Electric Actuators for Pipeline Valves

Electric actuators for pipeline valves are used to automate the operation of gate valves, control valves, ball valves, butterfly valves and other valves installed on process pipelines. The actuator provides the mechanical movement of the valve operating element in response to a control-system command and, depending on the configuration, allows its status and position to be monitored.

“ZAVOD “ARMA” LLC represents equipment from the Austrian manufacturer SCHIEBEL ANTRIEBSTECHNIK GMBH in Ukraine. SCHIEBEL AB and CM series electric actuators can be used for pipeline valves in various mechanical configurations. For applications in which a valve must move to a defined safe position in the event of a power failure, the manufacturer also offers dedicated Failsafe solutions.

An electric actuator for pipeline valves is selected according to the valve type, type of movement, required torque or thrust, duty, mounting interface and control-system requirements.

Automation of Pipeline Valves Using Electric Actuators

Pipeline valve automation makes it possible to open, close or regulate valve position using an electric actuator. This enables local and remote control, the transmission of equipment status signals and the integration of final control elements into process control systems.

A pipeline valve electric actuator converts an electrical control command into the mechanical movement required to move the valve operating element. Depending on the valve design, this movement may be multi-turn, quarter-turn or linear.

SCHIEBEL valve control systems provide local and remote control capabilities as well as status signalling. Positioning functions and integration with industrial control systems are available in the appropriate configurations. Pipeline automation can therefore cover individual valves as well as integrated equipment control within a process.

Types of Pipeline Valves Used with Electric Actuators

Shut-Off Valves

Shut-off valves are intended to open or isolate the flow of the process medium. This category includes gate valves, ball valves, butterfly valves and shut-off valves.

The actuator type is determined by the design of the specific valve. A gate valve generally requires multi-turn movement, while a ball valve or butterfly valve uses a quarter-turn solution. For valves with linear movement of the operating element, an appropriate linear configuration is used.

If the process requires a shut-off valve to move automatically to a defined position in the event of a power failure, a dedicated Failsafe solution may be considered.

Control Valves

Control valves are used in processes where it is necessary not only to fully open or close the flow path, but also to control the position of the operating element in accordance with a specified signal.

SCHIEBEL provides electric actuators for Modulating Duty. For the AB series, the manufacturer provides, among other options, a positioner for actuator control via a 0/4-20 mA signal from a PLC, as well as position feedback. The specific functionality depends on the series, control system and selected configuration.

When selecting an actuator for a control valve, it is therefore important to determine not only the required torque or thrust, but also the duty, positioning requirements and method of interaction with the automation system.

Gate Valves, Valves, Ball Valves and Butterfly Valves

Different types of pipeline valves require different types of movement. Gate valves usually have a multi-turn operating mechanism. Ball valves and butterfly valves use rotary movement of the operating element and therefore require quarter-turn configurations. For other valves, the type of movement is determined by their design.

SCHIEBEL offers AB and CM multi-turn electric actuators as well as mechanical solutions that allow these actuators to be used with quarter-turn gearboxes. Appropriate mechanical configurations are used for linear movement.

A pipeline valve actuator should therefore be selected according to the design and technical parameters of the specific mechanism rather than simply by the general valve category.

Which Type of Electric Actuator Is Required for Pipeline Valves

Multi-Turn Electric Actuators

A multi-turn electric actuator is used where the output element must make several or many revolutions to operate the valve. Gate valve automation is a typical example.

SCHIEBEL AB and CM series multi-turn electric actuators are available for On-Off and Modulating Duty. The AB series covers a broad range of sizes, while CM is based on a modular concept that allows solutions to be configured for the specific application.

When selecting a multi-turn actuator, the torque, stem parameters, mounting interface, required speed, duty and valve characteristics are taken into account.

Quarter-Turn Electric Actuators

A quarter-turn solution is used for valves whose operating element moves by rotation, most commonly through approximately 90°. Ball valves and butterfly valves are examples of this type of equipment.

With SCHIEBEL equipment, quarter-turn solutions can be created by combining AB or CM electric actuators with suitable gearboxes. The manufacturer offers, among other options, planetary and worm gearboxes for On-Off and Modulating Duty.

The specific actuator and gearbox combination is determined by the required output torque, duty, valve mounting interface and other technical parameters.

Linear Electric Actuators

A linear configuration is required for valves whose operating element must move in a straight line. In this case, the rotary motion of the electric actuator is converted into linear movement by an appropriate mechanical unit.

The key selection parameters for such a solution are the required thrust, stroke, travel speed, duty and valve design.

For special applications, SCHIEBEL also offers CM Failsafe Linear. These solutions are intended, among other applications, for shut-off valves that must move to a defined position by means of a mechanical spring when the Failsafe function is activated.

How to Select an Electric Actuator for Pipeline Valves

An electric actuator for pipeline valves must be selected on the basis of the technical characteristics of the specific valve and its operating conditions. The nominal pipeline diameter or valve type alone is not sufficient for correct selection.

First, the type of movement must be determined: multi-turn, quarter-turn or linear. The required torque or thrust, mounting parameters, number of turns or stroke, duty and control requirements are then taken into account.

Requirements for local and remote control, position monitoring, status signals and integration into the automation system are defined separately. If the actuator is to operate in modulating duty, positioning requirements must also be considered.

For process assemblies requiring the valve to move automatically to a defined position in the event of a power failure, the need for a Failsafe solution is assessed separately.

Technical selection makes it possible to determine the appropriate AB or CM series, required mechanical configuration, control system and additional functions.

Electric Actuators for Industrial Pipelines

Industrial pipelines may include a large number of valves of different types and designs. Their automation requires not only mechanical opening or closing, but also organised control and access to the necessary information about equipment status.

SCHIEBEL electric actuators provide local and remote control. Status signals, position monitoring and positioning functions are available for the appropriate versions. The SMARTCON control system also provides integration into the customer’s existing systems through various industrial interfaces.

This makes it possible to integrate electric actuators into valve control systems and the overall automation architecture of the process facility. The specific set of functions and communication capabilities depends on the equipment configuration.

Pipeline valve control at an industrial facility should therefore be considered comprehensively: from correct mechanical actuator selection to defining the required signals, remote-control method and interaction with the automation system.

Buy an Electric Actuator for Pipeline Valves in Ukraine

“ZAVOD “ARMA” LLC supplies SCHIEBEL equipment in Ukraine and provides technical support in selecting electric actuators for industrial valves.

To purchase an electric actuator for pipeline valves, the valve technical characteristics and the main operating requirements must be provided. Selection takes into account the valve type, required movement, torque or thrust, mounting interface, duty, operating conditions and control requirements.

If connection to an automation system is required, the necessary control signals, status signals, position monitoring and communication interfaces are also defined.

Based on these data, the appropriate pipeline valve electric actuator, SCHIEBEL series, size, mechanical configuration and required control system are determined.

FAQ

How do you select an electric actuator for pipeline valves?

First, determine the valve type and the movement of its operating element. Then consider torque or required thrust, mounting interface, number of turns or stroke, duty and operating conditions. If remote control, positioning or integration into an automation system is required, these requirements must also be considered when selecting the actuator configuration.

Which electric actuators are used on industrial pipelines?

The choice depends on the design of the installed valve. Multi-turn electric actuators are predominantly used for gate valves. Quarter-turn solutions are used for ball valves and butterfly valves, while a linear configuration is required for valves with linear movement of the operating element. SCHIEBEL offers AB and CM electric actuators and corresponding mechanical configurations for different types of movement. If the process requires the valve to move to a defined position in the event of a power failure, a Failsafe solution may be considered separately.

Can an electric actuator be connected to an automation system?

Yes. SCHIEBEL electric actuators provide remote-control and status-signal capabilities and, depending on the configuration, can support positioning and communication interfaces for integration with industrial control systems. SMARTCON supports a range of serial and TCP-based fieldbus systems. The specific connection method and available functions must be determined during equipment selection according to the automation-system requirements.