Quarter-turn electric actuator: How to achieve precise fine-tuning of valve opening?

The core of the quarter-turn electric actuator lies in its internal motor, which is the power source of the entire system and is responsible for converting electrical energy into mechanical energy to drive the precision transmission mechanism of the actuator to perform rotational motion. The selection of the motor is crucial. It must not only have sufficient torque output to meet the opening and closing requirements of the valve, but also have a high degree of stability and controllability to ensure the accuracy and continuity of the rotational motion.

In modern industry, commonly used motor types include DC motors, AC motors, and stepper motors. Quarter-turn electric actuators usually use stepper motors or high-precision AC servo motors because they can achieve precise position control and speed control by controlling pulse signals. Stepper motors have become the first choice for many applications due to their high positioning accuracy and low cost under open-loop control; while AC servo motors have excellent performance in applications that require higher control accuracy due to their high dynamic response and high-precision tracking performance under closed-loop control.

The rotational motion of the motor needs to be converted into the opening or closing action of the valve through a precision transmission mechanism. The transmission mechanism inside the quarter-turn electric actuator usually includes components such as reduction gearbox, worm gear, lead screw nut, etc. The precision design and manufacturing of these components are the key to achieving the fine-tuning function.

The reduction gearbox is used to reduce the rotation speed of the motor and increase the output torque to meet the torque requirements for opening and closing the valve. The worm gear mechanism ensures the stability and reliability of the valve during opening or closing with its self-locking characteristics and high transmission ratio. The lead screw nut mechanism is used to convert the rotational motion into the linear motion of the valve stem to achieve precise opening and closing of the valve. The precise matching and manufacturing accuracy of these transmission components determine the control accuracy and response speed of the actuator during the fine-tuning process.

The fine-tuning function of the quarter-turn electric actuator is the key to its high-precision control. Through the internal sensors and controllers, the actuator can monitor the actual opening of the valve in real time and compare it with the preset control parameters or real-time feedback signals. Once a deviation is detected, the controller will immediately adjust the output torque and rotation speed of the motor to drive the transmission mechanism to make subtle adjustments to the opening of the valve.

The realization of the fine-tuning function depends on advanced sensor technology and control algorithms. The sensor is used to monitor the valve opening, position, pressure and temperature of the fluid medium in real time, and provide accurate information to the controller. Based on this information, the controller combines the preset control strategy and algorithm to calculate the torque and rotation speed that need to be adjusted, and transmits these control signals to the motor through the drive circuit. This process realizes continuous, smooth and precise control of the valve opening, ensuring the stability and efficiency of the process.

The application value of quarter-turn electric actuators in industries such as petrochemicals, electricity, and water treatment is self-evident. In the petrochemical industry, precise valve control is essential to maintain the stability of the process and prevent safety accidents such as leakage and explosion. Quarter-turn electric actuators have become the preferred control equipment in these industries with their high precision, high reliability and high stability.

In the power industry, valve control plays an important role in regulating steam flow, controlling the load of generator sets, and protecting the safe operation of equipment. Quarter-turn electric actuators can achieve precise control of steam valves to ensure stable operation and efficient power generation of generator sets.

In the water treatment industry, valve control is also essential for regulating water flow, controlling water quality, and protecting pipelines and equipment. Quarter-turn electric actuators can achieve precise control of equipment such as pumps and valves, ensuring the stability and efficiency of the water treatment process.