7 Reasons To Choose Electromechanical Valve Actuators

A great deal of technology is available today to help engineers streamline their operations and make them more efficient. One example is valve automation. There are several benefits to getting automation going on this front, the most obvious of which is saved time. Control is other – actuators bring a greater degree of control than a manual valve operation.

Many manufacturers have made the change to smart positioners from the traditional electro-pneumatic positioner. Today, several pneumatic manufacturers are even venturing into electromechanical actuator manufacturing business.

So, what benefits can you hope to take advantage of by switching to electromechanical actuators?

1. They offer a high degree of control.

Each application needs a different type of control. In cases that need linear, point-to-point movement, free of specific time constraints, pneumatic actuators work just fine. For other applications that call for accurate positioning and repeatability, electromechanical, with a greater degree of flexibility, might be the way to go. These are particularly useful for applications needing multiple actuators. Further, smart positioners are digital, and this translates to more precise control over valves.

2. They are likely to last longer.

Electromechanical actuators have lots of ‘moving parts’. However, it’s widely known that the most common failing is probably their bearings. Fairly specific ratings are assigned to these actuators, which allows you to calculate to a great degree of accuracy how much life you can expect from them and therefore how much preventative maintenance needs to be put into them to get the best life.

3. They’re smarter and faster to use.

More intelligent design and positioning reduce the amount of bleed from your value which cuts the number of times compressors need to start. This translates to energy saved, less maintenance and eventually longer life! Also, while valves could be manually opened and closed, the larger ones are hard to move and take a long time to do (and leave room for error in the degree of closure, hence the bleed). A large valve could take a hundred turns to close. Tiring! With an electromechanical actuator, you can do it in a few minutes by just pressing a button.

4. They’re safer.

Since these actuators are controlled remotely, they spell a greater degree of safety for operators. Operators, therefore, are protected from extreme conditions like temperature, exposure to fumes that are harmful and more. They have automatic positioning options that kick in in the case of emergencies as well.

5. They bring savings.

Valve actuators, being smart, bring greater efficiency, which translates to cost savings. While initial investments are up to five times more for an electromechanical option, in the course of its life, that cost will even out, making for a saving overall. This, of course, is only the case when you choose the right type and size for your application so be sure to get professional advice.

6. They have more power.

Since they are not manual, you’re straightaway checking the power box. Once set up, valve actuators bring the force needed to move your valve easily, with the added bonus of not having an exhausted operator! They also offer better force control, deploying the right amount needed. Since they are electromechanical, they can measure and store the current and position used during a cycle, and replicate it, ensuring your quality standards are maintained as well.

7. They’re better for the environment.

And last, but vital, electromechanical actuators use cleaner technology, with less likelihood of leaks, making them an excellent choice for food and pharma applications.