Electric Actuators for Shut-Off Valves

Electric actuators for shut-off valves are used to automate the opening and closing of gate valves, ball valves, butterfly valves and shut-off valves. The use of an electric actuator makes it possible to operate valves locally or remotely, monitor their position and integrate the equipment into process control systems.

“ZAVOD “ARMA” LLC represents equipment from the Austrian manufacturer SCHIEBEL ANTRIEBSTECHNIK GMBH in Ukraine. SCHIEBEL AB and CM series electric actuators can be used to automate shut-off valves in configurations suited to the specific valve type. For processes in which the valve must move to a defined safe position in an emergency or in the event of a power failure, the manufacturer also offers dedicated Failsafe solutions.

A correctly selected shut-off valve actuator must match the design and operating parameters of the specific equipment. Selection takes into account the type of valve movement, required torque or thrust, mounting interface, duty, operating conditions and control requirements.

Which Shut-Off Valves Can Be Equipped with Electric Actuators

Gate Valves

Multi-turn electric actuators are predominantly used to automate gate valves. To move the closure element, the gate valve stem must make the required number of turns, so the electric actuator must provide the corresponding multi-turn motion.

For these applications, SCHIEBEL offers AB and CM multi-turn electric actuators. Selection takes into account the required torque, axial thrust, stem parameters, mounting interface and the operating conditions of the specific gate valve.

Ball Valves

Ball valves are quarter-turn valves. Their closure element normally rotates through 90° between the open and closed positions, so a quarter-turn solution is required to automate this type of equipment.

SCHIEBEL provides for the use of AB and CM electric actuators together with suitable quarter-turn gearboxes. This configuration converts the actuator’s multi-turn motion into the required rotation of the output element. The specific version is selected according to torque, ball valve design, duty and other valve parameters.

Butterfly Valves

Butterfly valves are also quarter-turn valves and require quarter-turn motion to control the position of the closure element. For their automation, AB or CM electric actuators can be used in an appropriate configuration with a quarter-turn gearbox.

Selection takes into account the required torque, butterfly valve design, mounting interface, duty and operating conditions. The actuator and gearbox parameters must correspond to the characteristics of the specific valve.

Shut-Off Valves

For shut-off valves, the type and configuration of the electric actuator depend on the valve design and the movement of its closure element. Valves with linear movement require the appropriate stroke and thrust.

Correct technical selection is particularly important because the electric actuator must provide the required movement and reliable travel to the specified end positions in accordance with the parameters of the specific valve.

SCHIEBEL Electric Actuator Series for Shut-Off Valves

AB Series

The SCHIEBEL AB series comprises multi-turn electric actuators for On-Off and Modulating Duty. The series includes different sizes, allowing the actuator to be selected according to the required torque and valve parameters.

AB multi-turn actuators can be used directly with suitable valves and, when combined with SCHIEBEL quarter-turn gearboxes, can also be used to operate quarter-turn valves.

The AB series can therefore serve as the basis for various industrial shut-off valve automation solutions. The specific size and configuration are determined from the technical characteristics of the equipment.

CM Series

The SCHIEBEL CM series comprises multi-turn electric actuators and is based on a modular concept. The use of suitable mechanical modules and gearboxes makes it possible to create CM-based solutions for different types of valve movement.

This allows CM actuators to be used for gate valve automation and, in the appropriate configurations, for quarter-turn or linear valves. The required version is determined by torque or thrust, type of movement, mounting interface, duty and the requirements of the specific process.

Failsafe

Failsafe is a dedicated SCHIEBEL solution for process applications in which a valve must move to a defined safe position in an emergency, including in the event of a power failure.

SCHIEBEL offers dedicated CM Failsafe Linear units, which the manufacturer defines as Failsafe Actuators for Shut-Off Valves. Emergency movement in the Failsafe solution is provided by a mechanical spring. The manufacturer provides configurations with the failsafe action directed towards either closing or opening.

Failsafe is therefore not a universal alternative to a conventional AB or CM electric actuator. Its use is determined by the process requirements. If a specific assembly requires emergency closing or opening in the event of a power failure, the appropriate Failsafe version must be selected.

How to Select an Electric Actuator for Shut-Off Valves

An electric actuator for shut-off valves is selected according to the technical characteristics of the specific equipment. The valve type or pipeline diameter alone is not sufficient.

Correct selection requires determining the valve type and design, the required type of movement, torque or thrust, mounting parameters, the required number of turns or stroke, duty and operating conditions.

Control requirements and valve position monitoring must also be considered. If the process requires the valve to move automatically to a safe position in the event of a power failure, the need for a Failsafe solution is assessed separately.

Correct actuator selection determines not only the required AB or CM series, but also the specific size, mechanical configuration and control system for the application.

Where Electric Actuators for Shut-Off Valves Are Used

Shut-off valve automation is used at industrial facilities where it is necessary to control process media flows, open and close valves, monitor their position and integrate the equipment into a process control system.

Such solutions can be used on industrial pipelines and process installations fitted with gate valves, ball valves, butterfly valves and other valves.

Industrial automation enables local and remote equipment control and provides information about equipment status. In this arrangement, the electric shut-off valve actuator is the final control element that converts a control command into mechanical valve movement.

For process assemblies where the valve must not remain in its current position after a power failure, dedicated Failsafe solutions can be used to move it to a defined safe position.

Buy an Electric Actuator for Shut-Off Valves in Ukraine

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

To purchase an electric actuator for shut-off valves, the main technical characteristics of the equipment must be determined. For selection, it is advisable to provide information on the valve type and design, required torque or thrust, mounting parameters, duty, operating conditions and control system requirements.

Based on these parameters, the appropriate SCHIEBEL series, size and configuration can be determined. This approach makes it possible to select the electric actuator according to the actual characteristics of the specific valve and the process requirements.

FAQ

Which electric actuator is required for shut-off valves?

It depends on the valve design and the required type of movement. Multi-turn electric actuators are predominantly used for gate valves. Ball valves and butterfly valves require a quarter-turn solution, which SCHIEBEL can implement using an AB or CM actuator with a suitable gearbox. For valves with linear movement, an appropriate linear configuration is used. Once the movement type has been determined, selection is based on torque or thrust, mounting interface, duty and other technical parameters.

Can an existing shut-off valve be automated?

Whether an electric actuator can be installed on an existing valve depends on its design and technical parameters. The type and dimensions of the mounting interface, required torque or thrust, type of movement and mechanical compatibility of the valve with the selected actuator must be checked. The feasibility of retrofitting a specific assembly should therefore be assessed from its technical documentation.

When is a Failsafe actuator required?

Failsafe is required when the process demands that, in the event of a power failure or another defined emergency, the valve automatically move to a defined safe position. SCHIEBEL uses a mechanical spring in these actuators to provide the emergency movement without electrical power being required for the movement itself. Depending on the configuration, the Failsafe action can be directed towards closing or opening the valve. The specific Failsafe solution is therefore selected according to the valve function and the defined safety scenario.