Limitorque QX Electronic Actuator User Instructions

Limitorque QX

The Flowserve Limitorque QX quarter-turn smart electronic valve actuator continues the legacy of the industry’s state-of-the-art, non-intrusive, multi-turn MX actuator by including an absolute encoder for tracking position without the use of troublesome batteries. The QX design provides enhanced safety and reduced downtime through improved diagnostics, built-in self-test (BIST) features and LimiGard™ fault protection.

The QX design builds on more than 10 years of experience with proven Limitorque MX technology - the first generation double-sealed electronic valve actuator from Flowserve designed to provide control, ease of use and  accuracy. The QX includes all the user-preferred features of the MX in a quarter-turn smart actuator package. It is the only non-intrusive, double-sealed quarter-turn actuator to display the Limitorque brand.

For more information on any Limitorque actuator, visit Mead O'Brien at http://www.meadobrien.com or call (800) 892-2769.

Limitorque QX Electronic Actuator User Instructions from Mead O'Brien, Inc.

A Valve Controller Designed to Operate on All Control Valve Actuators in All Industries

Neles ND9000

Metso's Neles ND9000 is a top class intelligent valve controller designed to operate on all control valve actuators and in all industry areas. It guarantees end product quality in all operating conditions with unique diagnostics and incomparable performance features. ND9000 is a reliable and future-proof investment with Metso FieldCareTM life-time support.

Features

• Benchmark control performance on rotary and linear valves
• Superior diagnostics and data storage capabilities
• Local and remote configuration
• Easy interpretation of diagnostics data
• Efficient mounting program for all types of actuators
• Low power consumption
• Available for HART, PROFIBUS-PA and FOUNDATION Fieldbus networks
• Reliable and robust design
• Device self diagnostics
• On-line, performance and communication diagnostics
• Hot swap support: possibility to install also on valves that are in process with 1-point calibration feature
• SIL 2 approved device

Benefits

• Minimize variability
• Open solution based on FDT technology
• Supports Electronic Device Description Language (EDDL) technology
• Total cost of ownership
• Easy to use
• Open solution
• Product relibilty
• Prevention and prediction

Applications

• ND9000 can be integrated with all major DCS systems
• Mounting kits for any 3rd party actuators
• Remote mounting
• SIL 2 approved
• Marine approved

The Rack and Pinion Style Pneumatic Valve Actuator

Rack & Pinion Actuator
(courtesy of Flowserve Automax)

Three primary kinds of valve actuators are commonly used: pneumatic, hydraulic, and electric.

Pneumatic actuators can be further categorized as scotch yoke design, vane design, and the subject of this post - rack and pinion actuators.

Rack and pinion actuators provide a rotational movement designed to open and close quarter-turn valves such as ball, butterfly, or plug valves and also for operating industrial or commercial dampers.

The rotational movement of a rack and pinion actuator is accomplished via linear motion and two gears. A circular gear, referred to a “pinion” engages the teeth of a linear gear “bar” referred to as the “rack”.

Pneumatic actuators use pistons that are attached to the rack. As air or spring power is applied the to pistons, the rack is “pushed” inward or “pulled” outward. This linear movement is transferred to the rotary pinion gear (in both directions) providing bi-directional rotation.

Visual of rack and pinion
(courtesy of Wikipedia)

Rack and pinion actuators pistons can be pressurized with air, gas, or oil to provide the linear the movement that spins the pinion gear. To rotate the pinion gear in the opposite direction, the air, gas, or oil must be redirected to the other sides of the piston, or use coil springs as the energy source for rotation. Rack and pinion actuators using springs are referred to as "spring-return actuators". Actuators that rely on opposite side pressurization of the rack are referred to as "direct acting".

Most actuators are designed for 100-degree travel with clockwise and counterclockwise travel adjustment for open and closed positions. World standard ISO mounting pad are commonly available to provide ease and flexibility in direct valve installation.

NAMUR mounting dimensions on actuator pneumatic port connections and on actuator accessory holes and drive shaft are also common design features to make adding pilot valves and accessories more convenient.

Fully automated valve with rack
and pinion actuator, solenoid, and
limit switch.

Pneumatic pneumatic rack and pinion actuators are compact and save space. They are reliable, durable and provide a good life cycle. There are many brands of rack and pinion actuators on the market, all with subtle differences in piston seals, shaft seals, spring design and body designs.

For more information on any pneumatic or electric valve automation project, contact:

Mead O’Brien, Inc.
www.meadobrien.com
10800 Midwest Industrial Blvd
St. Louis, Missouri 63132
Phone (314) 423-5161
Toll Free (800) 874-9655
Fax (314) 423-5707
Email: meadstl@meadobrien.com