Actionneur Pneumatique Double Effet Quart de Tour

Un actionneur pneumatique double effet quart de tour constitue la solution idéale lorsque des vannes industrielles doivent être actionnées de manière fiable, rapide et répétable. Contrairement aux actionneurs simple effet, l’actionneur pneumatique double effet utilise l’air comprimé aussi bien pour l’ouverture que pour la fermeture. Cela garantit un couple constant dans les deux sens et le rend parfaitement adapté aux applications avec des cycles de commutation élevés et des conditions de process stables.

Chez FERGO, les actionneurs pneumatiques double effet sont utilisés sur de nombreuses configurations de vannes. Ils équipent notamment des vannes papillon pneumatiques ainsi que des robinets à boisseau sphérique pneumatiques, adaptés aux applications d’eau potable, de gaz ou de fluides chimiques selon la conception de la vanne. L’interface normalisée ISO 5211 permet un montage simple sur différents types de vannes et assure une liaison sûre et sans jeu entre l’actionneur et la vanne.

L’un des principaux avantages de l’actionneur pneumatique double effet réside dans sa grande fiabilité de fonctionnement. L’absence de mécanisme de rappel par ressort le rend particulièrement adapté aux applications nécessitant le maintien de positions définies sous pression d’air. Sa conception robuste permet également une utilisation dans des environnements industriels exigeants, tels que l’industrie chimique, la production d’énergie ou l’ingénierie des procédés.

FERGO propose des actionneurs pneumatiques double effet dans différentes plages de couple, adaptées aux diamètres nominaux, aux pressions de service et aux propriétés des fluides. Associés à des vannes papillon pneumatiques ou à des robinets à boisseau sphérique pneumatiques, ils constituent des solutions performantes et peu exigeantes en maintenance pour les systèmes de tuyauterie automatisés. Des accessoires complémentaires tels que des électrovannes NAMUR, des boîtiers de fin de course ou des filtres d’air permettent une commande précise et un retour de position fiable.

Que ce soit pour l’eau potable, la distribution de gaz ou les procédés chimiques, un actionneur pneumatique double effet quart de tour FERGO garantit des mouvements contrôlés, une longue durée de vie et une intégration flexible dans les concepts d’automatisation existants. Il assure ainsi un fonctionnement sûr et efficace des vannes industrielles.

pneumatiques à simple effet

Actionneurs électriques

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Frequently Asked Questions – Pneumatic Actuators

A pneumatic rotary actuator converts compressed air pressure into a 90° rotary motion to operate a quarter-turn valve – typically a butterfly valve, ball valve, or plug valve. Compressed air acts on pistons that drive a rack-and-pinion mechanism, converting linear force into the rotary output torque needed to open or close the valve.

Typical applications of pneumatic rotary actuators:

Process automation – Fully automated opening and closing of valves in chemical, pharmaceutical, food processing, and water treatment plants
Emergency shut-off – Fast safety isolation thanks to short switching times (milliseconds to a few seconds)
Remote operation – Valve actuation in inaccessible or hazardous locations without manual intervention
ATEX / Ex-rated zones – The preferred actuator type in explosive atmospheres, as pneumatic actuators are inherently spark-free
High switching frequency – Suitable for applications with many cycles per hour at low lifecycle cost

FERGO supplies pneumatic rotary actuators in two series: FERGO DA (double acting) and FERGO SR (single acting / spring return), designed for a standard operating pressure of 5–6 bar, with lower-pressure variants available on request.

FERGO pneumatic rotary actuators are available in two fundamental operating principles:

FERGO DA – Double Acting:

Compressed air acts in both directions – opening and closing are each powered by air pressure
Maximum torque available in both directions of rotation – ideal for high-torque valves and large pipe sizes
On air supply failure, the valve remains in its last position (no defined fail-safe position)
More compact construction for a given torque output compared to spring-return actuators
Preferred where no specific fail-safe end position is required on loss of power or air

FERGO SR – Single Acting (Spring Return):

Compressed air acts in one direction only; internal springs automatically return the valve to its pre-set fail-safe position on air failure
Fail-safe closed (NC – Normally Closed): valve closes on air loss → fail-safe position CLOSED – standard for safety-critical isolation duties
Fail-safe open (NO – Normally Open): valve opens on air loss → fail-safe position OPEN – e.g. cooling water lines that must remain open in an emergency
Essential wherever process or plant safety requires a defined valve position on energy failure
Slightly larger footprint than a double-acting actuator of equivalent rated torque

Both variants are controlled via standardised NAMUR solenoid valves.

All FERGO pneumatic rotary actuators feature a standardised ISO 5211 interface. This international standard defines the bolt circle patterns, flange dimensions, and shaft profiles for direct mounting of rotary actuators onto quarter-turn valves – regardless of manufacturer.

What this means in practice:

Direct mounting without brackets – FERGO actuators mount directly onto all FERGO quarter-turn valves: butterfly valves, ball valves, and plug valves
Standardised output shaft – Square and double-square drive profiles from 9 mm to 22 mm per ISO 5211, covered across the standard actuator size range
Standardised bolt pattern – F03 to F16 depending on actuator size; allows straightforward actuator interchange between different manufacturers
Adapter kits on request – For special valves or non-standard shaft sizes, FERGO supplies matching adapter kits

FERGO delivers valve and actuator as a fully assembled, adjusted, and tested unit on request – ready for installation with no site rework required. Contact the FERGO engineering team for torque calculation and actuator sizing: +49 (0) 21 31 / 15 39 28-0, Mon–Fri 8:00–17:00.

Correct actuator sizing is critical for reliable operation and long service life. The following parameters must be considered:

Required valve torque – Dependent on valve size (DN), pressure rating (PN), line pressure, and seat material. FERGO data sheets provide the torque values for each valve type; the actuator output torque should exceed the valve breakaway torque by a safety factor of at least 1.25 (double acting) or 1.5 (spring return)
Available air supply pressure – FERGO actuators are designed for a standard supply of 5–6 bar. Lower-pressure variants are available on request
Operating principle – Double acting (DA) delivers active torque in both directions; spring return (SR) delivers active torque in one direction only – the spring set provides the return torque
Ambient temperature – Standard actuators are rated for −20 °C to +80 °C. With optional silicone piston rings, operation down to −40 °C is possible – essential for outdoor installations in cold climates or cryogenic processes
Switching frequency – High cycle rates require verification of the compressed air supply capacity and optimisation of line cross-sections

The experienced FERGO sales team is happy to assist with complete actuator sizing and torque calculation: shop@fergo-valve.com or +49 (0) 21 31 / 15 39 28-0.

The NAMUR solenoid valve (also called a pilot valve or control valve) is the interface between the electrical control system (PLC, DCS, fieldbus) and the pneumatic actuator. It converts a 24 V DC solenoid signal into an air flow that drives the rotary actuator open or closed.

FERGO supplies NAMUR solenoid valves in two configurations, matched to the actuator operating principle:

3/2-way NAMUR solenoid valve – Three ports, two positions. For single-acting (SR) actuators: the valve either supplies air to the actuator or exhausts it – the spring set handles the return stroke. The fail-safe position is always adopted when the solenoid de-energises
5/2-way NAMUR solenoid valve – Five ports, two positions. For double-acting (DA) actuators: the two actuator chambers are alternately pressurised and exhausted to deliver active torque in both directions

The NAMUR interface (DIN EN ISO 15 218) is fully standardised, allowing the solenoid valve to mount directly on the actuator body without additional tubing. FERGO supplies valve, actuator, and solenoid valve as a fully assembled unit on request. Supplementary accessories include limit switch boxes, silencers, flow control plates, and compressed air filters.

A limit switch box (position feedback unit) mounts directly on top of the rotary actuator and reports the actual valve position – typically OPEN and CLOSED switching signals – back to the control system (PLC, DCS, SCADA).

Why is position feedback essential?

Confirms that the valve has actually reached the commanded position – not merely that the control signal was issued
Enables process monitoring and alarm generation if a valve sticks or fails to close fully
Required for Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) and protective interlocks
Foundation for remote monitoring, operational data logging, and predictive maintenance

Available limit switch box variants at FERGO:

Mechanical microswitches (M2) – Proven, cost-effective contact solution with adjustable OPEN and CLOSED switching points
Inductive sensors (N2 / D2) – Contactless, wear-free position detection using IFM inductive proximity switches for high cycle rates
IP67 protection rating – Dust-tight and waterproof; suitable for outdoor installations and harsh industrial environments
ATEX-certified version – Approved for use in explosive atmospheres (Ex zones)
Multi-voltage version – Compatible with multiple control voltages without hardware modification

Yes – pneumatic rotary actuators are the preferred actuator type for ATEX zones and explosive atmospheres. The fundamental safety advantage: the actuator itself contains no electrical components and therefore generates no ignition sources – it is inherently spark-free.

Key points for ATEX installations:

Actuator body – The pneumatic rotary actuator itself does not require ATEX certification, as it contains no electrical parts
ATEX solenoid valve – The NAMUR solenoid valve used to pilot the actuator must be certified for the relevant ATEX zone (Zone 1, Zone 2, Zone 21, Zone 22) – FERGO supplies ATEX-rated solenoid valves on request
ATEX limit switch box – The position feedback unit is also available in ATEX-certified versions for Ex-zone installations
Complete ATEX assembly – FERGO configures and supplies complete Ex-rated automation units: valve + pneumatic actuator + ATEX solenoid valve + ATEX limit switch box, assembled and tested

For ATEX projects, early coordination with the FERGO engineering team is recommended to align zone classification, equipment category, and type of protection: +49 (0) 21 31 / 15 39 28-0.

Beyond standard actuators for general industrial use, FERGO offers the following options and accessories:

Special versions:

Low-temperature down to −40 °C – Optional silicone piston rings enable operation in extreme cold; essential for outdoor installations in arctic climates, cold stores, and cryogenic processes
Low-pressure versions – Actuators designed for supply pressures below the standard 5–6 bar range, available on request
ATEX versions – Complete Ex-rated automation assemblies for Zone 1/2 and Zone 21/22 (see previous question)

Pneumatic accessories:

NAMUR solenoid valves – 3/2-way and 5/2-way, 24 V DC, for single-acting and double-acting actuators
Limit switch boxes (Switchmaster) – IP67, ATEX, mechanical (M2) or inductive (N2 / D2)
Inductive sensors – IFM proximity switches for wear-free position detection
Silencers – Exhaust noise reduction at the solenoid valve outlet port
Flow control plates – Adjustable orifice plates to regulate actuator switching speed
Compressed air filters – Pre-filtration to protect actuator internals from moisture and particulate contamination
J4C Electric Part-Turn Actuator – The alternative where no compressed air supply is available; ISO 5211, multi-voltage, 10–300 Nm

Actionneur Pneumatique Double Effet Quart de Tour

CONFIGURATEUR DE PRODUIT

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Frequently Asked Questions – Pneumatic Actuators