Valve actuators mount on valves and after receiving a signal move the valve to the desired position using an outside power source. There are several types of valve actuators which include manual, hydraulic, pneumatic and electric valve actuators. Manual actuators are driven by a handwheel or lever while hydraulic valve actuators convert fluid pressure supply into linear or rotary motion. Pneumatic actuators adjust the valve position by converting air pressure into motion while electric valve actuators use alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) to drive gears to generate the desired torque level.
Electric valve actuators are generally used when pneumatic valve actuators are not available or desirable and are available as two types: the valve motor drive (VMD) and modulating electric valve actuators. They are powered by an electric motor with voltage requirements in the range of 230 V AC, 110 V AC, 24 V AC and 24 V DC. The basic version of VMD electric valve actuators has three states: driving the valve open, driving the valve closed and no movement. The VMD electric valve actuators are protected from over travel by fitting limiting devices within the actuator that stop the motor drive by interrupting the power supply.
The modulating electric valve actuators have higher rated motors and may have built electronics to position the control valve in response to the system requirements. If a positioning circuit is placed within the modulating electric valve actuators, the actuator interprets an analogue control signal as the valve position between the limit switches. Electric valve actuators use a single-phase or three-phase alternating current and have an inherent fail-safe mechanism that is termed "spring reserve". This mechanism opens or closes the valve on power or control signal failure or alternatively, battery power can be used as the fail-safe.
When choosing which electric valve actuators to use, it is important to consider the forces associated with the actuators, the size and the speed of valve movement. Hanbay, one of the leading sources for electric valve actuators, can help you decide how to select an actuator suited to your requirements. There are professional technicians and engineers available to share their knowledge and expertise when it comes to using the right electric valve actuators for the right jobs. Hanbay was established in Montreal, QC, Canada in 1986 and is a leading manufacturer of standard miniature electric valve actuators. Its small electric valve actuators are designed with the best available material resources and have led the way to success in miniature valve actuation. Hanbay even has custom electric valve actuators and valves combined into one convenient and safe enclosure.
At www.hanbayinc.com you can use a flow chart to determine the dimensions of the valve you would require for a specific job and then you can have Hanbay custom make you miniature electric valve actuators that are designed by professional engineers using state-of-the-art technology and methods. All the electric valve actuators undergo a quality assurance test from parts acceptance to the finished product ensuring that you receive safe to use, durable and high quality products. All standard electric valve actuators are usually in stock and may be fitted to valves and delivered in a few days. Contact Hanbay at secureinfo@hanbayinc.com or visit the website at www.hanbayinc.com to find out more about the high quality custom made miniature electric valve actuators and turnkey solutions for process automation and control of all kinds.
