How to Size a Butterfly Valve Actuator?

If you are managing flow in any type of industrial application, it is vital to find the answer to how to size a butterfly valve actuator. Choosing the right actuator ensures that your butterfly valve always performs well. We offer a wide range of high-quality butterfly valves and are here to provide you with practical tips on sizing butterfly valve actuators.

Learn about butterfly valves and actuators

A butterfly valve is a flow control device used to regulate or isolate the flow of liquids, gases, or slurries. Its distinguishing feature is a disc shaped like a butterfly wing that rotates to open or close the flow.

The butterfly valve actuator is responsible for rotating the disc. Depending on the application, the rotation can be manual or automatic. Correctly sizing the actuator is critical to both the performance and life of the valve.

Why is it important to size a butterfly valve actuator?

Correctly sizing a butterfly valve actuator ensures that it will function properly without excessive wear on the parts. An inappropriate actuator may not be able to perform the valve’s task, resulting in failure, while an oversized actuator will result in increased energy consumption and unnecessary costs.

Key factors to consider when selecting a butterfly valve actuator include:

1. Valve size: The size of the butterfly valve directly affects the size of the actuator. If the pipeline is larger, the size of the actuator should also be larger to ensure that the valve works properly.

2. Working pressure: The pressure of the fluid flowing through the valve is a key parameter that affects the opening and closing force required for the valve. The higher the pressure, the better the performance of the actuator. Choose a pressure-resistant and durable material.

3. What is the state of the fluid? Analyze the state of the substance (gas, liquid, slurry) flowing through the valve and evaluate its viscosity. Changes in the medium will affect the required valve size, which in turn affects the operation of the actuator.

4. Temperature factors: The performance of the actuator depends on temperature conditions.

How to determine the size of a butterfly valve actuator

Step 1: Understand how the valve works. Learn the details of the butterfly valve, such as size, type, and the characteristics of the medium flowing through the butterfly valve.

Step 2: Understand how much force you need to apply to the valve. Torque is the rotational force required to actuate the valve. Torque can be calculated by the following formula:

Torque = Pressure × Area × Distance

Where: Pressure is the working pressure of the medium. Area is the cross-sectional area of ​​the valve. Distance is the straight-line distance from the center of the valve to the point where the actuator applies force.

Step 3: Check the butterfly valve actuator wheel size chart. Based on the calculated torque, check the butterfly valve actuator wheel size chart to select the right actuator for your butterfly valve. The sizing chart will directly answer your questions and help you determine the right actuator for the right torque in a short time.

Step 4: Consider other factors. Remember that the function of the actuator may be affected by other factors, such as the influence of environmental conditions, the need for manual control, and the limitations of the specific installation.

Step 5: Select the actuator. After collecting all the necessary information, select the actuator that best suits your job. The actuator should not only be compatible with the butterfly valve, but also meet or exceed the torque calculation value.

Common Mistakes in Butterfly Valve Actuator Selection

1. Forgetting about flow conditions: Lack of detailed information on flow conditions can lead to incorrect actuator selection. Check not only the type of material, but also the flow rate.

2. Ignoring temperature effects: Ignoring temperature fluctuations can lead to actuator failure. The actuator should be able to withstand temperature fluctuations generated during the process.

3. Failure to consider safety margins: When doing a final check, it is always a good idea to allow for safety margins as there is still a chance that unexpected situations may arise or operating parameters may change.

 Conclusione

Sizing a butterfly valve actuator is a critical step in ensuring efficient flow control in industrial applications. By understanding the key factors involved in butterfly valve actuator sizing, you can make informed decisions that enhance the performance and longevity of your valve systems.

At FUJIAN SPARK VALVE CO., LTD., we provide a wide range of high-quality butterfly valves and actuators designed to meet diverse industrial needs. For more information on our products and assistance with sizing your butterfly valve actuator, contact us today!