Biffi Scotch Yoke Actuators

Biffi Scotch Yoke Actuators are engineered for powerful and reliable valve automation, offering a robust solution for demanding on-off and modulating applications. Known for their mechanical efficiency and torque-enhancing design, Biffi’s actuators are widely used in industries such as oil & gas, petrochemical, power generation, and water treatment—where reliable performance is critical.

Key Features

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Key Features

Biffi Scotch Yoke Actuators deliver peak torque at the start and end of the stroke—precisely where valve resistance is highest. This makes them ideal for tight shutoff valves and heavy-duty service conditions.
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Key Features

Constructed with high-strength materials and corrosion-resistant coatings, Biffi actuators are built to withstand harsh environments. Their robust design ensures a long service life with minimal wear over time.
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Key Features

Available in pneumatic or hydraulic versions with spring-return or double-acting configurations, these actuators are highly adaptable to system needs. They also support SIL ratings and hazardous area certifications for critical safety applications.

How Biffi Scotch Yoke Actuators Work

Biffi Scotch Yoke Actuators operate by converting the linear motion of a piston into rotary motion to automate the opening or closing of a quarter-turn valve. This is achieved using a yoke mechanism, which is mounted to a sliding block that follows the piston’s movement within a cylinder.

As pressure (air or hydraulic fluid) is applied to the piston, it moves forward or backward. This linear motion drives the scotch yoke—a T-shaped or slotted mechanism—causing the actuator’s output shaft to rotate. This rotary movement is transferred directly to the valve stem, allowing precise and controlled positioning of the valve.

What sets the scotch yoke mechanism apart is its ability to deliver variable torque, with the highest torque available at the beginning and end of the stroke. This is particularly beneficial for valves that require additional force to break open or seal tightly closed, making Biffi actuators an excellent fit for high-demand applications where reliability and force are crucial.

Frequently Asked Questions

They are used to automate quarter-turn valves such as ball, butterfly, and plug valves in heavy-duty industrial environments like oil & gas, petrochemical, and power generation.

They convert the linear motion of a piston into rotary motion through a scotch yoke mechanism, delivering peak torque at the start and end of the stroke—ideal for breaking valve friction.

Yes, Biffi Scotch Yoke Actuators are offered in pneumatic and hydraulic models, catering to various power source requirements and application demands.

They follow ISO 5211 mounting standards, allowing easy integration with most quarter-turn valve types without custom fabrication.

Absolutely. Many Biffi actuators are certified for use in explosive and hazardous areas, including ATEX and SIL safety ratings.

You can choose between double-acting and spring-return configurations, depending on whether you need powered movement in both directions or a fail-safe return option.

They are known for their heavy-duty design, long service life, and low maintenance requirements—built to operate reliably in the toughest conditions.

Common accessories include positioners, limit switch boxes, solenoid valves, handwheel overrides, and travel stops for greater control and monitoring.

Yes, Biffi actuators feature a modular construction, making it easier to service, upgrade, or replace components without removing the entire unit.

Yes, they can be tailored to meet specific torque requirements, environmental conditions, and control needs, including special coatings or mounting options.

Biffi actuators are designed for long operational life with minimal maintenance, but regular inspection and lubrication are recommended based on usage and environment.

Yes, Biffi Scotch Yoke Actuators can be configured for emergency shutdown service, complete with fail-safe spring-return functionality and compatible control systems.

FAQ

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Biffi Scotch Yoke Actuators