
• Life Expectancy of Power Backup option is greater than 10 years due to super capacitor technology.
• ISO 5211 direct mounting for F07 and F10 compatible valves.

SmartStep™ Actuator Certifications:

• CE Certified
• UL/CUL Certified
• UL Class 1, Div 2, Groups A, B, C, D Hazardous Location Rated

For more information about SmartStep™ actuators, contact Automatic Controls of Virginia. Call them at 804-752-1000 or visit their website at https://acva.com.

Basics of Industrial Valves and Actuators

This video provides a basic understanding of industrial valves types, and also an understanding of valve actuator types.

Industrial valves are designed in three major categories. They are:

• Rotary multi-turn valves. These include gate, globe knife and multi port valves. 
• Rotary quarter turn valves these include butterfly ball plug and choke valves.
• Linear valves. These include gate, angle globe, and globe valves. 

There are many varieties and subcategories for these basic three design configurations.

Two major functions of industrial valves are isolation and control. Isolation valves are used in applications where the primary concern is the opening or closing of the valve when needed. Isolation valves provide tight shut off and sometimes provide simple control. They are operated via hand wheels or levers, electric actuators, pneumatic actuators, or hydraulic actuators.

Control valves are used to modulate flow to maintain a certain set point in the process control loop. Traditionally, control valves use pneumatic diaphragm positioners, but newer technology enables control with pneumatic and electric actuators.

There are three types of valve actuators:

• Electric
• Pneumatic
• Hydraulic 

Electric actuators use electricity is their power source, have a relatively slow strokes speed, are moderately priced, and typically include the valve operating system. Electrical and mechanical technical skills are required to install and maintain electric actuators.

Pneumatic actuators use air or gas as their power source, have relatively fast stroke speeds, are relatively inexpensive, and require external devices for their valve operating system. In most cases, only mechanical technical skills are required to install and maintain pneumatic actuators.

Hydraulic actuators use hydraulic fluids as their power source, have fast stroke speeds, are more expensive, and require external devices for their valve operating system. Electrical and mechanical technical skills are required to install and maintain hydraulic actuators.

For more information about industrial or municipal valves, actuators or control systems, contact Automatic Controls of Virginia. They can be reached by calling 804-752-1000 or visit their website of https://acva.com.

Automatic Controls of Virginia: Valve Automation Experts

By combining the industries top electric, pneumatic and hydraulic valve actuators, with its in-house machine shop and fabrication division (Valve Automation Center), Automatic Controls of Virginia has a huge advantage over other valve companies when it comes to design, fabrication, assembly and installation of any valve actuation/automation project. This advantage, along with five decades of hard application experience, makes Automatic Controls an easy choice to be your valve automation partner.

310 Hill Carter Parkway
Suite A
Ashland, VA 23005
Phone: 804-752-1000
Fax: 804-752-1030
https://acva.com

Let Automatic Controls of Virginia Do Your "Valve Automation Heavy Lifting"

Automatic Controls of Virginia has the experience, facilities, and field service capabilities to handle any valve automation project.  When it comes to design, fabrication, assembly, and installation, Automatic Controls of Virginia is a solid choice. With five decades of solving some of the toughest valve automation challenges in industrial control and municipal water treatment, Automatic Controls is ready to do the "heavy lifting" with your next valve automation requirement.

Automatic Controls of Virginia
https://acva.com
804-752-1000

Automating Large Municipal and Industrial Valves

When you need to automate large ball, butterfly, gate, or globe valves consider Automatic Controls of Virginia.

ACVA has decades of experience, the know-how, the staff, and the facilities to handle the most challenging valve actuation applications.

With scores of successful installations at municipal water facilities, chemical companies, pulp & paper mills and government R&D facilities, ACVA has established a solid reputation for outstanding quality and service.

For more information, contact Automatic Controls of Virginia at https://acva.com or call 804-752-1000.

Technology Demo: Emerson EIM Electric Actuators for Valves, Dampers, and Louvers

EIM is known for its innovative electric valve actuators built for the harshest industrial and municipal applications. You'll find EIM actuators throughout the processing industries,  where reliability is critical  - oil and gas, power, refining, chemical, petrochemical, water/wastewater and mining.  EIM actuators and controls have a proven track record for performance in critical shutdown applications.  

EIM offers a wide range of electric actuators with different frame sizes, horsepower ratings and output speeds readily tailored to your specific applications. EIM electric actuator products are selected by application requirements of voltage, torque, operating time, and valve shaft diameter. Actuators are designed tor ball, plug, and butterfly valves as well as quarter turn damper and louver drives. 

For more information in the Commonwealth of Virginia, Washington D.C. and Maryland, contact:

Automatic Controls of VA

https://acva.com

(804) 752-1000