About actuators

Two position valves switch back and forth between Load and Inject, or Position A and Position B. Multiposition valves operate in continuous revolutions by incremental steps. There are several ways to actuate each type of valve, along with a number of supporting controllers and devices to interface the actuators with computer-controlled systems.

With the exception of low pressure Cheminert multiposition valves, we recommend that multiposition valves be purchased with air or electric actuators. While a manual detent assembly is available, the higher turning torque of our other multiposition valve designs makes them more difficult to position accurately by hand.

Manual actuation

Simplicity and low cost are the main advantages of manual actuation. Some models can be ordered with position feedback, an option which sends a signal to start a data system when the valve is switched.

• Closemount
• Standoff
• For use with an existing standoff

Air actuators

Air actuators are useful in situations where any spark could be disastrous, where heat could be a problem for electric actuators, or where there is no electricity available. They are small, relatively inexpensive, very rugged and dependable, and field-serviceable. Low gas consumption and lightweight, compact construction make the air actuator suitable for aerospace flight hardware applications as well as laboratory or process applications.

With the addition of a DVI (digital valve interface) to translate the timed event signals into the necessary air pulses, air actuators can be automatically switched by a data system, integrator, or controller such as our DVSP (digital valve sequence programmer) or SVI (serial valve interface).

• Two position
• Multiposition

Universal actuators

The universal actuator allows instrument manufacturers to use a single motor and control software to operate virtually any Valco or Cheminert rotary valve. This simplifies the electronic aspect of instrument design and streamlines the development process.

All our Valco and Cheminert valves and selectors, with their wide range of turning torques, are covered by three actuator versions: high speed, medium speed/medium torque, and high torque. Actuators include a universal 24 volt DC power supply and manual interface. An OEM version that excludes these items is also available. Current interface options include RS232/485, USB, and BCD.

• Universal actuator

Microelectric actuators

The microelectric actuator features automatic valve alignment, high-speed switching, compact size, 24 VDC power input, and reversible direction (in the multiposition model).

Both microelectric and standard electric actuators can be operated manually with a controller assembly that features position-indicating LEDs and a toggle switch, but one of the biggest advantages of electric actuators over air is the ease with which they can be connected to an external data system for fully automated control.

The microelectric actuator has built-in multidrop RS-232 (RS-485 optional) for bidirectional communications. The SVI (serial valve interface) was designed specifically to interface our standard electric actuators with RS-232 compatible systems, allowing control of up to six actuators via modem, BASIC program, or Valco-supplied PC software.

• Two position
• Multiposition

Standard electric actuators

If lower cost outranks those factors in your consideration, our standard electric actuator (110/230 VAC) offers a dependable, economical solution.

Standard electric actuators can be operated manually with a controller assembly that features position-indicating LEDs and a toggle switch, and can be easily connected to an external data system for fully automated control.

• Two position
• Multiposition

Standoff assemblies

All valves, no matter what their actuation mode, can be ordered with a standoff assembly. The standoff is an extension shaft mounted between the handle or actuator and the valve, allowing the valve to be installed within a heated zone while the actuator or handle remains outside at ambient temperature. The standoff extends through the oven wall, and is secured by a clamp ring supplied with the assembly. Standard standoff assembly lengths are 2", 3", 4", and 6". Other lengths can be special-ordered at additional cost.

• Standoff assemblies for actuators
• Standoff assemblies for manual actuation

Right angle drive

Some installations don’t allow the valve and actuator to be installed in a typical in-line configuration. The RAD (right angle drive) is a 90° gearbox which permits the actuator or handle to be installed at a right angle to the valve. The RAD fits all VICI electric and air actuators.

• Right angle drive

Actuator controllers and interfaces

• Feature chart
• 31E1: 3-way solenoid air valves
• 41E1: 4-way solenoid air valves
• DVI: Digital valve interface
• DVSP: Digital valve sequence programmer
• HSSA: High speed switching accessory
• MSVA: Manifold 3-way solenoid valve assembly
• PFAF: Position feedback for two position air actuators
• SVI: Serial valve interface

Valve accessories

• Purge housings
• Position feedback for manual valves
• Heated valve enclosures
• Heated column enclosures
• Heater assemblies
• Heater blocks
• Heater cartridges
• ITC: Instrumentation temperature controller

Valve mounting hardware

• What hardware do I need?
• Closemount hardware
• Knobs and handles for use with standoff
• Right angle drive
• Standoff assemblies for actuators and manual actuation

Further reference

Tools