Multi-Turn Electric Actuators: Installation & Commissioning

Multi-turn electric actuators are indispensable key equipment in industrial control systems, specifically designed to achieve precise opening, closing, and regulation of valves. They significantly enhance the intelligence level and operational efficiency of production systems through remote control, centralized control, and automated operations in complex industrial environments. This article starts with its functions and principles, detailing the installation steps, commissioning methods, and usage precautions, providing users with a comprehensive understanding of the application and operational highlights of multi-turn electric actuators.

Functions and Working Principle

The core function of multi-turn electric actuators is to drive valves to complete opening, closing, or regulatory control, meeting precise control demands under various conditions. Their unique design and closed-loop control system make them stand out in terms of accuracy and reliability.

1. Working Principle

Multi-turn electric actuators achieve their functions through the following core components:

Motor Drive: The rotation of the motor is transmitted to the screw through a gearbox, and the rotation of the screw pushes the actuator's piston to move up and down, thereby controlling the rotation angle.

Closed-Loop Feedback Control: Built-in feedback sensors monitor the actuator's action position in real-time and compare it with the set value, automatically adjusting the operating state to achieve high-precision motion control.

2. Features and Advantages

High Precision Control: Suitable for remote automated control under complex conditions, achieving precise adjustment of position and action.

Wide Applicability: Reliable operation in extreme environments such as high temperature, high humidity, and corrosive conditions, meeting the application needs of multiple industries.

Intelligent Monitoring: Equipped with real-time monitoring, fault alarm, and protection functions, enhancing the safety and stability of system operation.

Installation Guide

The correct installation process is the foundation for ensuring the stable operation of the actuator. Each step before, during, and after installation must strictly follow operational standards.

1. Pre-installation Preparation

Equipment Check: Verify that the model and specifications of the actuator and valve are consistent with the design drawings, ensuring that all accessories are complete and undamaged.

Environment Confirmation: Check if the installation area meets the environmental requirements of the equipment to avoid the impact of high humidity, corrosive gases, and dust on the equipment.

Documentation Reading: Carefully read the product manual to familiarize yourself with the technical parameters of the actuator, installation precautions, and commissioning methods.

2. Installation Steps

Valve Fixing: Securely install the valve on the pipeline, ensuring the use of appropriate gaskets.

Uniformly tighten the flange screws to avoid damage to the valve body caused by uneven force.

Actuator Installation: Align the key slots of the valve and actuator couplings, connect and tighten the bolts, ensuring good coaxiality and reducing mechanical deviation during operation.

Electrical Wiring: Correctly connect the power lines, control lines, and grounding lines according to the electrical wiring diagram, paying attention to waterproof and dustproof treatment to ensure a secure connection.

Stroke Limit Adjustment: Adjust the stroke limit according to the fully open and fully closed positions of the valve, ensuring that the actuator's action range matches the valve design.

Commissioning Operation

After installation, the commissioning phase is crucial, directly determining the operating effect of the equipment and the control precision of the system.

1. Pre-commissioning Check

Manually operate the actuator in an unpowered state, observing whether the mechanical action is smooth and stable.

Check the correctness of the electrical wiring to avoid damage to the equipment due to incorrect connections.

2. Commissioning Process

Direction Calibration: Set the actuator to manual operation mode and adjust its position to the middle. After powering on, observe whether the operating direction is consistent with the valve action direction; if not, adjust the power line phase sequence.

Limit Calibration: Close Limit: Adjust the valve to the fully closed position and use a multimeter's buzzer function to check whether the close limit open point is closed; if not, adjust to the correct state.

Open Limit: Adjust the valve to the fully open position and adjust the open limit in the same way.

Feedback Current Calibration: Use a multimeter to measure the feedback current value by inserting it into the feedback loop, adjust the actuator to the fully closed position, and observe whether the feedback value is 4 milliamps. If it does not match, re-calibrate to ensure the feedback signal is accurate.

Simulated Condition Test: Connect to the control system, simulate actual operating conditions, and test the actuator's response speed and control precision to the signal.

If necessary, fine-tune the PID control parameters to optimize the operating effect.

3. Function Verification

Check whether the actuator's operating stability, overload protection, and fault alarm functions are normal, ensuring that the equipment meets the actual working condition requirements.

Use and Maintenance

Multi-turn electric actuators require regular maintenance during operation to ensure long-term stable work.

1. Daily Use Precautions

Ensure that the actuator's operating direction is consistent with the valve action direction to avoid faults due to misoperation.

Regularly check the accuracy of the feedback signal; the feedback current value must comply with the design standards.

2. Regular Maintenance

Check if the equipment's fasteners are loose or if the electrical connections are intact.

Clean the dirt on the equipment surface to avoid affecting heat dissipation performance.

Check for abnormal noise and vibration during operation, and promptly investigate potential hazards.

3. Troubleshooting

Mechanical Failure: Inspect the wear of couplings and gears, and replace parts if necessary.

Electrical Failure: Use a multimeter to detect if there are any open or short circuit issues in the circuit, ensuring unobstructed control lines.

Conclusion

As an important component of industrial automation control, multi-turn electric actuators shine in various complex conditions with their precise opening and closing capabilities, efficient operational performance, and intelligent control characteristics. By correctly installing, scientifically commissioning, and regularly maintaining, users can not only ensure long-term stable operation of the equipment but also enhance the reliability and efficiency of the overall system.