Critical Points of Making the Right Selection in Actuated Valve Systems

Endüstriyel tesislerde otomasyonun artmasıyla birlikte aktüatörlü vana sistemleri, proses kontrolünün en önemli bileşenlerinden biri haline geldi. Doğru seçilmeyen bir vana veya aktüatör sistemi; enerji kaybına, üretim verimsizliğine ve hatta ciddi arızalara yol açabilir. Bu nedenle seçim süreci yalnızca ürün tercihi değil, aynı zamanda mühendislik açısından kritik bir karardır.

In this article, we discussed the key points to consider when making the right selection in actuated valve systems.

What are Actuated Valve Systems?

Actuated valve systems are systems that automatically perform a valve’s opening-closing or proportional control movement using an electric, pneumatic, or electromechanical actuator. Thanks to this structure, fluid control can be achieved without the need for human intervention.

These systems are especially used in;

• In petrochemical plants.
• In water treatment systems.
• In power generation plants.
• In the food and pharmaceutical industries.

are widely used.

1. Proper Analysis of the Application Area

The first step in the correct selection process is to thoroughly analyze the environment in which the system will be used, as each industrial process has different requirements.

For example;

• In systems operating at high temperatures, heat resistance is a primary concern.
• In chemical processes, corrosion resistance becomes critical.
• In the food industry, hygienic design is mandatory.

Therefore, before selecting the valve and actuator, the type of fluid, temperature, pressure, and environmental conditions must be clearly defined.

2. Selection of the Correct Actuator Type

Actuators are generally divided into three main types: electric, pneumatic, and hydraulic. Each has different advantages, and the correct selection directly affects system performance.

Electric actuators are preferred in systems requiring precise control, while pneumatic actuators are more suitable for processes that require fast open-close operation. Hydraulic systems, on the other hand, stand out in heavy industrial applications that require high torque.

Incorrect actuator selection not only reduces energy efficiency but also shortens the system’s lifespan.

3. Compatibility Between Valve Type and Actuator

Another critical point is ensuring that the selected valve is fully compatible with the actuator. Different valve types, such as ball valves, butterfly valves, or globe valves, have different torque and movement requirements.

If the torque provided by the actuator is not compatible with the valve’s operating mechanism, the system will either fail to operate or mechanical damage will occur over time. Therefore, torque calculation should not be neglected from an engineering perspective.

4. Importance of Pressure and Flow Values

The system pressure level and flow rate are determining parameters in the selection process. In high-pressure systems, valves with a more durable body structure should be preferred.

In addition, if flow control precision is required, actuated systems that provide proportional control offer a more suitable solution. At this point, not only the on/off function of the system but also its control capability should be evaluated.

5. Energy Efficiency and Operating Costs

In modern industrial facilities, not only performance but also energy efficiency is an important selection criterion. Incorrectly selected actuator systems can lead to unnecessary energy consumption.

Especially in continuously operating facilities, low-energy consumption actuators provide significant cost advantages in the long term. Therefore, in addition to the initial investment cost, the total cost of ownership (TCO) must also be taken into account.

6. Ease of Maintenance and Serviceability

Maintenance processes in actuated valve systems are critical for ensuring long service life. Systems with a modular structure that can be easily disassembled and reassembled reduce maintenance time.

In addition, spare parts availability and technical service support should also be considered during the selection phase. Otherwise, even a minor failure can lead to prolonged production downtime.

7. Integration with Automation Systems

Today, the vast majority of industrial facilities are managed with PLC and SCADA systems. Therefore, the selected actuated valve system must be compatible with the automation infrastructure.

Systems that lack protocol compatibility (e.g., Modbus, Profibus, Ethernet/IP) can lead to integration issues and reduce efficiency.

Conclusion

Making the right selection in actuated valve systems is not just a matter of choosing equipment, but a strategic decision that affects the entire production process. Factors such as proper analysis of the application area, selection of the appropriate actuator type, valve-actuator compatibility, and energy efficiency should all be evaluated together.

A properly selected system not only increases operational efficiency but also provides a significant long-term advantage by reducing maintenance costs.