Valve Actuators for Industrial Automation

What Are Valve Actuators?

Valve actuators are the driving force behind industrial valve automation. By converting energy into mechanical motion, these critical devices enable the precise remote control of fluid flow—allowing operators to open, close, or modulate valves without manual intervention.

At Delco, we specialize in engineering high-performance Electric and Pneumatic valve actuators. Designed to replace traditional handwheels and gearboxes, our actuators deliver the power, speed, and smart intelligence required for modern process automation.

Valve Compatibility & Model Selection Guide

Selecting the right actuator depends on matching its mechanical motion to your specific valve type. Use the quick reference table below to ensure seamless automation for your pipeline and find the recommended Delco models for your application:

Environmental & Safety Protection

• IP67 Explosion-Proof: Designed for hazardous and flammable environments (compliant with ATEX/IECEx standards).

• IP68 Waterproof: Fully submersible design, ideal for marine or flood-prone applications.

Reliable Pneumatic Fail-Safe Options

• Spring Return (Single Acting): Automatically returns to a safe position (open or closed) if air supply fails.

• Double Acting: Requires active air pressure for both opening and closing, providing precise control.

Pneumatic Series: AT vs. AW

• AT Series (Rack-and-Pinion): Compact and fast; ideal for standard valves requiring medium torque.

• AW Series (Scotch Yoke): Heavy-duty design with high break-away torque, suitable for large-scale or high-pressure systems.

Universal Installation (ISO 5211)

Most Delco rotary actuators feature standard ISO 5211 mounting pads, enabling direct, bracket-free installation on compatible valves, reducing setup time and installation costs.

Why Choose Delco for Valve Automation?

We don't just supply actuators; we deliver reliable flow control solutions. Trusted by industries worldwide, Delco ensures your pipelines operate safely and efficiently under the most demanding conditions.

Rugged Durability for Harsh Environments

Engineered from high-strength materials with anti-corrosion coatings. Whether it’s explosive chemical plants or submersible marine applications, Delco actuators are built to outlast the competition.

Globally Certified Quality & Safety

• ATEX (Ex): Certified explosion-proof safety for Oil & Gas and chemical sectors.

• CE & RoHS: Fully compliant with strict European safety and environmental regulations.

• ISO Standard: Guaranteeing consistent manufacturing quality and standardized mounting (ISO 5211).

• FDA Compliant: Suitable for food, beverage, and pharmaceutical pipeline automation.

Comprehensive Product Portfolio

From compact quarter-turn electric models to heavy-duty Scotch Yoke pneumatic actuators. We provide a "one-stop" automation solution for ball, butterfly, gate, and globe valves.

Expert Sizing & Technical Support

Not sure which actuator fits your torque requirements? Our dedicated engineering team provides free actuator sizing, customized solutions, and rapid after-sales support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I choose between a pneumatic and an electric valve actuator?

A: The choice depends on your power availability, required speed, and fail-safe needs.

• Pneumatic Actuators are ideal for fast operation, high-cycle applications, and areas where compressed air is readily available. They are naturally safer in explosive environments.

• Electric Actuators are preferred when compressed air is unavailable, or when highly precise control and quiet operation are required. They are excellent for remote locations with only electrical power.

Q2: Can Delco actuators be easily mounted on my existing valves?

A: Yes! To simplify installation and eliminate the need for expensive custom brackets, most of our rotary actuators feature standard ISO 5211 mounting pads. This ensures direct, secure, and perfectly aligned mounting to compatible ball, butterfly, and plug valves.

Q3: What information do you need to help me size an actuator correctly?

A: To provide the most accurate sizing and prevent operational failures, our engineers will need to know:

1. The valve type and its maximum required torque (including a safety factor).

2. The media type, pressure, and temperature.

3. Available power supply (Voltage for electric, or Air Pressure for pneumatic).

4. Whether you need a fail-safe function (e.g., Spring Return).

Q4: Are your actuators suitable for hazardous or explosive environments?

A: Absolutely. For hazardous and flammable areas (such as Oil & Gas or chemical plants), we offer IP67 Explosion-Proof Electric Actuators certified to ATEX standards. For fully submersible or extreme outdoor applications, our IP68 Water-Proof models are highly recommended.

Q5: What happens to the valve if there is a power or air supply failure?

A: This depends on the configuration you choose:

• For Pneumatic Actuators, our Spring Return (Single Acting) models will automatically force the valve to a safe position (fully open or fully closed) upon air loss.

• For Electric Actuators, they generally fail "in place" (staying in their last position), but they come equipped with a manual override handwheel so operators can open or close the valve manually during a power outage.