Mitigating Water Hammer in Municipal Water Systems: The Value and Unique Design of Kinetrol's Steadyline Actuators

Water hammer, or hydraulic shock, is a significant challenge in municipal water treatment systems. This phenomenon occurs when a sudden change in water flow velocity—often due to rapid valve closure—creates a pressure surge or shock wave within the pipeline. Depending on pipe material and water temperature, these surges can travel at speeds up to 1,400 meters per second, potentially causing severe damage to infrastructure, disrupting water supply, and compromising water quality.

Fast-closing valves are the primary instigators of water hammer events. An abrupt valve closure instantaneously halts the momentum of flowing water, leading to a pressure spike that can exceed the pipeline's design limits. This can result in burst pipes, damaged fittings, and failed valves, necessitating costly repairs and posing risks to public safety. 

Rotary hydraulic dampers, commonly referred to as dashpots, are silicone filled, vacuum sealed devices, expertly designed to regulate the velocity and smoothness of rotational movements.

Kinetrol's Steadyline actuators offer an innovative solution by combining a standard Kinetrol rotary actuator with an attached rotary dashpot to govern the valve's closing speed. This design leverages the reliability and performance of Kinetrol's established rotary actuators while integrating a specialized dashpot mechanism that precisely controls the actuator's rotational movement during valve closure.

The Steadyline actuator's configuration involves mounting a rotary dashpot directly onto the standard actuator's output shaft. The dashpot consists of a rotor moving within a fluid-filled chamber, where the viscous fluid resists the rotor's motion. As the valve begins to close, the dashpot slows down the rotational speed by absorbing kinetic energy through fluid friction. This controlled resistance ensures the valve closes smoothly over a predetermined period, significantly reducing the risk of inducing water hammer.

Beyond preventing physical damage to the pipeline network, the controlled valve closure provided by Steadyline actuators improves operational efficiency. By mitigating water hammer, the actuators reduce stress on pipes and fittings, extending the lifespan of the entire distribution system.

Implementing Kinetrol's Steadyline actuators can lead to substantial financial savings for municipal water utilities. By preventing infrastructure damage and reducing the frequency of repairs, utilities can allocate resources more effectively and avoid unexpected expenses. 

Kinetrol's Steadyline actuators provide a valuable and practical solution to the challenges water hammers pose in municipal water treatment systems. By integrating a standard rotary actuator with an attached rotary dashpot, these actuators offer precise control over valve closing speeds without compromising reliability or ease of installation. This design not only safeguards the physical infrastructure and ensures efficient water supply system operation but also contributes to maintaining water quality and delivering financial benefits through reduced maintenance costs. For municipalities seeking to enhance the safety and sustainability of their water distribution networks, adopting Steadyline actuators represents a strategic investment in advanced engineering solutions.

Kinetrol USA
https://kinetrolusa.com
972-447-9443

Pneumatic Vane Actuators

A pneumatic vane actuator is a type of pneumatic actuator that uses compressed air to convert linear motion into rotary motion. It consists of a housing, a rotor with a vane that slides within the housing, and a shaft that connects the rotor to the valve or other device being controlled.

When compressed air is supplied to the inlet port of the actuator, it pushes the vanes outwards, causing the rotor to rotate. The rotation of the rotor is transferred to the shaft, which in turn moves the valve or other device. When the compressed air is released from the inlet port, air applied to the return port (or a spring) pushes the vanes back, returning the rotor to its original position.

Industrial pneumatic vane actuators are commonly used in various industrial applications, such as in process control, power plants, and HVAC systems, to control the flow of fluids, air, and gases. They are also used in oil and gas, water treatment, and chemical processing plants.

The advantages of industrial pneumatic vane actuators include their ability to provide precise control, high speed of operation, and ease of maintenance. They are also relatively inexpensive and widely available. Vane actuators are smaller and more compact compared to other types of pneumatic actuators, such as piston actuators, which makes them well-suited for tight spaces. A vane-type pneumatic actuator has only one moving part because it consists of a single vane that rotates within the housing. The vanes assembly is the only component that moves within the actuator, making it more reliable, and it requires less maintenance than other types of actuators with multiple moving parts.

For more information, contact:
Kinetrol USA
https://kinetrolusa.com
972-447-9443

New Model 60 Extends Kinetrol Reliability and Precision to Larger Class of Valves

With a torque output of 356,977 lbf in (pound force inch) at 100 psi., the new Kinetrol Model 60 pneumatic rotary actuators doubles the output capability for Kinetrol actuators. Now, loyal Kinetrol users can get the same precise, long-lasting and trouble free operation for larger valve installations. Prior to the Model 60's introduction, the Kinetrol Model 30, capable of producing 168,000 lbf in, was the largest Kinetrol size available. With the doubling of output torque capability, Kinetrol can now provide better control and longer life to larger ball, butterfly and plug valves. In the past,  shorter life, less reliable scotch yoke actuators were the only option available.



The Kinetrol Model 60 Standard Features Include:

• Double-Acting and Spring-Return options
• 2” Air ports as standard
• Standard working temperature range from -40°F to +176°F
• Angle of travel adjustable from 80 to 100 degrees
• Displaced volume is 6284 in³
• Kinetrol VLS / ULS / XLS Limit Switch Box options
• AP Positioner options
• ATEX Category 2 approval
• Housing: Sand cast aluminum alloy
• Vane & Output shaft: SG Iron, zinc plated
• Shaft bushings: PTFE coated bronze
• Seals: Molded polyurethane
• Seal expenders: Stainless spring steel

For more information, visit this link.
Kinetrol USA
972-447-9443
https://kinetrolusa.com

The Top Five Reasons Why Kinetrol is a Better Choice Than Rack and Pinion Actuators

1. Rotary vane actuators do not convert linear motion to rotary motion, unlike rack and pinion actuators. 

No additional gearing is required and no side loading is transferred to the actuator housing.

2. Vane actuator lip seals are the key for long life. 

The double opposing lip seal design, with stainless steel expanders, provides unmatched service life by using air pressure to improve the actuators seal-to-enclosure contact, and provide a “self cleaning” effect on the epoxy or PTFE internal finish.

3. The elimination of pressure bearing o-ring shaft seals. 

Rack and pinion actuators require shaft sealing o-rings that are exposed to the full supply air pressure used to operate the actuator. These o-rings wear, causing leaks, a drop in efficiency, and wasted energy through air consumption. Vane actuators' double opposing lip seals isolate the supply air pressure from the actuator shaft, requiring only a low friction bearing on the shaft.

4. Rotary vane actuators provide superior modulating accuracy. 

Because of the integral vane and shaft (machine from a single casting), lost motion or hysteresis is reduced dramatically which intern provides much tighter modulation and control. The vane actuators inherent low friction also reduces hunting and sticking.

5. Rotary vane actuator spring return units are designed to be virtually indestructible. 

Using low stress, clock springs reduces spring tension loss and metal fatigue. The housing for vane a actuator springs are sealed from the atmosphere, preventing corrosion of internal parts. Most importantly, these type of spring units provide the lowest torque loss which enables the section of smaller (less expensive) actuators.

Kinetrol USA
https://kinetrolusa.com
972-447-9443

Kinetrol Vane Actuators

Kinetrol manufactures the most comprehensive range of high performance pneumatic double-acting and spring-return rotary vane actuators in the world.

In addition, Kinetrol also manufactures a full range of positioners, limit switch boxes, fail-safe and fire fail-safe spring units, I to P transducers, spring-to-center 90° and 180° actuators, gearboxes and other engineered products from foundry to finished goods in our own ISO 9001-2008 certified factories.

Kinetrol is the inventor of the quarter turn pneumatic vane actuator and manufactures 16 sizes with torque outputs ranging from 8 lb inches to 168,000 lb inches when supplied with 100 psig.

Kinetrol’s exclusive direct-mount modular concept eliminates expensive and unnecessary tubing, fittings, brackets and couplings, which provides virtually hysteresis-free and extremely compact, automated assemblies. Unlike cylinder actuators, Kinetrol’s one piece vane and shaft design move as one resulting in extremely precise modulating and on/off control. Kinetrol actuators use double opposed polyurethane lip seals instead of O-ring seals typically used in quarter turn actuators. Kinetrol’s lip seal design isolates the shaft seal from plant air pressure and also acts as wiper for any foreign material which dramatically extends the service life of these actuators in all applications.

Knock off and copy attempts have come and gone over Kinetrol’s 60 plus year history, but none have come close to Kinetrol’s stellar track record of quality and reliability. Truth is in the performance and Kinetrol actuators have developed the reputation as the most reliable severe service, high cycle actuators the world over since 1958.

Kinetrol USA

https://kinetrolusa.com

972-447-9443

How to Install the Kinetrol AP Pneumatic Positioner

This video describes how to install a Kinetrol AP pneumatic positioner on a Kinetrol vane actuator.

The Kinetrol AP positioner moves an actuator to a position set by a 3-15 psi control signal and holds it there. It is designed to drive a rotary or linear actuator to a position set by a 3-15 psi (0.2 to 1.0 bar) signal and hold it there until the signal changes.

When a signal pressure is applied to the diaphragm it moves the force balance lever clockwise against the tension of the feedback spring. This moves the spool valve, supplying air pressure to one side of the actuator while exhausting trapped air from the other side.

The feedback shaft follows the movement of the actuator and turns the cam counter clockwise, pushing the cam follower and increasing the tension on the feedback spring until it balances the forces on the diaphragm and moves the spool valve to its hold position.

The input signal and desired position is determined by the cam profile. A cam giving 0-90° output movement linearly proportional to a 3-15 psi (0.2-1.0 bar) signal is standard, and almost any desired characteristic can be supplied to order; if it cannot be found in the list of existing options contact Kinetrol.

For more information, contact Kinetrol USA by calling 972-447-9443 or visiting https://kinetrolusa.com.

Why Do Kinetrol Actuators Last So Long?

Kinetrol actuators are known world-wide for their extremely long service life, even in harsh environments. Here are a few reasons why.

KintrolUSA.com
972-447-9443

Words Used to Describe Kinetrol Actuators

The Most Reliable 1/4 Turn Pneumatic Actuator on the Market Today. Period.

For over 50 years Kinetrol has been providing trouble-free valve and damper actuators to the chemical, biofuel, food & beverage, metal, mineral, oil, gas, pharmaceutical, power generation, paper, textile, water, wastewater, and transportation industries.

https://kinetrolusa.com
972-447-9443

The Advantages of Torsion Springs for Pneumatic Actuators

Kinetrol uses a torsion spring
as the motive force for
their actuator spring return.

Torsion springs, or clock springs, are helical shaped springs that exert a torque or rotary force. They are one of the the oldest forms of flat springs and one of the most common type in use today because of their simplicity and reliability.

Torsion (clock) springs posses a natural tendency to expand, producing a cumulative torque that increases as the spring is wound tighter. Both ends of the torsion spring are attached to other, separate components. When one component rotates around the center point of the spring, the spring will increasingly try to return to the original state.  When a torque is applied to a spiral torsion spring, an angular displacement is created between the first and second loading points. The coil then deflects (tightens), and the spring material is placed under stress, which in turn exerts a linear rotational "output" torque.

An internal view of the
 clock spring. You'll note
similarities with the
Kinetrol spring return unit.

Practically speaking, spiral torsion springs allow for lower torque loss, lower torque stress, and much greater reliability for use in valve and damper actuation.

Advantages of the torsion spring:

• High torque delivery per unit of deflection
• Low cost
• Compact
• Reliable
• Adjustable

Pneumatic Actuators Well-suited for Offshore Valve and Damper Applications

Offshore Platform

Offshore oil rigs present special challenges for valve and damper actuators, namely high vibration, limited space, and salt-laden atmospheres.

Corrosion

Corrosion resistant housing
and sealed spring.

Corrosive marine environments takes a harsh toll on the internal parts of actuators. Continuous exposure to salt quickly corrodes the external housing and inevitably enters the actuator and corrodes the internal springs and gears.

Vibration
Constant structural vibration, caused by the dynamic forces generated by compressors, pumps, and engines, leads to poor equipment reliability and eventual failure. Pulsating and shaking forces expedite wear on mechanical connections such as gears and yoke mechanisms, with many gear failures due to resonant vibration.

Space
Oil platform actuators, control valves, safety valves, and piping systems are configured very similarly to their terra firma cousins, with the major difference between land and platform equipment being reduced weight and size. Space is at a premium and it is critical to keep equipment as compact as possible.

Single moving part.
No gears or yokes.

A Better Alternative for Marine and Offshore
Kinetrol rotary vane actuators provide an excellent solution, well-suited for off-shore and marine applications. A durable epoxy stove enamel finish and corrosion resistant zinc (non-incendive) or aluminum alloy case protect the actuator from the harsh environment.

Size comparison for similar output.

The integral vane/shaft casting (a single moving part) and space filling/energy absorbent sideplates (polymer or metal) protect the actuators from the vibration, shaking, and shock.

Finally, Kinetrol vance actuators only require 1/3 to 1/2 the required installation space of similarly equipped rack and pion actuators.

For more information, contact Kinetrol USA by visiting https://www.kinetrolusa.com or calling 972-447-9443.

Kinetrol USA Wishes the Food and Beverage Industry a "Blue Christmas"

Kinetrol's Neil Meredith standing
next to Kinetrol's "Blue Christmas Tree"
(all the various size Blueline actuators
stacked on top one another.)

Kinetrol USA thinks this Christmas should be "blue" for the foodservice and beverage processing industry. Not blue in the sense of Elvis' sad song, but rather blue in the sense of the new "Blueline" series actuator.

Finally, food and beverage producers have access to the excellent performance of the Kinetrol rotary vane actuators specially coated for use in the harsh wash-down environments common in the food industry.  These actuators comply with the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FDA) and all applicable regulations, including 21 CR 175.300 (Code of Federal Regulations).

The actuators are intended to be installed in areas where harsh chemical wash-down is required. These areas are very tough on most types of pneumatic actuators because the caustic or acidic chemicals used in cleaning adversely effect the actuator.

For more information contact Kinetrol USA at http://www.kinetrolusa.com or call 972-447-9443.

9 Kinetrol Features Providing Unmatched Actuator Performance

1. Long life epoxy or PTFE internal finish
2. Easy stop adjustment at each end of stroke for accurate seating
3. Corrosion resistant zinc (non-incendive) or aluminium alloy case
4. Integral vane/shaft casting - only one moving part
5. Manual override square and position indicator
6. Stainless steel expanders ensure long term lipseal / case contact
7. Double opposed, Polyurethane, lip seals for effective sealing and long maintenance free life
8. Space filling/energy absorbent sideplates (polymer or metal)
9. Durable epoxy stove external enamel finish

Kinetrol USA - http://www.kinetrolusa.com | 972-447-9443

Kinetrol USA Exhibiting at Process Expo 2017

Kinetrol USA will exhibit it's pneumatic vane actuators for use in foodservice and beverage processing at Process Expo 2017. 

The exposition will be held on September 19–22, 2017 at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL.

Kinetrol's exhibit is located in the North Hall, booth #2670.

Kinetrol will be promoting it'd new "Blueline" actuator and accessories. The Blueline actuators are intended to be installed in areas where harsh chemical wash-down is required. These areas are very tough on most types of pneumatic actuators because the caustic or acidic chemicals used in cleaning adversely effect the actuator.

Blueline actuator.

PROCESS EXPO is the nation’s largest trade show dedicated to bringing the latest technology and integrated solutions to all segments of the food and beverage industry.

Food and beverage processors from small to large companies across the globe attend PROCESS EXPO in Chicago, USA. Attendees cover a range of food production and manufacturing responsibilities including CEO, owner, corporate management, sales and marketing, production, operations, sanitation, maintenance, research and development, quality assurance, engineering, chefs, contract manufacturers, and more.

The attendees also represent a cross section of vertical markets in addition to manufacturers outside the food industry that can benefit from the machines, products, and safety issues covered at PROCESS EXPO. The vertical markets include:

• Bakery, Grains, Seeds, and Snacks 
• Beverage 
• Dairy 
• Meat, Poultry, Seafood 
• Prepared Foods, Fruits, Vegetables 
• Confectionery, Candy, Sweets 
• Pet Foods

For more information, about Process Expo visit this link. Contact Kinetrol USA at 972-447-9443 or by visiting their website at www.kinetrolusa.com.

Review: Vane Actuators

An internal view of a vane actuator allowing you
to see the one piece vane and shaft, lip seals,
travel stops, and the clam shell  design.

The vane actuator is a simple and elegant mechanism for quarter-turn valves, dampers, and other rotary motion applications. The vane actuator produces rotary motion through the application of air pressure to a "vane' attached directly to an output shaft. In higher quality vane actuators, the vane and shaft are machined from a single piece of steel. Because of this, any motion from the vane is transferred directly to the shaft, without backlash or lost motion.

The vane includes “lip seals” that isolate the vane and shaft from the air supply. The lip seal design provides several advantages, namely eliminating the need for shaft seals and an inherent cleaning action internally. A split, or “clam-shell” housing is assembled around the vane, totally enclosing it. When supply air is applied to one side of the vane, torque is produced moving the vane in one direction. Accordingly, there is direct rotary motion transfer to the shaft, with 100% efficiency. Torque is controlled by surface area of the vane and the differential pressure on either side of the vane. Bi-directional over-travel is limited by the use of travel stops mounted in both sides of the housing.

The Kinetrol Vane Actuator

Single acting vane actuators use a spring to return the actuator to its resting position. By adding a spring, vane actuators can fail-open or fail-closed in the event of power failure. Double acting actuators use supply air on either side of the actuator to dictate clockwise or counter-clockwise movement. Other types of pneumatic actuators generally require high quality air as their power source, but vane actuators can accept poorer quality supply air, as the vane design uses the vane’s “wiping action” to push dirt and grime out of the way. Vane actuators are generally more compact that other types of actuators and come in many sizes, producing a wide range of torques.

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

Fit and Forget, Worry-free Pneumatic Valve Actuators

Here's a short, narrated introduction to the Kinetrol vane actuator and their use on industrial valves. Kinetrol's 60 years of applying "fit & forget, worry about something else" actuators has rightfully earned their reputation for being the most durable, long-lasting valve actuator on the market today - a statement backed by a 4 million cycle warranty and documented, real-world field installations where the actuator provided upwards of 30 million maintenance-free cycles.

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