Actuator

Product Model	Electric Air Valve Angle Actuator Series
Category	Laboratory Products
Reference Price	Price on request

Hot Customizable for Working Conditions 10 Technical Parameters

Product Overview

The damper actuator is an electric device installed on the damper shaft to provide power for the vane rotation, also known as an angle actuator or damper actuator. It receives electrical signals from the control system, and the internal motor converts high-speed low-torque rotation into low-speed high-torque output through a reduction mechanism, driving the damper shaft to rotate within a 0 to 90-degree range, thereby actuating the vane to open or close. The operation of electric dampers, electric tight shut-off dampers, and variable air volume (VAV) dampers is all completed by the actuator, making it the end actuation component of automatic control in ventilation systems.

Actuators are classified into on-off type and regulating type based on control methods: the on-off type moves to fully open or fully closed positions upon receiving a power signal, used for remote actuation and interlocking of dampers; the regulating type (analog type) receives standard analog signals and can stop at any angle, used for continuous air volume adjustment. Actuators generally include mechanical limit switches, position feedback, manual operation levers, and overload protection. Some models are equipped with spring return, automatically returning to fully open or fully closed safety positions when power is lost. The key to selection is matching the output torque with the required torque of the damper and ensuring a safety margin.

Xichen Environmental supplies various torque and control method actuators, compatible with circular, square, and manual-to-electric PP dampers. They are also suitable for VAV dampers in ventilation cabinets and laboratory ventilation systems. Standard models are used in normal environments, corrosion-resistant actuators are selected for corrosive gas environments, on-off types are used for interlocking and isolation, and analog types are used for VAV adjustment. Voltage, torque, and signal formats are configured according to control system requirements.

Working Principle

The basic principle of the actuator is motor reduction drive and position control. Upon power activation, the motor rotates, and the speed is reduced and torque is amplified through gear or worm gear reduction mechanisms. The output shaft is rigidly connected to the damper shaft via a clamp or coupling. When the output shaft rotates, it drives the vane to rotate synchronously. On-off actuators operate until the internal cam triggers a limit position, then power is cut to stop, achieving full open or full closed operation. For reverse action, the power phase sequence is switched or another coil is energized.

Regulating actuators have position detection and servo circuit boards internally. The input signal corresponds to the target angle, and a potentiometer or sensor detects the actual output shaft angle. When the actual angle does not match the target angle, the motor rotates forward or backward until the actual angle equals the target angle, and outputs a valve position feedback signal, allowing stable stopping at any position. Spring-return types compress or stretch a spring while the motor is energized to maintain the working position, and the spring releases to pull the shaft back to a preset safety position when power is lost. The output torque of the actuator must overcome the aerodynamic torque of the vane, friction at the shaft seat, and sealing pressure. Insufficient torque can cause valve movement issues or motor overload.

Structural Composition

The actuator consists of a motor, reduction mechanism, output shaft clamp, limit mechanism, control circuit board, housing, and manual operation mechanism. The motor is the power source of the actuator, and the reduction mechanism typically uses worm gears or gear sets to reduce motor high-speed rotation to low-speed output shaft rotation while amplifying torque. The output shaft clamp directly engages the square or circular damper shaft, with some models using linkages for drive.

The housing has mechanical limit switches and travel switches at both ends or one side to limit the 0 to 90-degree travel. The regulating type housing includes a servo board, signal terminals, and position feedback components. The housing protection level adapts to the installation environment, and the housing is equipped with a manual operation lever or handle, allowing manual rotation of the shaft for commissioning or when power is lost. The wiring includes power supply, control signals, feedback signals, and ground terminals. Spring-return types incorporate a return spring and clutch mechanism internally. Actuators are mounted on the damper body or ductwork via mounting brackets, with the output shaft coaxially connected to the valve shaft.

Specification Model Table

The following table lists the main classifications and applications of actuators. Selection should be based on the damper torque and control requirements.

Classification	Operation Characteristics	Typical Applications
On-off Type	Full Open/Full Closed	Isolation and Interlocking
Regulating Type	Any Angle	Continuous Air Volume Adjustment
Spring-Return Type	Power Loss Returns to Safety Position	Safety Interlocking

Product Features

Actuators offer a full range of torque specifications and diverse control methods, serving as standard power components for electric dampers and ventilation automation. Key features include:

Motor reduction drive ensures stable output torque and reliable operation
Covers both on-off and analog regulation types
0 to 90-degree travel with accurate limit switches and position feedback
Direct clamp connection to valve shaft, compatible with various dampers
Manual operation mechanism allows manual switching during commissioning or power loss
Spring-return types automatically return to safety position upon power loss
Various torque, voltage, and protection levels with complete matching options

Power Form	Electric Motor
Output Stroke	Rotation from 0 to 90 degrees
Reduction Gearbox	Gears / Worm Gears
Control Type	Switching / Regulating
Signal Adjustment	Standard Analog Input Available
Position Feedback	Limit Switch / Valve Position Feedback
Manual operation	With manual mechanism
Reset Options	Spring Return Optional
Connection Method	Clamping Plate Directly Connected Valve Shaft
Core Selection	Torque Matching with Safety Margin

Application Industries

Motorized dampers and VAV actuators for laboratory fume hoods
Remote on/off actuation for corrosion-resistant exhaust systems
Motorized closure and spring-return actuators for sealed valves
Actuation mechanisms for fresh air and air conditioning systems
Motorized actuators for fan inlet/outlet interlock dampers
End damper actuators for building automation ventilation systems
Power upgrades for converting manual dampers to motorized ones

Typical Installation Locations

The actuator is directly mounted on the outside of the damper body, with the output shaft flange connected to the damper shaft. The actuator bracket is fixed to the damper body. Switch-type actuators are used for exhaust branch duct motorized dampers, fan interlock dampers, and sealed isolation dampers, connected to relay outputs in the control cabinet. Adjustment-type actuators are used for VAV Venturi dampers and analog dampers, connected to controller analog signals. Installation locations should allow for observation of actuator scales and manual operation, avoiding dripping from the damper body, high temperatures, and direct spray of strong corrosion. For outdoor or humid environments, select the appropriate protection level.

During installation, first verify that the actuator power voltage matches the nameplate. Ensure the output shaft is coaxial with the valve shaft and the flange is tightened. The fully open/close position of the valve plate should correspond to the actuator travel. Wiring should be performed by electricians according to the diagram, with signal wires and power wires separated. The commissioning sequence is: first, manually turn the actuator to confirm full-range flexibility of the damper, then locally power on to verify switch direction and limits, and finally connect to the system for remote and interlock coordination. During operation, regularly inspect the actuation flexibility, bracket tightness, and sealing protection. For valves that are inactive for extended periods, periodically energize them for operation.

Torque must be matched with the damper. Calculate the required torque based on the damper vane area, differential pressure on both sides, shaft seat friction, and sealing clamping force, then multiply by a safety factor for selection. Insufficient torque will result in slow operation, incomplete movement, or even motor stalling and burning out; excessive torque is not economical and may damage the plastic valve shaft and body. For spring-return type dampers, excessive torque can also affect the reset fit. Generally, the damper manufacturer recommends actuator torque based on the valve type, size, and air pressure. Special calculations are required for large-diameter multi-leaf dampers and soft-seal enclosed dampers. When users configure actuators themselves, they should provide damper dimensions and operating conditions for the supplier to confirm.

Cannot be simply interchanged. Switching actuators do not have servo control circuits internally and can only be fully open or fully closed, unable to stably hold a mid-position; they will frequently operate and fail to position accurately in variable air volume control applications. Adjustment-type actuators can be used as switching actuators, but at a higher cost. Spring-return type and standard type actuators have different power-off behaviors and cannot be arbitrarily replaced. When replacing actuators, maintain consistency in control method, voltage, torque, travel time, signal format, and reset method, otherwise it may cause control failure or loss of safety functions.

Check both electrically and mechanically. Electrically, verify if the power voltage is normal, if control signals have arrived, if connections are loose, and if internal protection has been activated. Mechanically, disconnect the actuator and manually rotate the valve to determine if the valve shaft is jammed (due to dust crystallization, valve disc jammed by foreign objects, or valve body deformation) or if the actuator itself is faulty. After confirming the valve is flexible, inspect the actuator motor and limit switch. Do not repeatedly power on under mechanical jamming of the valve disc, as the motor may overheat and burn out due to jamming. In corrosive environments, also check if the terminal connections and housing are corroded.

The spring-return type maintains the valve in the working position when power is applied, as the motor overcomes the spring force. Upon power loss, the spring releases, pulling the valve disc back to the factory-set reset position. The reset direction (fully open or fully closed) is determined based on safety procedures: accident exhaust valves typically require power-off full open to ensure exhaust, while check and isolation valves usually require power-off full closed. The power-off safety position must be specified during ordering, and the actuator markings and spring action direction must be verified during on-site installation. Standard non-return actuators hold the valve in its original position upon power loss and do not provide fail-safe functionality. These two types cannot be used interchangeably.

Common causes include actuator torque insufficient or undersized selection, excessive valve disc sealing pressure, valve shaft slipping on the actuator disc, improper stroke limit adjustment, foreign object blocking the valve disc, or valve shaft jamming. First, manually check if the force torque is uniform throughout the valve operation and if there are any sticking points. Then, inspect if the actuator disc mounting screws and valve shaft connection are loose, and reconfirm that the actuator 0-degree and 90-degree limits align with the fully closed and fully open positions of the valve disc. For closed-type valves, ensure the actuator closing torque is sufficient to compress the sealing ring. If the torque is insufficient, replace with a higher torque model.

General actuators and internal components lack strong corrosion resistance; direct exposure to acidic or alkaline gases will corrode terminals, motors, and gears. Corrosion-resistant ventilation systems should use corrosion-resistant actuators (corrosion-resistant housing, sealed terminal boxes, corrosion-resistant connectors), or install standard actuators outside the clean area of the ductwork and add corrosion-resistant covers to ensure the valve shaft seal does not leak corrosive gases. Cable entry points should be sealed to prevent corrosive gases from entering, and brackets and fasteners should be made of stainless steel or treated for corrosion resistance. In highly corrosive workshops, it is recommended to prioritize specialized corrosion-resistant actuators and select based on the protection level.

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