Showing posts with label Kinetrol. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kinetrol. Show all posts

More Kinetrol Vane Actuators Hard at Work!

Here is a another short video of Kinetrol pneumatic vane actuators taking on some of the toughest industrial valve and damper applications.

Kinetrol engineered the first rotary vane actuators in 1958. The rotary design is based upon a single moving part which eliminates additional parts required to convert linear motion to rotary motion. This simple and innovative design provides a highly accurate and extremely reliable actuator for operating valves, drives and dampers, and is perfectly suited for the most demanding process control control applications.

For more information visit http://www.kinetrolusa.com or call 972-447-9443.


Actuator Sensor Interface for Kinetrol Vane Actuators

AS Interface
Kinetrol AS Interface
Devices conforming to the AS interface (Actuator Sensor interface) set of open specifications are used to make up control systems based on a two-wire communication cable known as a bus. Up to 31 actuators and sensors (“slaves”) can be connected to the AS interface bus, and can be controlled or monitored by means of a digital signal sent via the bus to and from a “master” device (which can be a computer or a PLC).

The slave devices will always function in response to commands sent by the master device, either to actuate, or to return a message reporting the value of a sensed variable, or both. The AS interface 2.1 specification allows 31 slave devices to be powered by a DC voltage fed into the same two-cable wire used as the communication bus, with allowed power consumption adequate to drive the slave plus a standard pneumatic solenoid valve. Under extended addressing, a maximum of 62 slave devices can be connected via one bus, but specified limits on device capacitance make this applicable only to systems with limited numbers of solenoid valves, or with a special scheme to get round the limit (see overleaf).

An AS interface bus can be used as the final field link in a more complex hierarchy of devices making up a large plant-wide control system. Actuators and sensors must often be installed in unprotected environments where conditions can be demanding; the AS interface bus is ideal for using as the link between these field devices and the “indoor” equipment making up the upper part of the control system.

AS interface is well suited to on/off control and monitoring, and is a good choice when a simple economical, reliable and robust solution is required to control and monitor a series of actuators and sensors in a process control or machine application. Kinetrol’s AS interface Universal Limit Switch Box is designed to meet all of these requirements.


The Kinetrol AS interface circuit board is fitted inside a standard actuator-mounted Kinetrol Universal Limit Switch Box (2 or 4 entry), so that the actuator (and up to 30 others like it) can be controlled, monitored and powered directly via a single two-conductor digital communication cable (or bus), using the open AS interface 2.1 standard. All the advantages of the limit switch box (all-metal construction, corrosion resistant, up to IP67 sealing, easy connection, easy setting of limit switch strikers etc - see KF487 literature) combined with the highly specified AS interface circuit to give unique levels of practicality, genuine industrial quality, and use-anywhere adaptability.

See thr full feature set and documentation below.

Why Vane Actuators Outlast and Outperform Rack & Pinion and Scotch Yoke Designs

Kinetrol vane actuators perform
Kinetrol vane actuators perform
in the toughest applications.
Due to the use of gears, slides, pins, and yokes, rack & pinion and scotch-yoke design actuators are less reliable than Kinetrol vane actuators.

Kinetrol's design is based upon a single moving part, which eliminates additional parts required to convert linear motion to rotary motion. This simple and innovative design provides a highly accurate and extremely reliable actuator for operating valves, drives and dampers, and is perfectly suited for the most demanding process control control applications.


For more information, visit http://www.kinetrolusa.com

Kinetrol P3 On/Off Positioner

Kinetrol P3 On/Off positioner
Kinetrol P3 On/Off Positioner

The Kinetrol P3 On/Off positioner consists of an electronic positioning circuit mounted in a robust all-metal enclosure, which controls a 1⁄4-turn rotary pneumatic actuator via standard on-off solenoid valves direct-mounted on the actuator’s own interface.

The P3 circuit is designed so that its assembly can be mounted inside a standard Kinetrol limit switch box (either ULS-type, or explosion proof XLS-type), using only two screws. The P3 assembly is complete with feedback potentiometer and anti-backlash gear drive, which engages with gear teeth on the limit switch coupling to read the actuator’s position. The limit switch coupling complete with gear teeth needs to replace the standard coupling if a standard box is being retrofitted with a P3.

The positioner circuit is powered by the mid-point input voltage. It functions by comparing the actual mid-point position (read by the feedback potentiometer) with the set position (set via an on-board preset, or a remote preset, or a remote 4-20mA signal). The positioner circuit uses its solid-state switched outputs to power solenoid valves which drive the actuator towards the position where the set position corresponds with the actual position. When it gets there, the solenoids are switched to hold that position.

Kinetrol P3 On/Off positioner
 Need More Information?
Contact Kinetrol USA at
or call 972-447-9443.

The positioner circuit incorporates a unique power supply allowing it to be powered by any of 24vDC, 48vDC, 115vAC or 230vAC, 50/60 Hz, without the need for any change. The supply maintains full isolation of the low voltage control circuit from the power input line (up to 5Kv). Switching of the solenoid valve outputs is achieved through opto-isolated solid state switches which operate at all the above voltages – only the solenoid coils themselves need to be adapted specifically to the supply voltage. The use of solid state switching avoids any limitations on relay contact life.

Double acting models are available as fail-free (standard), fail-down (moves clockwise on loss of electrical power if air supply is still present) and fail-hold (holds position on loss of electrical and / or air supply) variants. Spring return models move in the direction of the spring on loss of electrical failure, but hold position on loss of air. An external pressure switch (which cuts electrical power on loss of air pressure) should be fitted by the customer if spring function is required on loss of air and / or electrical power.

An optional angle retransmit (AR) circuit can be retrofitted by plugging it into the top of the positioner circuit and fixing with three screws. The AR circuit is a 2-wire loop-powered 4-20mA device, which reads the position of the positioner’s feedback pot. It is fully functional whether or not the positioner circuit is powered, and the feedback signal is electronically isolated (ie. floating) relative to the low voltage positioner circuit (which in turn is electrically isolated from the power supply and solenoid connections).

Extra solid-state switches have been incorporated on the positioner board to allow supply to both solenoid valves via a single cable for movement to the upscale position when the positioner is in spring-return or fail-down mode, while still allowing the positioner to control the two valves independently for the mid position. If the mid-position input is energised, then these extra switches isolate the solenoids from the upscale/downscale inputs.

The three power input lines (for up, mid, down positions) are independently fused using plug-in miniature fuses on the positioner circuit board.

External connections are made via a multi-option connector board, which allows simultaneous connection of up to four changeover limit switches, three control supply inputs plus neutral/negative, and a single low-voltage signal. This connector board, like the positioner circuit assembly, mounts in either the standard ULS or XLS box using two screws.

If an angle retransmit circuit is fitted using the low voltage signal terminal, optional 4-20mA inputs or external setpoint pot wires can be connected either directly to the terminal block on the positioner circuit or, if only three or less limit switches are in use, relayed through an unused limit switch terminal on the connector board.

The limit switch box is fitted with a ground terminal which must be connected to a suitable external ground.

Industrial solenoid valves which permit the use of standard quality air supplies (instrument quality air is not required) are direct-mounted on adaptor blocks on the side of the actuator, and electrically connected via steel-armoured flying leads with DIN sockets on the solenoid end. At the positioner end, they connect to two 2-way terminal blocks on the circuit board. A range of solenoid valve options are available, determined by the function required, the supply voltage, and whether or not the unit requires hazardous area certification. 

KEY FEATURES
  • Robust modulating actuator, control tolerant of standard air quality (instrument air quality is not necessary).
  • Three position rotary control using only three electrical inputs plus air supply.
  • Two endstop positions + adjustable mid position anywhere in angular range of actuator (90 or 180°).
  • Control circuit mounts inside standard all metal industrial quality Kinetrol ULS or XLS limit switch boxes without disturbing limit switches – available fully assembled, or (on non-explosion proof models only) for user retrofit to existing boxes.
  • Direct mounting onto full range of Kinetrol 1⁄4 turn actuators. Namur mounting options available.
  • Uses direct-mounting standard solenoid valves outside box to position actuator.
  • Easy adjustment of mid position set point by switch–selectable choice of methods: on-board pot, remote pot or 4-20mA input signal.
  • Explosion proof options available (approved to IECEX, ATEX; FM (for USA & Canada) standards pending) by use of XLS housing plus standard explosion proof solenoid valves.
  • All new positioner circuit – runs on any of 24vDC, 48vDC, 115vAC or 230vAC power without any change required.
  • Solid-state universal-voltage solenoid switching – no mechanical contacts.
  • Three separate on-board mains fuses for three inputs.
  • Switchable selection of mid-point setting method (on-board preset, remote preset, remote 4-20mA signal).
  • Switchable selection of double acting or spring return operating mode.
  • Power input isolated from signal inputs and outputs for all voltage options.
  • Moulded reinforced plastic internal circuit cover for insulated safety.
  • Positioner has user-adjustable zero, span, deadband and damping parameters via preset pots for easy optimization of positioning performance.
  • Damping parameter gives velocity-proportional setpoint advance to allow better stabilization of fast-moving or high inertia loads while maintaining resolution and repeatability.
  • Retrofittable isolated loop-powered 4-20mA angle-retransmit circuit available – just plugs in inside same enclosure – with its own user-adjustable zero and span presets.
Need More Information?
Contact Kinetrol USA at
www.kinetrolusa.com
or call 972-447-9443.

Kinetrol EL Positioner Option: Special Characteristic for Butterfly Valve Linear Flow Control

EL Positioner
EL Positioner

EL positioner option: Special characteristic to give butterfly valve control for linear valve flow vs. input signal.

Upon request Kinetrol can supply a positioner fitted with a circuit that will provide an output characteristic to suit a butterfly valve. By replacing the standard circuit (with 10 non-linear and one linear control response curves) by one containing a microprocessor programmed with 10 different non-linear curves and one linear, the valve can be controlled to give optimum flow control with a butterfly valve.

In general the pressure drop across a valve will change as the valve opens, and this changes the flow/valve position characteristic. The five solid line curves on the graph linearise the response for valve pressure drops which fall to a range of values as the valve is opened fully, see below.

The values below are the pressure drop with the valve full open expressed as a percentage of the pressure drop with the valve closed.
  • Curve -1 for 100% (this should be used to linearize a butterfly valve which is operating with a constant pressure drop)
  • Curve -2 for 30%
  • Curve -3 for 10%
  • Curve -4 for 3% 
  • Curve -5 for 1%
Click on graph for larger view.
Example 

A butterfly valve controlling the flow of a fluid with a 10% constant pressure drop, gives 50% of its fully open flow at an angle of opening of roughly 40 degrees. We would thus recommend the user set the control response to curve -3, here 12mA (half signal) would open the valve to 40 degrees to allow 50% flow rate. The user can select one of the eleven pre-programmed curves by going into SETUP mode.

Kinetrol Series 180 - 189 Actuator Spring Removal Replacement Instructions

Kinetrol Spring Return Actuator
Kinetrol Spring
Return Actuator
Spring removal/replacement instructions for 180/189 spring return actuators.

For more information, visit www.kinetrolusa.com or call 972-447-9443.

Kinetrol Clear Cone Monitor & Solenoid Valve Cut Sheet

The optional Clear Cone provides all round high visibility position monitoring on all limit switch boxes and positioner models. A red/green colour coded monitor is sealed inside a robust, clear polycarbonate cover. Positioner models are marked with black printed legible angle scales.

As an option Kinetrol actuator sizes 03 to 15 can be supplied with integral solenoid valves with NAMUR interface. Air is ported through the actuator body via an adaptor so no external tubing is necessary

See the full cut sheet below:

Short Kinetrol Actuator Application Video

Here's a brief video of Kinetrol actuators applications.

Hear Kinetrol USA's Neil Meredith Interviewed at WEFTEC 2016

Neil Meredith
Neil Meredith
Kinetrol USA's Mid-West Regional Sales Manager Neil Meredith was interviewed at WEFTEC 2016 about Kinetrol products, markets, and opportunities. Take a minute to hear what he says!

WEFTEC®, the Water Environment Federation’s Annual Technical Exhibition and Conference, is the biggest meeting of its kind in North America and offers thousands of water quality professionals from around the world the best water quality education and training available today. Also recognized as the world’s largest annual water quality exhibition, WEFTEC’s massive show floor provides unparalleled access to the field’s most cutting-edge technologies and services.

Kinetrol actuators are widely used in municipal water systems across the United States and are known for their outstanding performance, durability, and extreme high cycle life.


New YouTube Channel Welcome Video

Kinetrol USA is reorganizing and updating its YouTube Channel. Here is the new Welcome video for the channel.



To see all Kinetrol YouTube videos visit https://www.youtube.com/c/Kinetrolusa1

Installation, Operation & Maintenance Instructions for Kinetrol Rotary Actuator: Double Acting & Spring Return Models

The Kinetrol rotary vane actuator is based upon a single moving part that converts linear motion to rotary motion. Since 1958 it has been a true workhorse solving the most demanding valve actuation applications. Millions of actuators are used around the world operating valves, drives and dampers with flawless performance.

As a matter of convenience and support, we are posting the general Kinetrol actuator IOM here for future reference.


Tighter Boiler Emissions Control with Pneumatic Vane Actuator Damper Drives

pneumatic damper drive
Pneumatic rotary vane damper drive.
In order to ensure efficient, reliable, and safe boiler operation, it is critical to accurately control the flow of the boiler's combustion air and flue gas. Poor control of airflow results in inefficient burning (wasting money), erratic cycling, flame-outs and even the possibility of toxic and hazardous emissions. In order to reduce the likelihood  of these situations, accurate airflow control is critical.

In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency's introduction of the MACT (Boiler Maximum Achievable Control Technology) Rule requires operators to institute maintenance procedures annually or bi-annually in an effort to force plant operators toward compliance. This strict new legislation has a large impact on how companies' control their emissions from industrial boilers, process heating systems and furnaces. 

pneumatic damper drive uses in plants
Typical drive applications and designs
(click for larger picture).
Industrial boilers use dampers and louvers to control the quantity of air admitted to the furnace. Tighter boiler draft control significantly improves combustion. Any improvement in controlling the position of the dampers and increasing the positioning speed improves boiler efficiency. Damper operation needs to be precise and fast for the accurate control. 

There are an estimated 15,000 boilers, furnaces, and process heaters running in the USA, and many are using an outdated primary component to control their lovers and dampers - the electric damper drive. Electric damper drives utilize motors and gear-boxes to move and position flue gas and combustion gas dampers. However, because of the inherent movement (sometimes referred to as hysteresis) between gears, linkages and other assorted mechanisms, these drives may not provide the accuracy, power, or signal response time required for optimum control.

Enter the pneumatic vane actuator damper drive. Pneumatic vane actuator drives are a newer, but still proven, method to provide high speed, accurate, and continuous modulation of air dampers for precise control. Replacing outdated electric damper drives with fast acting, pneumatic rotary vane damper drives offers measurable improvement to burner efficiency and cleaner emissions.

Switching out electric drives with their better performing pneumatic cousins is fairly simple. Downtime is not an issue.  The old drive footprint, lever positions, connecting rods, and operational envelop are considered with every design. Any existing mechanical or electrical connection placements are matched. Since the new drive mates to all existing mounting and connections, and the envelope size is typically smaller, installing the pneumatic drive is usually a matter of pulling the old one out, and dropping the new one in.

At the heart of the pneumatic damper drive is the stalwart pneumatic rotary vane actuator. With hundreds of thousands of these devices operating in the toughest process applications around the world, their reputation is well earned. These actuators are known for their incredibly long life, ability to withstand very high cycle rates, and smooth “bump-less” control. They are also designed to handle high ambient temperatures, high vibration, and very dusty environments, typical of where boiler dampers are located. Additionally, rotary vane actuators are available with direct mount pneumatic and electro-pneumatic positioners, manual overrides, network communication modules, limit switches, and spring modules. The direct mount design eliminates external brackets and coupling, and keeps the overall package size small.

Pneumatic vane actuator damper drives are a significant improvement over traditional electric damper drives. They provide fast response to input signal changes, very accurate positioning, a reduction in plant air consumption, and they lower fuel consumption. Engineers tasked with increasingly rigorous boiler emissions requirements must consider pneumatic vane style drives as a compelling alternative to the electric drive. They truly are an example of better form, fit, and function.

Bulk Material Handling Diverter Valves Choose Vane Actuators for Reliability and Compactness

Kinetrol diverter valve
2-Way Diverter with
Kinetrol Actuator
A diverter valve is used in a pneumatic conveying system to “divert” material being conveyed to two or more different destination locations.  Because diverter valves are directly in the flow of bulk material on a pneumatic conveying system, operating conditions for the valve and actuator can be severe. Requirements vary from application to application, but in general diverter valves must be constructed from very durable materials and with few moving parts. Same goes for the pneumatic actuator driving the valve. Because of the materials and conditions, the actuator must be able to endure high cycle rates, dusty atmospheres, and high vibration over long periods of time.

Kinetrol diverter valve
Dense Phase 2- Way Diverter
with Kinetrol Actuator
Pneumatic actuators are frequently used on conveying systems because they are operated pneumatically and eliminate additional installation and safety concerns required by electric operators. The actuator is used to rotate a stainless steel shaft and arm to either the bypass (straight through), or divert (90 Deg.) position.

The durability of the vane type pneumatic actuator, along with its compact design and simplicity, continues to win over the hearts and minds of diverter valve manufacturers.   The vane actuator's reliability is attributed to one significant advantage over rack & pinion, piston, and scotch yoke actuators - the vane actuator has only one moving part.

Not all vane actuators are created equal however. Some manufactures have compromised their performance and reliability by taking design short-cuts, such as eliminating high quality coatings, and eliminating important features, such as high tolerance machining and stainless steel internals.

Kinetrol diverter valve
Stainless Steel 2-Way Diverter
with Kinetrol Actuator
This isn't the case with the manufacturer Kinetrol however. Kinetrol invented the original pneumatic vane actuator back in the 1950's and has since continually improved its design. Understanding the value of the single moving part concept, Kinetrol has engineered quality into each component of the actuator. This attention to engineering detail has established Kinetrol vane actuators as the pneumatic actuator of choice for bulk material systems and diverter valve manufacturers.

Spring Return "Deadman" Handles: Certainty of Valve Position When Unattended

Spring Return Handle
Spring Return Handle on Ball Valve
If you want to operate a valve manually, but maintain the advantage of the fail-safe spring’s certainty of position when unattended, check out the Kinetrol's spring return handle.

This uniquely designed manual operator offers some compelling advantages in automating valves and provides additional levels of plant safety.

Spring return (also known as "deadman") handles will help you meet individual plant safety requirements as well as and OSHA requirements for valves that must return to the closed position after operation. Different from lever handle or gear operators which will leave the vale in the last position, the spring return deadman device ensures that the handle will always be driven to its original starting position by the associated spring.

Unique Features Include:
  • Manual unit cannot be left in the wrong position
  • Reliable torque delivery for valve reseat
  • Fire fail-safe option, for fail-safe manual operation of valves
  • Clockwise or counter clockwise 90° spring action 
  • Spring housing sealed to IP65 to protect from internal corrosion
  • ISO5211 female drive & ATEX Category 2 approved options available forKinetrol actuators 02, 03, 05 and 07

Troubleshooting & Set Up Guide for Kinetrol EL Positioners

Kinetrol EL Positioner
Kinetrol EL Positioner
The Kinetrol EL Positioner operates by modulating the percent opening / closing of a valve or damper by converting an electrical signal to a pneumatic output, which in turn, regulates the position of a pneumatic actuator.

In terms of response and accuracy, the EL Positioner is arguably one of the best electro-pneumatic positioners in the world,  particularly when used in tandem with a Kinetrol vane actuator.

The document below provides an illustrated troubleshooting and set-up guide for the EL electro-pneumatic positioner and is available to support the all the units installed in chemical, petro-chemical, water treatment, power generation and other applications across the world.

Vane Actuator Compact Size, Power, and Smooth Control Perfect for Ergo Arms

An industrial ergonomic manipulator (also know as ergo arms, articulating arms, articulating jib arms, and lift assist devices) are lifting assistance devices used to help workers lift, maneuver, and place items that are impossible to safely lift themselves. Factors that usually determine the need for an “ergo arm” are item size, weight, or temperature. Different from vertical lifting equipment such as cranes and hoists, ergonomic manipulators can control the pitch, roll or spin of an items for proper placement.

The Kinetrol vane actuator is an ideal pneumatic drive for industrial ergonomic manipulators because of their compact size, powerful torque output, and exceptionally smooth control.



For more information contact Kinetrol USA
1085 Ohio Drive
Plano, Texas 75093

(972) 447-9443 phone
(972) 447-9720 fax
sales@kinetrolusa.com

Kinetrol Actuators on Thermoplastic Valves

Kinetrol Actuator on Thermoplastic Valve
Kinetrol Actuator on
Thermoplastic Valves
Thermoplastic valves are becoming the material of choice for more and more chemical process applications. Benefits are numerous: affordable cost, ease of installation, superior chemical resistance, abrasion resistance, light weight, ability to meet high purity standards, and long life expectancy.

The thermoplastics used for valves include Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS), Glass Fibre Polypropylene (GRPP), Anti-Static Polypropylene (ASPP), and Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). Plastic valves are proving themselves time and again in commercial and industrial applications such as wastewater treatmentwater distribution, primary metalsfood and pharmaceuticalschemical processing, power generation, and oil refineries.

For example, many chemicals used to treat drinking water and wastewater use plastic valves because they stand up to the caustic and aggressive chemicals such as sodium hypochlorite, sodium hydroxide, sodium bisulfite, hydrofluosilisic acid and potassium permanganate.
Kinetrol Actuator on Thermoplastic Valve
Kinetrol Actuator on
Thermoplastic Valves

In the high purity industries such as the semiconductor industry, fluoropolymer valves are required for aqueous chemicals, solvents and slurries.  In these applications chemical contamination must be less than 100 parts per trillion (ppt) total contamination from the entire piping system (including valves, fittings, tubing, filters and instrumentation). Other ultra-pure application examples are microelectronics, medical devices and pharmaceutical production.

Thermoplastic valves are sensitive to temperature changes and experience a higher degree of thermal expansion and contraction than their metal counterparts, but most agree the advantages far outweigh these concerns.

The key to actuating plastic valves is like any other valve system - understanding the operating requirements of system. It's important to remember that since most plastic valves are used on corrosive media, there's a fair chance the actuator may be exposed to corrosives as well. Effects on the actuator housing, internal parts, and any springs have to be considered. In most cases the actuator will have to be specially coated or come with a corrosion-resistant epoxy finish. Kinetrol actuators fit the bill as they come standardly with an epoxy stove enamel finish and stainless steel internal and external hardware, and Kinetrol spring units are totally sealed from the atmosphere, protecting the spring element and assuring long life.


Kinetrol Actuators on Dilute and Dense Phase Conveying Diverters

kinetrol on diverter valves
Kinetrol actuator on dense phase diverter valves
Pneumatic conveying systems transfer powders, granules, and other dry bulk materials through an enclosed horizontal or vertical conveying line. Pressure differential and air flow is the motive force in pneumatic conveying. Through control of pressure or vacuum and the airflow inside the conveyor, the system can successfully move material.

Pneumatic conveying systems are classified into two types by their operating principle: dense phase and dilute phase.

The most common is dilute phase pressure conveying. Used for powders or granules, and most often with non-abrasive, non-fragile materials that have a light bulk density. Common examples are plastic granules, sugar,  flour, corn starch, activated carbon, zinc oxide, hydrated lime, and sodium bicarbonate. Dilute phase vacuum conveying is for materials that compress under pressure, for toxic materials, and are conveyed over short distances at low capacities.

kinetrol on diverter valves
Kinetrol on diverter valves
Dense phase pressure conveying is best for conveying fragile or abrasive materials over long distances. Commonly handled materials include feldspar, fly ash, silica sand, alumina, sorbitol, dextrose, carbon black, resins, cocoa beans, nuts, and certain cereals. Dense phase pressure conveying moves materials at a relatively low speed to reduce materials degradation, air consumption, and wear and tear on mechanical systems.

Diverters are used to direct the flow of conveyed material to branch lines. Because they are handling materials such as sand, gravel, whole grains, stone, cement, and coal, the diverter must be designed for handling very abrasive materials and for high cycles. Not only must the diverter be designed for this service, but the pneumatic actuator must also meet theses demanding requirements.

Kinetrol actuators have become the preferred quarter-turn pneumatic actuator for conveying diverters because of their dependability and ability to withstand tough operating environments. Kinetrol actuators are virtually immune to the high vibration, dusty atmospheres and provide years of maintenance free operation.

Kinetrol Actuators in Wood Power Pole Manufacturing

steam valve
Wood treatment steam valve
Wooden utility power poles must be chemically treated to protect against pests, rot, and decay. The manufacturing process to apply the chemicals requires heat, vacuum, pressure, and harsh chemicals.

The pressure treatment process varies everything from full vacuum to prepare the poles to accept the treatment, to positive pressure and elevated temperatures (using steam) to force the chemical treatment into the pole.
pole treatment vessel
Pole treatment vessel






There are three areas where automated valves are required: 

1) Steam control valve
2) Vacuum pump valve
3) Chemical flow control valve

The steam line at one plant was unreliable and very expensive. It was costing the plant about $4000. To help come up with a better, more economical solution, a  Kinetrol USA Distributor was invited in and specified a Kinetrol actuator, positioner and custom brackets for the existing steam line valve. 


wood treatment chemical line
Look carefully to see (2) Kinetrol
Actuators on chemical feed lines.
The retrofit was completed with the new Kinetrol actuator and positioner at a fraction of the previous actuator package cost. The customer was delighted the Kinetrol package gave them better control in a package that was much easier to service. 



KINETROL

FIELD TESTED | APPLICATION DRIVEN

Kinetrol Vane Actuators Replace High Maintenance Pneumatic Cylinders in Water Treatment Plant

Kinetrol Actuator
Kinetrol Rotary Vane Actuator

A Kinetrol USA Western Distributor was told by a water treatment plant operator that two 10" Pratt butterfly valves with cylinder actuators were not working reliably. The valves were okay, but the pneumatic cylinders were a maintenance nightmare. Not only did they introduce far too much hysteresis (slop) in the actuator-to-valve movement, but they also leaked air, and in the winter time had to have a heater placed next to them to keep the cylinders from sticking. The cylinder seals were so poor moisture would penetrate the cylinder and freeze, rendering the actuator unresponsive.

An experienced, application savvy Distributor came to the water treatment plant's rescue. After looking at the application the Sales Engineer specified new butterfly valves and Kinetrol Model 14 double acting actuators, manual gear overrides, AP positioners with I/P, ULS limit switches, angle retransmit, and point-of-use filters.  He knew the Kinetrol actuators would not only eliminate the constant maintenance, but also provide much tighter control.

After 1 year of continuous service, the actuators have performed flawlessly without any downtime. The maintenance crew at the water treatment plant are so pleased they plan on standardizing.

Kinetrol Actuators. Field Tested. Application Driven.

Kinetrol actuators on butterfly valves for water treatment plant
Kinetrol actuators on butterfly valves for water treatment plant.