Fa l l 2 0 1 2

V O L UM E 2 4 , N O . 4

Sizing Actuators:
It’s All About Communication
&CONTROLS ACTUATORS
BY RICH OAKS
Sizing Actuators: It’s All about Communication
T
he key to successful sizing or selec-
tion of the right valve actuator for
a job is communication. That communi-
cation occurs between the specifier of
the automated valve, the valve supplier
and the actuator supplier. The selection
process itself is straightforward—actu-
ator manufacturers publish selection or
technical data charts. The task of the
person who is sizing or selecting con-
sists of comparing the project’s valve
actuation requirements against the
actuator manufacturer’s published
data.
THE DATA
The information required to properly
select an actuator comes in two parts.
The first part consists of the application
requirements such as the ambient condi-
tions, enclosure requirements, operating
time or speed, and control interface.
These criteria are defined in the actua-
tor specification and related documents.
That specification describes the detailed
features the designer requires of the
actuator.
Sometimes the specification includes
critical actuator sizing requirements
such as a factor of safety to be applied
to the unfactored valve operating
torque. Because this is a crucial part of
communication, it’s critical that the
valve supplier pass along that actuator
specification to the actuator supplier.
The specification usually consists of
a written document with control
schematics, and in the case of electric
actuators, a wiring diagram. Another
critical piece of information is the actu-
ator power medium—the available air
or hydraulic pressure for a fluid power
actuator or electrical mains power
(voltage, phase and frequency) for an
2 | Valve M A G A Z I N E
required over the full cycle of valve
operation. The torque/thrust require-
ments include the seating and unseating
positions and the run torque required
during mid-travel, valve stem charac-
teristics including diameter, key dimen-
sions, and thread pitch and lead as
appropriate.
Other necessary information might
include required valve and actuator
mounting interface and dimensions,
space considerations, and gearboxes
provided by the valve supplier that can
turn a part-turn requirement into a
multi-turn requirement. These criteria
vary by valve type and vary from manu-
facturer to manufacturer. The valve
manufacturer is the best and most reli-
able source for that information.
When the actuator Sometimes the information given to
the actuator supplier is not complete or
supplier has all the the actuator supplier has additional
required information, questions. Unfortunately, many written
the selection process specifications are not as clear as they
is usually clear-cut. should be or have conflicting require-
ments. The actuator supplier is trained
The supplier to identify those discrepancies. That’s
combines the when additional two-way or three-way
specification needs communication among the specifier,
with the valve valve supplier and actuator supplier is
necessary.
operating criteria and
determines the overall THE SELECTION
valve actuation When the actuator supplier has all the
requirements. required information, the selection
process is usually clear-cut. The actua-
tor supplier combines the specification
electric actuator. needs with the valve operating criteria
The second part of the information and determines the overall valve actua-
required consists of valve operating tion requirements. Those requirements
requirements. Typically, valve operating are then compared with the appropriate
criteria consist of: valve type and size, actuator manufacturer’s published tech-
type of actuation (multi turn, part turn nical data or selection charts.
or linear), and torque and thrust Actuator manufacturers have specif-
© 2012 Valve Manufacturers Association. Reprinted with permission.
 RICHARD OAKS is marketing manager for
ic products and resulting charts for Open communication of all specifica-
AUMA Actuators, Inc. (www.auma-usa.com),
multi-turn, part-turn and linear actua- tion and valve operating data will result located in Canonsburg, PA. He is a member of the
tors. Those charts list specific actuator in proper actuator selection and VMA Market Trends Committee and serves on the
models and the performance criteria of achievement of the ultimate goal: a cor- Valve Magazine Editorial Review Board. Oaks is also
those models. Criteria include torque rectly applied automated valve. VM the recipient of VMA’s highest honor, Man of the
Year. Reach him at rich.oaks@auma-usa.com.
rating, thrust rating as appropriate,
stem diameter acceptance, available
operating speed or closing time, mount-
ing flanges and weight. Any of those cri-
teria can be critical or determining fac- A Step Beyond
tors in selecting the particular model. (QMR\WRPRUURZ·V
 
For example, a specific actuator breathtaking technology
model may meet the valve operating today with AUMA
requirements for torque and thrust, but LQQRYDWLYHVROXWLRQV
 
the valve stem diameter is too large for for electric valve
that model. That causes the actuator DFWXDWRUVDQGFRQWUROV
  
selection to be increased to accommo- &XVWRPHUVZRUOGZLGH
 
FDQFKRRVHSUHFLVHO\
  
date the stem diameter. In this case, the
the right combination
valve stem diameter is the critical factor IRURSWLPXPUHVXOWV
 
in selecting the actuator.
Again, communication comes into
play—dialog between the valve supplier
and actuator supplier on the subject of
stem diameter could lead to the valve
supplier decreasing the stem diameter,
allowing the smaller, more optimal
Valve Actuators with AC Valve Actuators with AM AUMA NORM Valve Actuators
actuator to be selected.
When an electric actuator is selected,
the stall torque of the selected actuator
should receive attention. Position limit
sensors, torque sensors and phase correc-
tion devices furnished in state-of-the-art
electric actuators protect the valve from
Actuators may be non-intrusive Actuators with AM controls are NORM actuators are furnished when
motor stall, provided the actuator was with position and torque sensed conventional units with integral motor controls are installed at a
properly commissioned on the valve. by encoders or conventional motor controls and interface remote location like a motor control
with limit and torque switches. to the DCS. AM controls are center.
There are isolated cases, however, where AC controls provide extensive adequate for a large percentage
control and reporting features of applications.
the valve may encounter the stall torque for interface with the Distributed
of the actuator, which is up to 50% above Control System (DCS).
the published torque rating, particularly
AUMA Actuators, Inc.
if the actuator motor controls are not 100 Southpointe Blvd.
provided by the actuator supplier. For Canonsburg, PA 15317 USA
Phone: (724) 743-AUMA (286(2862)
62)
this reason, assuring the valve and valve Fax: (724) 743-4711
E-Mail: mailbox@auma-usa.c
mailbox@auma-usa.com om
actuator mounting interface can with- Please visit us at our website: www.auma-usa.com
stand that stall torque is critical.

© 2012 Valve Manufacturers Association. Reprinted with permission. Fall 2012 | 3

Electric Actuator Take-off Form AUMA Actuators, Inc.
1) QUARTER TURN VALVES
a Type of Valve ________________ (butterfly, plug, ball, etc.)
b Torque Required to Operate ____________________________ (ft - lbs)
c Stem Diameter ______________(inches)
d Operating time from full open to full closed _________sec.
2) MULTI TURN VALVES AND GATES
a Type of Valve / gate _________________________ (gate, globe, water gate, pinch, etc.)
b Torque required to operate ____________________________ (ft - lbs)
c Thrust required to operate ____________________________ (lbs.)
d Required operating speed ________________________ (i.e. inches per minute)
e No. of turns required for entire stroke (open or closed) of valve or gate ___________
f Stem Diameter ______________(inches)
g Stem Pitch ________ Stem Lead ________ (ie: 1/4 x 1/4, 1/4 x 1/2, etc.)
3) VALVES REQUIRING LINEAR OPERATION
a Type of Valve _________________________ (gate, globe, pinch, etc.)
b Thrust Required to Operate ____________________________ (lbs.)
c Required operating speed ________________________ (i.e. in per minute)
4) Actuator type: Conventional _______ / Non-intrusive (requires MWG and AC controls)_______
5) Type of service: open / close _______ / modulating _______
6) Motor voltage: AC - voltage/phase/frequency ______v /____ ph / ______hz - or - DC ______VDC
7) Enclosures: NEMA 4 ____ NEMA 4X ____ NEMA 6 ____ (specify depth & duration) _____________
8) Hazardous location: FM - CL _____ Div _____ Groups _________ - or - other ________________
9) Ambient temperature: _______ to _______ (minimum to maximum)
10) Mechanical Options (MDPI, machined coupling/stem nut, declutch lever lock, etc):
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
11) Electrical Options (MWG, 4-20 mA position feedback transmitter, spare limit switch contacts, etc):
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
12) Actuator controls (reversing starters, control power supply, local controls and control system interface):
a Who is furnishing controls (usually supplied by AUMA, can be supplied by others):
_____ furnished by AUMA _____ furnished by others
b Location of actuator controls (usually integral to actuator, can be furnished for remote mounting):
_____ integral to actuator/ by AUMA _____ remote from actuator / by AUMA
c Type of control system interface:
_____ discrete inputs (24 VDC or 115 V) _____ analog signal (4 - 20 mA)
_____ fieldbus / 2-wire / digital communications (specifiy protocol) __________________________
If controls are to be supplied by AUMA, typical controls supplied are:
d AM controls with standard interface (discrete inputs) _______
Specify one: 24 VDC _____ 115 V _____
AM control interface options (in lieu of standard interface):
_____ 4 - 20 mA analog positioner _____Modbus RTU _____Profibus DP-V0
e AC controls with standard interface (discrete inputs) ______ (AC controls and MWG required for non-intrusive)
Specify one: 24 VDC _____ 115 V _____
AC control interface options (in lieu of standard interface):
_____ 4 - 20 mA analog positioner _____Modbus RTU _____Profibus DP-V0, V1 or V2
_____ DeviceNet _____Foundation Fieldbus
13) Other details:______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

AUMA Actuators, Inc

Ph: +1 724-743-2862
Email: mailbox@auma-usa.com
www.auma-usa.com