Electric and failsafe

摘要

AUMA's Kai Ewald says that electric actuators can be fitted with mechanical failsafe systems In many industries, the traditional solution when a failsafe valve arrangement is called for is to fit a spring-return pneumatic or hydraulic actuator that uses the energy stored in the compressed spring to return the valve on demand to the safe position. Such devices are indeed tried and trusted systems, acknowledges AUMA's Head of Sales Oil & Gas Kai Ewald. However, during a chance meeting with Valve World he wanted to stress that an alternative solution is available that combines the benefits of an electric actuator - including low energy consumption, easy installation, virtually maintenance-free operation, feedback and diagnostic information - with the reliability and safety of a mechanical actuation solution.