Kinetrol Pneumatic Actuators: Superior Performance in the Cement Industry


Cement is produced by means of a tightly regulated chemical combination of calcium, silicon, aluminum, iron and other components. Shell and chalk or marl combined with shale, clay, slate, furnace slag, silica sand, and iron ore are the common materials used to manufacture the cement. Once heated at high temperatures, these materials form a rock-like material that is ground to the fine powder we usually think of as cement.

The cement industry is the building block of the country's building industry. Without using cement somewhere in the architecture, few construction projects will take place.  With the operation of around 107 cement plants in 36 States, US cement production is widely dispersed.

Cement production places demanding requirements on gates, valves, and actuators. They must operate under harsh conditions, where the environment is dusty, dirty, and hot. Maintenance represents a significant part of operating costs, and as such, is a critical point of improvement.  Unplanned shutdowns caused by equipment failure can be very costly. Slow downs influence productivity and the profit contribution per hour, and cost per hour of outages in the cement industry is very high.

This video presents a strong argument as to why the Kinetrol pneumatic vane type actuator provides the cement industry with a clearly better alternative than traditional rack and pinion or motorized solutions.

For more information, contact Kinetrol USA. Call them at 972-447-9443 or visit their web site at https://kinetrolusa.com.

Happy New Year from Kinetrol USA!


Happy Holidays from Kinetrol USA


“Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Product Update: Kinetrol VLS Limit Switch Box

VLS Limit Switch Box
After a decade since the launch of the Kinetrol Universal Limit Switch Box it has become necessary to replace the tooling. As a result, Kinetrol has taken the opportunity to make some improvements to the design.

With the continued pressure for modularization and commonality a new precision die cast switch box will offer some positive improvements over the current model, including more internal space for future developments. The new design is known as the VLS Limit Switch Box.

Reduction in Weight. The unit will offer a reduction in weight of the standard 07 version from 2.32 lbs (1.05 kg) to 1.50 lbs (0.68 kg).

All New Plastic Coupling. Improved access to mounting screws for all electronic options for easy actuator mounting. Coupling is permanently retained in the box and does not need removing.

New coupling has a lower Oring which makes all shafts discretely sealed when not mounted. Coupling retainer is replaced with an integral shoulder on the coupling.

All new switch strikers. Common standard strikers for both mechanical switches and proximity sensor activation.

New Standard V3 Switch (004). New V3 switches offers a more defined switch point.

New Mounting for Model 03 and 05. The VLS Limit Switch Box will be supplied as a Model 07 Female Square as standard, (only one size box) which can then be converted with the use of two adaptor options to suit Model 03 and Models 05 Actuators reducing the number of switch box variations distributors stock. SP1620 - Model 03 mounting kit (includes removable plate coupling and fixings) SP1621 - Model 05 mounting kit (includes removable plate and coupling and fixings)

New Standard Conduit Entries. The conduit entries will remain M20 for ISO and 1/2” NPS for ANSI however the land profile has been changed. The additional entries on the four-entry version remain unchanged.

Switch Options. All switch options will be available including the pneumatic switch option (002) except for ATEX approved versions. ATEX Approved switch options (001, 002, 003 and 009) are currently undergoing ATEX testing and will be available later. As a result, these will continue to use the older design ULS.

Please refer to the Kinetrol coding on the VLS Tech Bulletin located on this Kinetrol USA web page.

Modular Concept. These changes will affect the modular approach when fitting the VLS box to Model 03 and 05 actuators. On actuator Models 07 to 15 there is no change. The discrete option for Models 16 to 30 will now utilize SP1602 07/05 reducer and SP1601 Discrete 05 Drive Adaptor offering a price saving over the old design.

VLS Coding. The coding has been changed to reflect the new design by adding a “V” after the U for non ATEX standard options. ATEX switch options (switch type 001, 002, 003, 009) will remain as “0” after the U in the code.
Examples of code change:

  • 097-104U005004M (DA+ULS) becomes 097-104UV05004M (DA+VLS)
  • 077-004U005004M (ULS) becomes 077-004UV05004M (VLS)
  • 077-001U001000 (ULS ATEX) is unchanged

Angle Retransmit and Pot Assembly – The new Angle Retransmit and Potentiometer uses a geared coupling which replaces the standard coupling when fitted. This new design will also offer an additional price savings. The old ULS Angle Retransmit assembly is not compatible to retrofit with the new VLS unit. All other options are unchanged including AS-interface, Terminal Blocks, Multi-Terminal PCB.

New Product: Kinetrol Model 60 Rotary Vane Actuator

Model 60 Rotary Vane ActuatorKinetrol is pleased to announce the introduction of the new Model 60 Actuator which will now increase the torque capability of the Kinetrol range to 356,977 inch pounds.


Kinetrol Model 60 Feature and Options


  • Double-Acting and Spring-Return options
  • 2” Air ports as standard
  • Standard working temperature range: -40°F
  • to +176°F
  • Angle of travel adjustable 80 to 100 degrees
  • Displaced volume: 6284 in³
  • Weight (less coupling): 998.7 pounds
  • Coupling weight: 48.5 pounds
  • VLS / ULS / XLS Limit Switch Box options
  • AP Positioner options
  • ATEX Category 2 approved

Kinetrol Model 60 Materials of Construction


  • Casing: Sand cast aluminum alloy
  • Vane & Output shaft: SG Iron, zinc plated
  • Shaft bushes: PTFE coated bronze
  • Seals: Molded polyurethane
  • Seal expenders: Stainless spring steel
  • Coupling: Weldable mild steel, zinc plated


For more information, contact Kinetrol USA by calling 972-447-9443 or visit their web site at https://kinetrolusa.com.

Kinetrol USA Celebrates Our Veterans

Veterans Day

Veterans Day is a day of observance and celebration for those who have served.  It is not just another holiday. It honors those Americans who fought for our freedom. By celebrating our Veterans, we continue to tell the story of how this country became the most powerful on Earth - through bravery, honor, truth, and determination.

Our Veterans are our neighbors, friends, family, and co-workers. They took an oath to defend the United States and our Constitution, from all enemies, foreign and domestic. We must never forget their bravery, service, and sacrifice.

Kinetrol USA thanks our Veterans, past and present, for serving our country and protecting our freedom.