A valve actuator connects a handle or a power source to the internals of a valve to facilitate its opening and closing. Manual valve actuators are common. For example, a manual ball valve actuator has a ball with a hole through it at one end. On the other end, the actuator has a handle. Turning the handle rotates the actuator and reorients the ball so the hole aligns or misaligns with the pipes or tubes at either end of the valve.

Many industrial valve actuators are, however, power, rather than manual. Here are questions you should ask when shopping for valve actuators:

1. For power actuators such as electric valve actuators, what type of signal operates the power actuator and what is the voltage of the power source?

2. What are the pressure and temperature ratings?

3. What is the diameter of the valve stem?

4. How long will the valve actuator take to open or close a valve?

5. If the power goes out, what types of fail-safe features does the actuator have?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy a power actuator from quality valve actuator manufacturers and sources

Examples of power actuators include electric valve actuators, as well as the pneumatic valve actuator and the hydraulic valve actuator. These types are high-precision and can easily turn any size valve. Remote signal operation is a common feature in a power valve actuator.

I recommend: Tyco Flow Control carries high-quality hydraulic, pneumatic and electric actuators for heavy industrial applications. Hanbay, Inc. is another option for an electronic valve actuator. Their models generally come complete with the valve attached as one assembly.

Find manual valve actuators for sale

Small valves generally include the actuator in the original assembly, and replacing a worn actuator may not have any advantage over replacing the whole valve. For large valves, however, there are some excellent sources of manual industrial valve actuators.

I recommend: MasterGear has several lines of excellent manual valve actuators, such as the butterfly valve actuator. For manual chain wheels that operate valves in hard to reach places, head to Babbitt Steam Specialty Co..

Repair your power valve actuator

Fixing broken power actuators is often a cost-effective solution. In addition, you may encounter installation difficulties on occasion. There are companies that can help with all aspects of installation, repair and operation.

I recommend: Raritan Valve & Automation, Inc. has 24-hour emergency, on-site valve actuator mounting, repair and testing services, as well as machine shop services. Another option for field service is T&A Valve Industries, Inc..

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you're working with combustible or explosive substances, use valve actuators specifically designed for hazardous applications.