Electric actuators are vital for operating a wide variety of valves and are used in many industrial applications. Most of these actuators offer a single output speed, which may or may not be the most desirable solution for the needs of a specific application. An alternative is an electric actuator provided with an integral variable frequency drive, which allows various, speed-dependent solutions.

A valve, in its most basic form, consists of a body and an internal moving component (closure element), which shuts off or restricts flow through the valve. To automate that valve, an actuator is added. The best way to understand valve actuation, however, is to begin by exploring the valves they will drive.

For over 100 years, preventing catastrophic failure in the process control industry has been a continuously evolving area of study. To protect life, the environment, reputations and capital investments from compromise, we deliberate over safety and risk in every aspect of a system. As a positive result, systems of designed failure scenarios are strategically located throughout chemical refineries, power plants, floating vessels and offshore rigs. Understanding how process failure modes are achieved and where certain valves and actuation fit into the scenario is key to our efforts.

A few years ago, a major U.S. liquid pipeline company revamped one of its existing refined products pipelines. The pipeline provided a main supply of gasoline, jet and diesel fuel to many growing cities along the route as well as to two military bases. The project was designed to increase both throughput and reliability.