1、 Preparation before installation

1. Environmental adaptability inspection
   • temperature rangeConfirm whether the operating temperature of the actuator meets the environmental requirements (usually -20 ℃~+80 ℃, refer to the model manual for details).harshTemperature may cause seal aging or lubrication failure.
   • Humidity and CorrosionAvoid direct use in damp, salt spray, or corrosive gas environments, and choose anti-corrosion coatings or sealed actuators if necessary.
   • Explosion-proof requirementsIn flammable and explosive places (such as chemical and oil and gas industries), explosion-proof actuators (such as Ex d IIC T4 certification) should be selected, and the gas source should be clean and oil-free (if designed for oil-free lubrication).
2. Quality assurance of gas source
   • Compressed air requirementsThe air source pressure should be stable within the rated range of the actuator (such as 4-8 bar), and equipped with a filter, pressure reducing valve, and lubricator (if it is an oil lubricated model).
   • filtration accuracyIt is recommended to use a 3-5 μ m filter to prevent particulate matter from entering the interior of the actuator, which may cause cylinder wear or pneumatic component jamming.
   • Drainage treatmentRegularly discharge condensed water from the gas source pipeline to prevent moisture from corroding internal components or affecting operational accuracy.
3. Valve compatibility verification
   • Torque matchingSelect actuator models with sufficient torque (such as TruTorq's AT and ST series) based on valve type (such as ball valve, butterfly valve, gate valve) and size.
   • Itinerary CalibrationEnsure that the actuator stroke is consistent with the valve opening to avoid valve damage or leakage caused by insufficient or excessive stroke.
   • connection methodConfirm whether the connection interface between the actuator and the valve (such as flange, ISO5211 standard) is compatible, and use adapter plates or adapters if necessary.

2、 Installation and Debugging

1. Correct installation direction
   • The actuator can usually be installed vertically or horizontally, but lateral forces should be avoided (such as valve weight causing actuator shaft deflection) to avoid increasing bearing load or affecting sealing performance.
   • For double acting actuators, it is necessary to ensure that the direction of the intake ports on both sides of the cylinder is consistent with the air path design.
2. Electrical connection (if equipped with solenoid valve)
   • Power matchingThe voltage of the solenoid valve needs to be matched with the control system (such as 24V DC, 220V AC) to avoid voltage errors that may cause burnout.
   • Signal line shieldingIf using electrical signal control (such as 4-20mA, switch quantity), the signal line needs to use shielded cables and be grounded at one end to reduce interference.
   • Explosion-proof wiringIn explosion-proof areas, explosion-proof junction boxes and cables that meet standards should be used to ensure electrical connection safety.
3. Debugging steps
   • Manual operation testBefore ventilation, manually rotate the actuator output shaft to confirm that there are no blockages or abnormal noises.
   • Air circuit inspectionSlowly turn on the gas source and observe whether the actuator operates smoothly without crawling or shaking.
   • Limit adjustmentBy adjusting the limit bolt or potentiometer on the actuator, accurately set the valve's fully open/fully closed position to avoid overshoot or misalignment.

3、 Operation and maintenance

1. Regular lubrication (with oil type)
   • According to the frequency of use, add specialized pneumatic lubricating oil (such as ISO VG32) to the lubricator every 3-6 months to maintain lubrication inside the cylinder and reduce wear.
   • Oil free lubrication models require regular inspection of the sealing condition to prevent leakage caused by dryness.
2. Seal inspection and replacement
   • leak detectionRegularly inspect the seals at the actuator cylinder, piston rod, and output shaft. If air leakage or lubricating oil leakage is found, the seals should be replaced in a timely manner.
   • replacement cycleIt is recommended to replace the seals every 1-2 years, and shorten the cycle according to the usage environment (such as high temperature, corrosion).
3. Cleaning and dust prevention
   • Regularly clean the surface dust and oil stains of the actuator to prevent impurities from entering the cylinder or solenoid valve.
   • In dusty environments, dust covers can be installed or actuators with higher protection levels (such as IP65) can be used.
4. Torque monitoring
   • Monitor whether the output torque of the actuator attenuates by using torque sensors or observing changes in valve operating force. If the torque significantly decreases, it may be due to wear on the inner wall of the cylinder or seal failure, and it needs to be repaired or replaced.

4、 Safety precautions

1. Pressure safety
   • Install a pressure regulating valve to ensure that the air source pressure does not exceed the rated value of the actuator, preventing cylinder rupture or valve damage.
   • Install safety valves in the air circuit to prevent abnormal pressure rise in the system.
2. Anti-misoperation
   • Install mechanical or electrical locks on the actuator to prevent unauthorized operation from accidentally opening or closing the valve.
   • For critical valves (such as emergency shut-off valves), dual gas sources or manual bypass devices should be configured to ensure that they can still be operated in the event of pneumatic system failure.
3. emergency response
   • Develop emergency plans and clarify the handling procedures in case of gas source interruption, actuator failure, or valve jamming (such as switching to manual mode, closing upstream and downstream valves).
   • Regularly conduct emergency drills to ensure personnel are familiar with the procedures.

5、 Long term disuse and storage

1. Pre processing before discontinuation
   • Empty the compressed air from the cylinder to prevent internal corrosion.
   • For models with oil, apply a small amount of anti rust oil to the cylinder to protect the metal surface.
2. Storage conditions
   • Store in a dry and ventilated room with a temperature controlled between -10 ℃ and+40 ℃, avoiding direct sunlight or rain.
   • The output shaft of the actuator needs to be coated with anti rust grease and wrapped with plastic film to prevent dust from entering.