White Paper: Intrusive vs. Non-Intrusive Electric Actuators: Which option is right for your installation?

Modern electric actuators offer a wide range of technologies and features, from basic motor controls to sophisticated electronic controls. Many choices are available, since no single design or feature set meets the needs of every application.

Actuators are motorized gear drives that control the operation of multi-turn valves, slide gates and dampers; or quarter-turn valves and dampers. Some actuators, including those compared in this paper, use electricity as a power source. Other types of actuators, such as those powered by hydraulic fluid or pneumatic pressure, are not addressed in this paper. Applications vary, requiring the user to select some form of actuator control system. Typical control systems range from simple electro-mechanical controls found in intrusive actuator designs, to solid-state electronic controls found in non-intrusive designs.


Mead O'Brien
https://meadobrien.com
(800) 892-2769


The StoneL Axiom AN Discreet Valve Controller


The Axiom AN by StoneL an advanced performance, discreet valve controller for quarter turn actuators integrates both state of the art monitoring and robust pneumatic control for use with most on-off automated valves.

The AN was designed for exceptional reliability, universal suitability for most standard control and actuator interfaces, while integrating user friendly advanced technology. This new Axiom platform delivers incredible value over the lifetime of automated valve installations.

The Axiom AN, and all Axiom platforms, undergo extensive crucible and field beta testing, so you can be assured of trouble free performance in harsh conditions and hazardous applications. These tests include a full battery of mechanical, electrical and pneumatic tests, taking place over at least one year. The objective is to accelerate severe process environment conditions so they can assure trouble-free performance over at least one million cycles of operation, and an extended period of time.

Testing is performed internally at the StoneL manufacturing site by independent third party testing organizations, and by nationally recognized hazardous location test labs. Upon successful completion of this testing program, you can be assured of reliable performance in your most challenging process environments. Since we are confident that you will enjoy consistent, reliable performance for many years, the Axiom AN is covered by a comprehensive five year warranty. This warranty covers all mechanical parts and electronics from defects in materials and workmanship five years from the date the unit ships from the factory.

The Axiom AN advanced performance features include an impact resistant, vapor tight Lexan cover, which stands up to most corrosive and heavy washed down environment. The universal pilot, still annoyed, operates with all voltage levels and is suited for temperatures ranging from -40 to 176 degrees Fahrenheit as standard. The switches have touch settings to lock in the limit switch position, and are fully solid state without any mechanical seals. The high flow pneumatic valve offers exceptional tolerance to dirty air and will operate over one million cycles. The larger mechanical visual indicator and brighter electronic high intensity LEDs offer incredible visibility of valve status in dark or brightly lit plant environments.

Like all of the StoneL electronic modules, the Axiom AN C module is fully potted and sealed, preventing contamination from residual moisture and contaminants. The manifold mounting pad attaches directly to most VDI/VDE actuators and features an adjustable spring return or double acting actuator setting for fast field configuration, and a standard re-breather capability that diverts low pressure pneumatic supply air to keep contaminants from damaging the actuator.

And like all Axioms, the AN features a magnetic drive system that provides exceptional long life.

The field proven magnetic drive system offers the most reliable, wear resistant operation on the market.  Lateral and vertical shaft movement created by actuator wear has no detrimental effect on the AN drive. There are no seals or bushings to bind. As a result, you can be assured of millions of trouble-free operations. Axiom AN pneumatics feature a standard 5-way, 2 position configuration. Choose from single coil, spring return spool for failing to a predetermined position, or dual coil, shuttle spool for fail in last position.

Like all of StoneL's valve point platforms, the AN was designed to be space efficient by minimizing head room above the actuator and fitting within the actuator dimensional footprint. Mounting kits are designed to adapt the AN to VDI / VDE conforming actuators, as well as most other quarter turn pneumatic actuators. StoneL will design and fabricate kits for your specialized applications on request. Each mounting kit contains manifold, drive coupler, and fasteners for your specific actuator. Kit fasteners and couplers are standard in stainless steel. The mounting manifold is made of anodized and epoxy coated aluminum the same material as the Axiom housing. Please note that the AN mounting manifold is not interchangeable With AMI or AX Axiom platforms.

You can remotely access your automated valves from up to 50 meters when you install the Axiom AN with StoneL's proprietary wireless link app, featuring Bluetooth technology with DEVICENET or AS interface protocols.

For more information about the StoneL Axiom AN, contact:
Mead O'Brien
https://meadobrien.com
(800) 892-2769