An actuator valve is a valve that opens & closes by electric torque. The electric actuator produces the torque. The actuator conveys the torque to its output shaft. It rotates the valve’s ball or disc. The actuator opens and closes the valve. It may allow intermediate positioning too. Some actuator valves have switches.

Why Do We Need to Use AC/DC Actuator Valve?

Usage of electric actuators valve is necessary now. A lot of industries are using these actuator valves. These factories & industries have made a revolution in their production. A successful business now depends on technology. Actuator valves play a vital role in automation technology. It plays a positive role in the environment. Using electric actuator valves needs less energy to function. The most important thing is, that it cuts down on operating costs. All kinds of process plants use valve actuators. Without a valve, we can’t imagine industrial process control or automating process control. 

Operating Principle of Actuator Valve

Actuators are comfortable with 12 volts, 24 volts, and 48 volt DC. Among these, 24 volt DC actuator valve is much popular. We can use a limit switch to control the current of this valve. It stops the current when the valve is at a full close or open state. Modulation Control is necessary sometimes. Motors can carry out the control of modulation. This can fix the position of the valve. Modulation control makes it easy. It happens at any point between open and close. It means the work between 0° and 90°. It is useful for a valve. It can adjust the flow rate through the valve. We can also use a positioning circuit board in the actuator. It helps to modulate the motor.

Various Types of Actuator Valve

Quarter-turn, Multi-turn & Linear electrical valves are the most used valves & actuators. These can be helpful for different purposes. The quarter-turn valve has a 90° turn to open and close a port. Linear-motorized ball valve works with control valves for fluid flow.

Selecting a suitable actuator valve depends on necessity. You should have a good knowledge of valves & actuators before buying or installing them. Few valves need a multi-turn actuator, few need a single-turn valve actuator, and few need a reciprocating valve actuator.

How to choose an Ideal AC/DC Actuator Valve

An actuator’s most used driving energy source is the power source or fluid source. A three-phase power source is handy for the large-sized valve. The small-sized valve operates through a single-phase power source. AC electric valve actuators are available in 24V AC, 220V AC, 380V AC, etc. DC power is also available. Batteries go with DC actuators. It ensures a fail-safe operation.

Troubleshoot & Maintenance of AC/DC Actuator Valve

We should never operate a valve in a live system or under pressure. Disconnection of supply voltage before any maintenance is a must. Before maintaining, it is safe to remove electrical equipment from a hazardous area. Following problems & challenges happen in real life:

The actuator is not operating:

· Thermal Overload protection may be active. Need to reduce operating frequency.

· For incorrect or loose connection of capacitor. One needs to check the circuit diagram & make it correct.

· Wires & switches may disconnect or loose. We should Inspect and re-connect wires & switches.

· The motor may damage. We need to check the supply voltage. If needed, we should replace the motor.

· Low ambient temperature. Mounting a thermostat or heater is a good solution for this.

· The control panel & optional components are loose in connection. WE should check the attachment according to the diagram & circuit.

· 

Power is ON, but the motor is not working:

· Simultaneous power supply to both sides of the motor. One needs to check the wiring & make it corrected if necessary.

· The same parallel source provides power to more than one actuator. Using isolating relays is the best solution

· The capacitor may fail. Replacement is a must.

· 

An output shaft of the motor is not working:

· Improper arrangement of manual override. Manual Override engagement should be automatic.

The actuator turns in one direction only:

· Terminal wire connection may be loose or disconnected. You should check the wiring & make corrections.

· It turns in one direction when the motor wire connection is loose or disconnected. One needs to match the wiring & make corrections.

· Control panel failure. Need proper inspection & rewiring of the control panel components.

· 24 volt DC Motor Polarity is not switching

· External switching/relay needs to install.

· 

The actuator turns in the wrong direction:

· Incorrect wiring of motor or limit switches. Need proper inspection and reconnection.

· The model of the actuator is unidirectional, or it might be wired for unidirectional operation. We should follow the guideline of the wiring diagram.

· 

Actuator stops at an unwanted position:

· Limit switch may fail. Need replacement.

· Limit switches may be wired in opposite operations. If this happens, we should do a proper inspection & rewire.

Actuator handle oscillates:

· Small use of lubrication. It may obstruct the valve body. We need to lubricate the valve.

The water inside the valve actuator:

· The seal may damage. Greasing the seals is necessary.

Applications of the 24-volt Actuator valve

· Pool and Spa Combinations

· Water Features

· Solar Heating and Cooling

· Wastewater treatment plants

· Power plants

· Refineries

· Mining and nuclear processes

· Food factories

· Pipelines

Pros & Cons of 24 volt DC Actuator Valve 

• Electric power is easy to manage and available to industries & factories. A 24-volt actuator valve is cheaper. It is safer to use also.

• Electric actuator provides positioning accuracy for controlling valve functions.

• Actuator valve reduces wiring costs.

• These actuators can provide high output thrust and torque values.

• Electric actuator valves have complex and sensitive modules.

Actuator valves are electromechanical devices which is helpful in the remote control. Electric valve actuators provide a more energy-efficient and quiet method of valve control. These actuators are capable of swift operation.