Integrated actuator provides simple all-in-one motion solution

The Exlar Tritex II’s built in non-volatile memory stores programmed functions for motion requirements for linear and rotary motion control applications, product configurations and motion parameters. The specifically designed free of charge “Expert” software allows very fast commissioning of actuator applications, configuring position or force control using a 0-10V or 4-20mA control signal or digital inputs or now even with the NEW EtherNet IP fieldbus options amongst others. An Onboard RS/485 interface as standard provides control, programming and monitoring of all aspects of the motor or actuator.

“We can wind the stators to any speed and torque depending on application,” said Piers Olsen, sales and marketing director for industrial automation at Olsen Engineering UK. “We have just won a project from a hydro turbine operator to supply an actuator which has an internal spring for failsafe operation to open or closed positions.

“This is pretty unique for process control with valves. If the mains power fails, for mission critical applications it would be backed up by UPS power anyway, but if in the unlikely event the drive electronics fails in the actuator, we have an internal spring option which allows the operator to select whether it fails open or closed. Tritex II TDM/X is also available with an electromagnetic PM holding brake option, to allow it to stop working at a fixed position even under full load conditions.

“Another alternative available is a manual override to disable the actuator and move using either a hand wheel or a side hex drive for a standard socket wrench. The hand wheel has an integrated 3:1 planetary gearbox so it is easy to move by hand, whereas on typical products in this market, which use 1:1 worm gear, you really have to get some leverage to move it.”

Exlar Tritex II actuators have Class I Division 2 explosion proof rating for hazardous areas, with ATEX certification planned for next year. Ingress protection to IP54 or IP65 is available – in fact Tritex II even passes IP67 tests. Furthermore, subsea variations which can operate to 10,000 feet below sea level are also available.

Another option consists of two types of front-protective bellows: standard and high temperature Teflon-coated fibreglass rated to 260 degrees Celsius. Different coating options include stainless steel housing and main rod, Type III hard coat and food grade white epoxy. There is also the alternative of low temperature grease allowing operation from -40oC. In fact, even all aspects of the mounting and main rod dimensions can be customised specifically to suit the application needs.

Olsen adds: “Tritex II is based on the same inverted planetary roller screw design used on the GSX, GSM and I Series. Because of the annular groove engaging spurs design there is no conflicting friction and load is transmitted evenly across the central pinion resulting in +85% high efficiency and five times the travel life compared to an equivalent ball screw. Bearings are preloaded and heat shrunk into the housing avoiding the risk of adhesive issues.

“With the Tritex X series, which has ten spurs, this gives 15 times the travel life for little additional cost. What this means is that instead of a ball screw actuator lasting 12-18 months, Exlar II will generally last for over ten years.” PM Electric actuators have been proved to consume at least 11 times less energy than pneumatic cylinders and 4.4 times less than a hydraulic with little or no maintenance, repeatable smooth positioning / applied force. It is therefore the more modern and reliable method of controlling linear movement.

Exlar is the worlds largest roller screw linear actuation company, it's range is up to 370kN, 8m travel and max speeds of 1.5m/s with 25m/s² Accel/decel.