Networkable hygienic valve actuators

The external surfaces of both valve actuators are manufactured from smooth, laser welded stainless steel, which is resistant to humidity, cleaning detergents and high-pressure, high-temperature cleaning processes. A sealed optical position indicator and a ducted exhaust port ensure the actuators remain impervious to water ingress.

Internally, the new valve actuators use the proven valve piston coupled with trusted packing for high reliability and ELEMENT spindle guidance that allows the v-seals to be exchanged for different sized actuators. In addition, the valve seat itself uses a self-aligning sealing disc for seat tightness, while all of the wetted parts conform to EG 1935/2004.

The angle seat actuator, Type 2060, can operate with media temperatures up to 185°C and is available in four actuator sizes, 50, 70, 90 and 130mm for pipe diameters between DN15 and DN65. The diaphragm valve actuator, Type 2063, can be specified with a variety of valve body designs and diaphragm materials to ensure conditions inside the control valve are maintained.

Process control equipment destined for hygienic environments faces considerable challenges, especially related to the cleaning regimes, both inside the valve and the external surfaces. The high temperatures and chemicals used to maintain hygienic conditions in production facilities makes stainless steel the most widely accepted material for fluid control systems, hence the new valve actuators are manufactured and tested to work effectively in this environment.

Both actuators have been designed and tested to withstand the harsh environment of a salt spray atmosphere, according to ISO 9227, for 600 hours, which they achieved without any sign of corrosion. Coupled with the closed design that prevents any water ingress into the control valve, these latest additions to the Bürkert product line-up are well suited to industry sectors that employ regular wash-down practices.

Coupled with a Bürkert valve control cabinet, these actuators and their associated control valves can be integrated into the demanding process environments found in hygienic sectors such as bio-pharmaceutical, breweries and food plants. Diaphragm valves can be specified with Bürkert’s latest tube valve body which has a superior surface finish and very high cleanability, with certification from the European Hygiene Engineering & Design Group (EHEDG).