Rotary Actuators

Rotary valve actuators are mechanical devices designed to automate the rotation of valves, typically turning a quarter turn (90 degrees) to open or close ball, butterfly, and plug valves. These actuators deliver consistent torque output to control angular motion, making them essential for systems requiring precise flow control and isolation. Rotary actuators can be powered by pneumatic, electric, or hydraulic sources, depending on the application’s performance and environmental requirements. They play a crucial role in industries such as oil and gas, water treatment, food processing, chemical production, and power generation.

Key Features

Key features and benefits of these valves.
1

Key Features

Rotary valve actuators are engineered to provide accurate 90° or 180° rotational motion, ideal for quarter-turn valves. This ensures consistent and repeatable valve operation across demanding process conditions.
2

Key Features

Available in pneumatic, electric, or hydraulic configurations, these actuators suit a wide range of industrial environments. Each power type offers unique advantages in terms of speed, torque, and control flexibility.
3

Key Features

Built with high-strength alloys, coated finishes, or stainless steel housings, rotary actuators can operate reliably in corrosive or hazardous atmospheres. This makes them suitable for offshore, chemical, and aggressive process settings.
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Key Features

Models are available with fail-close or fail-open spring return options and modulating control for fine flow adjustments. This enhances safety and precision in automated systems.
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Key Features

Rotary actuators offer high torque in a compact footprint, allowing for easy installation in tight piping layouts. Their compactness doesn’t compromise performance, even in high-demand applications.
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Key Features

These actuators can be fitted with positioners, limit switches, and digital communication interfaces. This enables seamless integration into SCADA, DCS, or PLC-controlled systems for smart process control.

Air Torque Pneumatic Rotary Actuator

The Air Torque Pneumatic Rotary Actuator is a trusted choice for quarter-turn valve automation across a wide range of industrial applications. Built in Italy, these actuators are known for their robust design, smooth operation, and reliable performance even in demanding environments. Whether configured as double-acting or spring-return, Air Torque actuators deliver high torque output while maintaining compact dimensions—making them ideal for space-conscious installations.

Function: Spring Return, Double Acting
Torque Levels: 8-10,000 NM
Actuator Material: Anodized Aluminium, PTFE Coating, Epoxy Coating, Stainless Steel
Certifications: SIL3 IEC 61508, ATEX 94/9/EC, GOST, GOST-R, EN 60529 IEC 529
Pressure Rating: 2.5 Bar (36 PSI) Minimum – 8 Bar (116 PSI) Maximum
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Actreg Pneumatic Rotary Actuator

Actreg Pneumatic Rotary Actuators are engineered for reliable and precise quarter-turn valve automation across a range of industrial applications. Built to endure harsh environments and demanding operating conditions, these actuators combine robust mechanical strength with refined control performance. Designed to automate ball valves, butterfly valves, and other rotary-motion valves, Actreg actuators deliver consistent torque output and smooth operation, ensuring efficiency and safety in every cycle.

Function: Spring Return, Double Acting
Torque Levels: 5-6,500 NM
Actuator Material: Anodised Aluminium, Epoxy Coating C3 / C4 / C5
Certifications: SIL3, ATEX 94/9/EC, GOST
Pressure Rating: 2.5 Bar (36 PSI) Minimum – 8 Bar (116 PSI) Maximum
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Hytork Pneumatic Rotary Actuator

Hytork Pneumatic Rotary Actuators are engineered for high-performance valve automation across demanding industrial applications. Built to deliver reliable, repeatable rotary motion, these actuators convert air pressure into precise quarter-turn or multi-turn movement, making them ideal for automating ball, butterfly, and plug valves. Known for their rugged construction and modular design, Hytork actuators help reduce downtime while simplifying installation, maintenance, and upgrades.

Function: Spring Return, Double Acting
Torque Levels: 19-3232NM, (167 to 28500 lbf.in)
Actuator Material: Powder Coated LM25 Aluminium Casting
Certifications: ATEX, PED, Machine Directive, TR010, SIL
Pressure Rating: Max 8.3 Bar-Pneumatic/120 PSI
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Elomatic Pneumatic Rotary Actuator

The Elomatic Pneumatic Rotary Actuator is a reliable and robust solution designed to deliver smooth and precise quarter-turn motion in demanding industrial applications. Engineered using a rack-and-pinion mechanism, these actuators convert pneumatic energy into mechanical rotation, typically used to operate ball, butterfly, and plug valves. Their compact yet powerful build ensures optimal torque output with minimal air consumption, making them both efficient and cost-effective over long-term operation.

Function: Spring Return, Double Acting
Torque Levels: 12-4100NM, (106 to 36474 lbf.in)
Actuator Material: Powder Coated Cast Aluminium
Certifications: ATEX, PED, Machine Directive, TR010, SIL3
Pressure Rating: Max 8.3 Bar-Pneumatic/120 PSI
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Bettis Pneumatic Rotary Actuator

The Bettis Pneumatic Rotary Actuator is a robust and proven solution for valve automation in demanding industrial environments. Designed for reliable on/off and modulating control, it delivers consistent torque output across a wide range of pressures and operating conditions. Commonly used in the oil & gas, chemical, power generation, and water industries, Bettis actuators are engineered to perform in harsh, high-cycle applications where reliability is critical.

Function: Spring Return, Double Acting
Torque Levels: Upto (135,000 Nm)
Certifications: ATEX
Pressure Rating: 8 Bar
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Koei Electric Rotary Actuator

The Koei Electric Rotary Actuator range delivers a robust and high-performance solution for quarter-turn valve automation across a wide spectrum of industries. Designed and manufactured in Japan, these actuators are renowned for their durability, precision control, and adaptability in demanding environments. Whether used in water treatment, marine, chemical, or energy sectors, Koei actuators offer consistent, long-term operation with minimal maintenance.

Function: On/Off, Fail Safe, Battery Backup, Modulating (Nucom)
Body Material: Die-Cast Aluminium Stove Enamel Finish
Voltages: 110VAC/50-60Hz, 230VAC/50-60Hz, 24VAC/50-60Hz, 24VDC
Torque Levels: 20NM-1500NM
Temperature Rating: Min-25°C Max 55°C
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Valpes Electric Rotary Actuator

Valpes Electric Rotary Actuators offer a compact, reliable, and energy-efficient solution for the automation of quarter-turn valves such as ball, butterfly, and plug valves. Manufactured in France and engineered to meet rigorous international standards, Valpes actuators are known for their precise torque output, versatile voltage options, and integrated controls. Designed with flexibility in mind, these actuators are ideal for a wide range of industrial and commercial flow control applications including water treatment, HVAC systems, oil & gas, food processing, and more.

Function: On/Off, Fail Safe, Battery Backup, Modulating
Voltages: 110VAC/50-60Hz, 230VAC/50-60Hz, 24VAC/50-60Hz, 24VDC
Torque Levels: 10 to 2400 Nm
Temperature Rating: -20°C to +70°C
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JJ Electric Rotary Actuator

The JJ Electric Rotary Actuator is a robust and reliable solution for automating quarter-turn valve operations such as ball, butterfly, and plug valves. Engineered to deliver consistent performance in demanding industrial environments, JJ actuators are known for their mechanical strength, electrical safety, and ease of installation. Designed with durability in mind, these actuators provide precise positioning control and long-term reliability across a wide range of process automation applications.

Function: On/Off, Fail Safe, Battery Backup, Modulating
Body Material: Aluminium Alloy, Polyethylene Coating
Voltages: 110VAC/50-60Hz, 230VAC/50-60Hz, 24VAC/50-60Hz, 24VDC
Torque Levels: 20-300NM
Temperature Rating: -20 to +70ºC Maximum
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AV Lite Electric Rotary Actuator

The AV Lite Electric Rotary Actuator is a compact, lightweight, and cost-effective solution for quarter-turn valve automation across a variety of general-purpose applications. Designed for simplicity and reliability, the AV Lite offers a robust enclosure and user-friendly operation while maintaining high performance and durability in demanding environments. Its electric drive mechanism eliminates the need for compressed air or hydraulic systems, making it an ideal choice for facilities looking to reduce maintenance overhead and energy costs.

Function: On/Off
Body Material: Nylon
Voltages: 110VAC, 230VAC, 24VDC
Torque Levels: 40NM Maximum
Temperature Rating: 55ºC Maximum (150ºF)
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AV Ares Electric Rotary Actuator

The AV ARES Electric Rotary Actuator is a compact yet powerful solution designed for precise quarter-turn valve automation across a range of industrial and commercial applications. Known for its robust build and reliable performance, the ARES series offers excellent torque output and smooth operation with minimal maintenance requirements. Whether paired with ball valves, butterfly valves, or dampers, this actuator provides accurate control and efficient operation in demanding environments.

Function: On/Off
Body Material: Aluminium Alloy, Polyethylene Coating
Voltages: 110VAC, 230VAC, 12VDC, 24VDC, 24VAC
Torque Levels: 40NM Maximum
Temperature Rating: -20 to +60ºC Maximum
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Why Are These Important

Rotary valve actuators are critical to automated flow control systems because they provide fast, accurate, and reliable valve operation with minimal human intervention. Without them, process industries would face increased downtime, manual error, and inconsistent performance when operating quarter-turn valves like ball or butterfly valves. By delivering controlled rotational movement, these actuators ensure precise opening and closing, helping maintain flow, pressure, and safety parameters within tight tolerances.

In sectors like oil and gas, food processing, water treatment, and power generation, system uptime and responsiveness are non-negotiable. Rotary actuators not only reduce the risk of process failure through fail-safe features but also integrate easily with modern control systems for real-time feedback and automated adjustments. Their ability to function in harsh or hazardous environments, paired with low maintenance needs, makes them a cost-effective and dependable component of any industrial control setup.

Where Are They Used

Rotary valve actuators are widely used across industries that rely on precise and automated fluid or gas control. In oil and gas, they are installed on ball or butterfly valves for isolating and regulating flow in pipelines, refineries, and offshore platforms. Water treatment facilities use them for modulating flow in filtration and distribution systems, ensuring stable and efficient operation.

In chemical processing plants, rotary actuators handle aggressive media with the help of corrosion-resistant housings, while food and beverage manufacturers rely on hygienic variants for clean, automated control of liquids and steam. Power generation plants, including those using steam or hydro systems, use them for rapid valve response in both safety-critical and standard operational roles. They're also common in HVAC systems, marine applications, and pharmaceutical facilities, where dependable, compact actuation is essential for tight control and safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

A pneumatic actuator is a device that converts energy from compressed air into mechanical motion to control the opening and closing of valves in industrial applications.

Rotary valve actuators are typically used with quarter-turn valves such as ball valves, butterfly valves, and plug valves. These actuators provide the rotational motion needed to open or close these valve types efficiently.

Pneumatic actuators are relatively simple, cost-effective, and offer fast response times. They are also suitable for use in hazardous environments where electric actuators might pose a risk.

Pneumatic actuators require a source of compressed air, which may not be readily available in all environments. They also have limited precision compared to electric actuators.

An electric actuator is a device that uses electrical energy to control the movement of valves, typically through the rotation or linear motion of a motorised mechanism.

Electric actuators employ electric motors to generate the mechanical force necessary to operate valves. They can be controlled remotely and offer precise positioning capabilities.

Electric actuators provide precise control, high accuracy, and can be easily integrated with automation systems. They also eliminate the need for compressed air, reducing dependency on external resources.

Yes, many rotary actuators are designed with weatherproof or explosion-proof enclosures, allowing them to perform reliably in hazardous areas or outdoor conditions. It's important to select an actuator with the correct IP or ATEX rating for your environment.

A hydraulic actuator is a device that uses hydraulic fluid to create mechanical motion, typically through the extension and retraction of a piston, to control valve operations.

Hydraulic actuators utilise the pressure exerted by hydraulic fluid to move a piston, which in turn operates the valve mechanism. The flow of hydraulic fluid is controlled to achieve precise movement.

Rotary actuators are generally low-maintenance, especially pneumatic models, but periodic inspection and lubrication (if applicable) are recommended. Seals, gaskets, and control accessories should be checked routinely to ensure long-term reliability.

The choice depends on various factors such as the specific requirements of the application, available resources (such as power and air supply), desired level of control, environmental conditions, and budget constraints.

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Rotary Actuators