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Standard Interfaces For
Automated Valve Assemblies |
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Benefits |
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Users have much to gain from the introduction of standard
interfaces between Actuators and Valves, Actuators and Solenoids, and
Actuators and feed back instruments.
Automated Valves have to meet an infinite range of purposes and
environmental conditions. This has led to an equally large number of
Valve automation components. The correct attachment of these components,
one to another, is essential for the efficient functioning of the valve
assembly and it's protection against damage in the field.
Automated Valve assemblies are expensive with over 80% of the total cost
(Fig. I)
in the automation components. They are invariably
installed in large control schemes where reliability and accuracy is the
keynote and the cost of a breakdown is high.
Using standard interfaces leads to lower installation costs, reduces
piping and possible site damage, easier and quicker maintenance and
component replacement. Retrofitting to meet change of circumstances is
promoted as the user is not "locked in" to a particular supplier.
Correct alignment of drives to eliminate wear dead band or malfunction
of the Actuator/Valve drive train is more readily achieved.
These are obvious advantages but the standards need to be applied with
knowledge and care to obtain maximum benefit, to protect expensive
installations and obtain optimum life and efficiency. Hytork®
Valve Automation Centers
use these interfaces and encourage all users to adopt them in their own
interests. |
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ISO
5211 - Interfaces between Valves and Actuators for Quarter-turn Movement |
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ISO 5211 Flange Dimensions *UNC Threads are supplied on Hytork®
Actuators supplied to the USA
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Maximum
torque
transmitted
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Flange type
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"F" diameter
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"A" square
preferred size
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"B" diameter holes
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No. of "B" holes
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Location diameter "C"
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Loca-
tion depth "D"
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Nm
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inch.lbs.
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mm
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inches
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mm
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inches
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mm
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*UNC
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mm
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inches
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mm
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inches
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32
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283
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F3
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36
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1.42
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9
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0.35
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M6
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1/4
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4
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25
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0.98
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3
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0.12
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63
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558
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F4
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42
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1.65
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11
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0.43
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M6
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1/4
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4
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30
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1.18
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3
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0.12
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125
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1106
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F5
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50
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1.97
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14
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0.55
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M6
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1/4
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4
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35
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1.38
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3
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0.12
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250
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2213
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F7
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70
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2.76
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17
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0.67
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M8
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5/16
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4
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55
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2.17
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3
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0.12
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500
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4425
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F10
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102
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4.02
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22
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0.87
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M10
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3/8
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4
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70
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2.76
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3
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0.12
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1000
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8850
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F12
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125
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4.92
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27
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1.06
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M12
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1/2
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4
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85
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3.35
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3
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0.12
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2000
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17700
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F14
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140
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5.51
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36
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1.42
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M16
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5/8
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4
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100
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3.94
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4
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0.16
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4000
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35400
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F16
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165
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6.50
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46
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1.81
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M20
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3/4
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4
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130
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5.12
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5
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0.20
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8000
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70800
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F25
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254
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10.00
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55
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2.17
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M16
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5/8
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8
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200
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7.87
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5
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0.20
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16000
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141600
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F30
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298
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11.73
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75
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2.95
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M20
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3/4
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8
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230
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9.06
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5
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0.20
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This
standard lists the attachment dimensions for the interface between the
Actuator/Valve or the Actuator/lntermediate Bracket/Valve. Brackets are
bolted to the Valve mounting face, thus avoiding the need for keyways or
dowels, as torque transmission is catered for by the compression force
between the two components parts.
The attachment dimensions are listed against a
maximum allowable transmitted torque value and are:
- The pitch diameter, number and size of
attachment screws.
- A location spigot for alignment.
- The Actuator driver and driven Valve
stem/adaptor dimensions.
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Back To Top |
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Indirect Mounting |
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Hytork® Valve automation experience shows that the following
conditions make indirect mounting the preferred option for the majority
of applications.
The standard allows Actuators to be mounted directly on to Valve flanges
without any intermediate bracketry or adaptors. However there are a
number of reasons why it is unlikely that this method will be widely
used, particularly with regard to pneumatic Actuators.
Actuator sizing:
- There is a very wide range of outputs possible
from any one size of pneumatic Actuator. The torque requirement of a
single valve size can vary widely due to different seat materials and
the nature, quality, pressure and temperature of the controlled
medium. Pneumatic Quarter-turn Actuators are designed to operate
safely in the Double Acting mode at the maximum pressure which is
commonly 120 psi (8 bar). However as this pressure is seldom used in
practice, the pressure normally chosen for the attachment features is
the more common line pressure of 80 psi (5.5 bar) but can be as low as
30 psi (2 bar). Comparatively an 80 psi (5.5 bar) Double Acting mode
Actuator will yield about
seven times the end of stroke output of
a similar size of Actuator used in the Spring Return mode at 30 psi (2
bar). However the Actuator must be designed to meet the most severe
condition as the manufacturer has no control over possible usage.
Therefore, the interface on the Actuator will be related to the torque
generated in the Double Acting mode at a stated maximum pressure. (In
the UK members of the British Valve and Actuator Manufacturers
Association (BVAMA) must certify Actuators according to the BVAMA Code
of Practice No 001/1292
for the torque output under stated test
conditions.)
Gland adjustment:
- Some Valves have glands which require access
for adjustment.
Maintenance and safety checks:
- Many plant operators insist on access to
examine Valve Stem Seals and Stem function at frequent intervals and
do not want them obscured.
Figure 3
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Valve line pressure
psi (bar)
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Valve torque inch lbs
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Double Acting Actuator Hytork®
Model Number at various pressures psi (bar)
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Spring Return Actuator Hytork®
Model Number at various pressures psi (bar)
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(Nm)
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40 (2.7)
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60 (4)
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80 (5.5)
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40 (2.7)
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60 (4)
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80 (5.5)
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50 (3.4)
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900 (101)
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425DAG
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280DAG
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185DAG
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680S40
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425S65
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280S80
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100 (6.8)
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1200 (136)
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425DAG
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280DAG
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280DAG
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680S40
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680S65
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425S80
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200 (13.6)
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1600 (180)
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680DAG
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425DAG
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280DAG
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1125S40
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680S65
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425S80
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400 (27.2)
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2500 (282)
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1125DAG
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680DAG
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425DAG
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1370S40
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1125S65
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680S80
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600 (41)
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3400 (384)
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1125DAG
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1125DAG
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680DAG
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2585S40
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1370S65
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1125S80
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This example shows a typical 4" reduced
bore class 300 soft seated ball valve. The chart demonstrates how the
actuator sizes can vary with a single valve size. In the example there
are seven (7) different actuator models which use four different "ISO"
flanges -
F07, F10, F12, F16 |
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ISO 5211
Valve flanges for direct mounting are not universal:
Only a small number of Ball and Plug
Valves currently manufactured provide an ISO Actuator mounting flange
and this is unlikely to change in the short or even the medium term.
Butterfly Valves are perhaps a little more common with this feature.
Cross pressurisation due to Valve Stem Seal
failure: There are recorded cases of
direct mounting where stem Seal failure allowed cross leaks between the
controlled medium and the Actuator The medium can be at high pressure
and will damage the Actuator in extreme cases or cause it to act against
the air pressure or Springs.
Remote mounting is often necessary:
Pipe insulation for high or low temperatures or hazardous controlled
media often require remote access to the automation components for
maintenance purposes.
Valve stems are widely variable:
There are many different sizes
and shapes (Squares, Double DEE, and Keyed) of Valve stems, some for
historical and some for technical reasons. Valve manufacturers are
reluctant to change their designs and ISO 5211 has compromised in
recognising a number of alternatives but at the same time giving
preferred sizes and shapes. It is anticipated and hoped that new Valve
designs will follow these sizes but it is also certain that diverse
stems will persist for many years to come.
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These reasons
explain why, (and Fig. 3 demonstrates in chart form), it is unlikely
that direct mounting of Actuators to Valves will be widely used and
indirect mounting will continue to dominate.
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Low
Quality Materials |
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Poor Quality / Cheap Intermediate Brackets and Adaptors are expensive in
the long run. It is
surprising, but true, that some users will waste their money by paying
high prices for quality Valves and Actuators and then limit their life
and efficiency by having cheap mounting Brackets and Adaptors made and
fitted by inexperienced suppliers.
This can cause side loads, wear,
back-lash, misalignment and even malfunction or failure in extreme
cases.
Hytork® Valve Automation Centers
have WIDE experience in
the design, manufacture and fitting of indirect mounting components and
hold stocks of commonly used items for quick delivery purposes.
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Back To Top |
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Essential Features |
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Essential features for Mounting Brackets
- The Mounting Bracket must be
sufficiently rigid to transmit the given torque without twisting or
imparting side loads or eccentric camming forces on the Actuator and
Valve Stem Bearings.
The whole automated assembly relies on correct alignment and adequate
design to perform its full function efficiently and consistently. The
Actuator drive must position the valve correctly and simultaneously
signal this achievement via the switch box mounted on top of the
Actuator. It follows that as much attention to detail is needed for
mounting Brackets as is given to the selection of the Valve and
Actuator.
Essential features for Adaptors
- The Adaptor fits in the drive train
and compensates for the gap, introduced by fitting the Bracket,
between the Valve stem and the female Actuator drive. Fig. 3 shows how
the Actuator size can vary considerably within a single Valve size and
the Adaptor is used to adapt the Actuator drive to the Valve stem.
Most Actuator drives are female squares but many Valve stems are
flatted (Double DEE) or keyed as well as square. The dimensions for
these alternative drives are given in the ISO 5211 standard.
Some Valve Stems have been made from high tensile material as the
Valve torque requirements have been increased. This avoids major
design changes to the Valve body but they are often smaller than the
ISO 5211 preferred sizes. If the driving component is of material with
a lower bearing stress limit than the stem this can lead to gradual
wear, back-lash and possible failure.
Care in the manufacture of Adaptors is also needed to prevent
eccentricity which can introduce side loads and cause wear and
malfunction to the Valve or Actuator. Users should also be sure that
the Actuator sizing matches the Valve requirements. Too little torque
can lead to incorrect Valve operation, too much may shear the Valve
stem if the valve jams for any reason.
The successful automation of Valves needs knowledge and experience.
Hytork® Valve Automation Centers
bring this
specialisation to the aid of users who are aware of the potentially
high cost of shut down time and the possibility of dangerous incidents
due to inadequate automation design.
(In the UK, The British Valve and Actuator Manufacturers Association (BVAMA)
have issued a Code of Practice No BVAMA 002/0393 entitled valve
Actuator Mounting Kits.)
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The
NAMUR Solenoid Control Valve Interface |
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(Fig.
5). NAMUR is the acronym for the German Chemical Industry Working
Party that produced this standard. - Normen
Arbeitgemeinschaft
fur Mass
Und
Regeltechnik.
This is a specification for a standard interface between pneumatic
Actuators and Solenoid/directional control Valves. This has been
generally accepted by users and manufacturers alike. It provides for
attachment directly to a matching interface on the Actuator and for
direct connection to the pressure supply/exhaust ports.
By adopting this standard the user reduces
significantly the piping and bracketry involved in fitting directional
control Valves. This saves cost and reduces the chances of pipework
being damaged during use. It gives the user the facility to change from
one supplier to another or change the function to match a change of
conditions as all Solenoids ranging from intrinsically safe to normal
non-hazardous conditions can be made using the same interface. |
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Back To Top |
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The VDI/VDE
3845 Auxiliary Equipment Attachment |
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(Fig. 6). The German
organisations Verein
Deutscher
Ingenieure
and the Verband
Deutscher
Electrotechniker
have proposed
a specification for the mounting and drive arrangements for top mounted
auxiliary instruments such as switch boxes and positioners.
This is a useful specification and is being used by many Actuator and
Valve automation equipment manufacturers including
HYTORK® Valve Automation Centers
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Benefits Of Standard Interfaces |
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Standard Interfaces for Automated Valve Assemblies Benefit Hytork®
Customers.
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Back To Top |
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