In this guide we’ll walk you through everything there is to know about actuators.
From the basics of how it works to step-by-step repairs and troubleshooting, you’ll gain a solid foundation of knowledge on how to operate and maintain Kimray’s actuators.
Use the table of contents to skip to different sections of the learning path.
The Valvcon Electric Valve Actuator provides accurate, zero-emission control of control valves and can tie in to a PLC or RTU for remote monitoring.
In this video, Jordan shows you seven things to look for when troubleshooting your actuator:
This may be due to the Valvcon hunting for a signal. To correct this problem, increase the actuator dead band set point by rotating the dial clockwise.
Fully rotate the “Analog Position Control Mode” dial clockwise to confirm that it has been selected.
If this happens, even briefly, the Feedback signal is turned off. More than likely, someone removed the Feedback wires from the terminal block. Connect the wires and then cycle power to reinstate Feedback signal.
Check to see if Energy Save mode has been selected. LED lights are turned off after one minute in Energy Save mode in order to reduce power consumption.
If after calibrating, the valve won’t open to its full potential, the potentiometer may need to be adjusted to achieve its full rotational capacity.
Rotate it a quarter turn clockwise until the LED is solid again.
If you need to use the manual override for any reason, make sure to use the correct tool.
If you attempt to use a crescent wrench, you can damage the sensitive internal parts.
Contact your local Kimray store or authorized distributor to order a handwheel. If you have a newer model, you will need a handwheel with stem attachment.
If you’re on a site where power loss is frequent, and you notice your battery charge doesn’t hold, consider ordering a lithium ion battery.
If any of these problems persists after troubleshooting, you can re-calibrate the actuator to reset the unit. Use these quick tips to make sure your control valves are sized correctly, and production is operating at maximum capacity.
There are seven key factors to consider when selecting an electric valve actuator to help you decide which is appropriate for your operation.
We'll compare these factors in the 3 electric actuator models we offer:
Electric actuators fall into two categories based on their motion—rotary or linear. Neither category is inherently superior; the difference is in how internal components and mechanisms operate.
The Valvcon is a rotary actuator and requires an adapter to convert the rotary motion to a linear motion like on a high pressure control valve stem. It’s ideal for most applications with 1” - 2” valves.
The Tritex II is a linear actuator and actuates in a straight line up and down. However, it also requires a mounting kit that comes in various sizes depending on your valve body.
It is available for all Kimray high pressure control valves from 1”- 4” and can be used on some 6” and larger valves.
Kimray's Electric Actuator is a linear actuator, meaning you can install it directly on a linear globe valve like a High Pressure Control Valve body and the motion will occur along a straight line.
The Kimray Electric Actuator works on all control valve bodies from 1”-10” and is simplified to four options to choose from solely based on the valve body connection size. There is no adapter or mount needed and it is mounted with four bolts into the valve body.
The Valcon has universal voltage and can use 12-48 volts DC or 120-240 volts AC. It also has a lithium-ion battery backup.
The Tritex operates on 12-48 volts DC and does not have battery backup. If there’s a loss of power, it will fail in place. However, it has fail-safe positioning and if a low bus voltage limit is reached or loss of signal is detected, it will move to a desired setpoint position.
The Kimray Electric Actuator operates on 12-24 volts and is equipped with a lithium-ion battery backup, which requires a minimum of 16 volts to charge. If you’re using 12 volts, the battery backup will not be applied.
The Valvcon features 13-second actuation, fully closed to fully open.
The Tritex is capable of being adjusted for up to 5 inches per second of linear stem travel. This is ideal for applications where actuation speed is crucial, but this kind of speed is never used specifically for oil and gas applications.
The Kimray Electric Actuator has actuation speeds of up to 1/2" per second, providing accurate control of both liquid and gas applications.
When needing to open or close a valve off the seat, a consideration for which actuator to use is the thrust force. Larger size valves have more volume, resulting in more pressure on the seat and requiring a higher maximum thrust force.
The Valvcon maximum thrust force is 600 lbf (pounds per foot), and with the Kimray R2L Adapter can reach 1200 lbf.
The Tritex II maximum thrust force is 1700 lbf.
The Kimray Electric Actuator has a maximum thrust of 3200 lbf, making it the best option for larger valves and production volumes. The continuous force is 1500 lbf for lower amp ratings.
The Valvcon carries a Class 1, Div 1 explosion-proof rating, meaning that it is designed to work in areas where ignitable concentrations of flammable gases, vapors, or liquids are likely to exist under normal operating conditions.
The Tritex II has a Class 1, Div 2 rating. The Div 2 rating means that it can operate in areas where those gases, vapors, or liquids are not likely to exist under normal operating conditions.
The Kimray Electric Actuator has Class 1, Div 1 rating.
Regarding user interface, the Valvcon features a user interface board with simple controls. Everything is labeled right on the board, and there is no computer programming involved.
The Tritex II requires a computer to program which adds a level of complexity and specialized training to set up, but also gives the user more custom controls.
One of the great features of the Kimray Electric Actuator is the push-button OLED screen, which allows quick set up and calibration. It can be calibrated on a 2” valve body in approximately 35 seconds.
The Valvcon’s life span under a large pressure differential and high cycle frequency rate is very low.
The Tritex can stand up under a large pressure differential; however, it pulls 9 amps, meaning solar power could be an issue in certain regions.
The Kimray Electric Actuator has overcome these challenges because it’s built with durable components designed specifically for the modern oilfield, and because it only requires 5 amps.
A couple of additional features to consider are temperature control and blockage control.
To speak with an expert about choosing the right actuator for your operation or other zero emission solutions, contact your local Kimray store or authorized distributor.
