Gate valve actuators are mechanical devices used to remotely open and close gate valves, driven by electric motors. These actuators are commonly used in unattended or remote installations. Gate valves are fluid control mechanisms that use a flat, round disc or gate to obstruct or open the fluid flow path. Motorized gate actuators consist of an electric motor and position sensors, and can be controlled remotely or as part of an automated system. They include limit and torque sensors to prevent motor burnout and alert remote operators of failure.
A gate valve actuator is a mechanical device designed to remotely open and close a gate valve. These actuators are known as multi-turn actuators, as it generally takes at least a couple of full rotations of the valve drive stem to fully open or close the gate. Gate valve actuators are driven by electric motors rated to handle the often considerable weight of the gate, plus the thrust forces exerted by the fluid passing through the valve. Actuators are typically used in unattended or remote installations that provide convenient long distance or automated control of single or multiple valve systems. Gate valve actuator systems include varying levels of internal control sophistication, but typically include travel and torque sensors, which shut down the motor when the valve is fully actuated or clogged.
Gate valves are one of the most common fluid control mechanisms in general use and can be found in large numbers across a multitude of different industries. The basic principle of gate valve operation centers around a flat, round disc or gate, which is raised or lowered through guides or channels to obstruct or open the fluid flow path. This action is achieved by turning a nut or stem, which passes through a corresponding nut built into the gate. This causes the gate to travel up and down the lead screw, opening or closing the valve. Rotation of the lead screw can be applied manually via a circular handle or via a motorized gate actuator.
Motorized shutter actuators are in principle quite simple and, at a basic level, consist of an electric motor and a series of position sensors. This type of actuator is commonly known as a multi-turn actuator, as the average gate valve takes at least a couple of full revolutions to operate and can require several hundred rotations depending on the design of the valve. The motors used on a gate valve actuator are typical three-phase alternating current (AC) types rated to comfortably handle the weight of the gate and the pressure of the fluid to which it is exposed. However, single-phase and direct current (DC) motors are sometimes used in specialist applications.
The basic operation of the gate valve actuator is just as simple, with the motor turning the lead screw to raise or lower the gate. The end of travel, or fully open or closed, position is generally indicated by built-in sensors which stop the motor when the end of travel is reached. Cycle activation can be via a remote or local stop/start station, or be part of an automated system. This makes the gate valve actuator an ideal application for unattended installations or those where the valves are located far away from staff stations.
Gate valve actuators can include fairly sophisticated local controls with programmable operating parameters, but more often than not they are quite simple. All, however, will include at least the aforementioned limit sensors and a torque sensor, which will also stop the engine if the valve sticks or clogs. This event generally prevents the motor from burning out and can also alert remote operators of a failure.
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