Electric valve actuators are ubiquitous in today’s industrial space. They can be found in various industries and applications, including water treatment and wastewater plants, hydroelectric power generation, oil refineries, shipbuilding and numerous processing industries such as chemicals, food and beverage, pulp and paper, and pharmaceuticals. For anyone charged with the selection and operation of these products, it is important to understand the power source, controls, feedback, commissioning, security, backup power and failsafe required for the application.
This article will review different types of control systems and configurations available to electrically operate valves, which some in the industry refer to as motor-operated valves (MOVs), and how to make an informed decision on which type of actuator to use.
POWER SOURCE
An electric actuator must have a power source available. Prior to selecting an actuator, it is important to determine the type of electricity that is available on site.
Single-phase AC power
Three-phase AC power
DC power
This will decide the type of electric actuator supplied for the application. The power source will be used to operate the motor through a set of reversing contactors, either located within the actuator, or in some cases located in a remote cabinet.
The power source must be capable of supplying the proper voltage and current required by the electric actuator to operate the valve. An electric actuator may be required to operate the valve as an open/close or modulating actuator; make sure the actuator is manufactured and supplied according to the required specifications.
Valve Basics: Electric Actuator Controls - Zorgon (Zhejiang) Automation Technology Co.,Ltd. (cnzorgon.com)
www.cnzorgon.com/valve-basics-electric-actuator-controls.html
