Rotary Vane Actuators for Corrosive Marine Environments: The Right Choice

Corrosive marine environments present problems for
valve actuators.

Corrosive marine environments such as offshore oil rigs, shipyards, and maritime facilities present special challenges for pneumatic actuators. Proper selection of actuator design is important for long, trouble-free life. Salt-laden dust and high humidity take a harsh toll on the internal and external parts of any industrial equipment if not properly designed and protected. For example, rack & pinion and scotch-yoke actuators are particularly susceptible because of the relative ease of penetrating the actuator and affecting their critical components, such as metallic gears and coil springs. Spring-return rack & pinion and scotch-yoke actuators further complicate the issue because they require the intake and venting of ambient air, along with any contaminants in the air.

Rotary vane actuators, (such as Kinetrol) provide strong immunity to internal corrosion. First, they have no internal gears or springs to corrode. Second, the internal surfaces are coated with a very durable, epoxy enamel finish and all internal hardware is made from stainless steel. Additionally, the “wiping” action of the vane and lip-seals provide a self-cleaning effect that prevents corrosion in the working areas. Finally, unlike rack & pinion and scotch-yoke actuators whose coil springs are bathed in ambient air, (Kinetrol) vane actuators use externally mounted clock type springs that are 100% sealed from ambient air/gasses and are unaffected by corrosive atmospheres.

For any application where corrosion is a problem, such as those in offshore platforms or other marine facilities, engineers should strongly consider rotary vane actuators as the preferred choice for any quarter-turn valve application.

The video below illustrates the difference in construction in actuator types and illustrates the inherent advantages of vane style actuators:

Pneumatic Actuators in Marine Environment (Offshore Rigs)

High density, cramped spots are ideal
for Kinetrol actuators and accessories.

Offshore oil rigs present some special challenges to pneumatic actuator manufacturers. First, the corrosive marine environment takes a harsh toll on the internal and external parts of a typical actuator. Rack and pinion actuators are particularly susceptible.

Because rotary vane actuators, (such as Kinetrol) or their spring units, don't "breathe" ambient air, they have great immunity to internal corrosion. Also, a very durable, epoxy enamel finish and stainless steel hardware provide maximum external protection.

Ideal for corrosive, marine installation.

Another challenge for offshore use is the very limited space available. Facilitation of large scotch yoke actuators, is quite difficult. Actuators such as Kinetrol's compact vane design with integral direct-mount limit switch make it a perfect choice in applications where space is at a premium. In these cramped and below grating installations you want the long maintenance-free life that you can install with confidence for years of service.

Click on images for larger view.

Low maintenance is important
in hard to get to places

Long life where access is a problem.