When selecting a CE-certified electric actuator, product conformity, actuator technical parameters, and actual installation conditions should all be considered. For high-torque electric actuators, selection involves more than output torque. Power supply, control method, environmental conditions, valve compatibility, and applicable regulatory requirements should also be confirmed. USA VTON can organize the relevant selection parameters according to the specific application.
1. What Is the Relationship Between CE Certification and Electric Actuator Selection?
The CE marking indicates that the applicable product meets relevant European Union regulatory requirements. For electric actuators intended for the EU market, the applicable legislation should be identified according to product category and intended use, together with the relevant conformity documentation.
Therefore, a “CE-certified electric actuator” involves two different aspects:
First, the conformity requirements applicable to the product; second, whether the actuator is technically suitable for the actual project.
These two aspects should not be treated as the same issue.
2. Three Key Points for High-Torque Electric Actuators
1. Product Conformity Documentation
If a project specifically requires CE-related documentation, the availability of the relevant declaration of conformity, technical documentation, and product marking should be confirmed.
The applicable requirements should be determined according to the product category and target market.
2. Torque and Valve Compatibility
CE conformity does not replace mechanical selection.
Even when an actuator has the required conformity documentation, its output torque still needs to be checked against the valve’s actual operating requirements.
USA VTON selection should consider valve torque, pressure, temperature, and operating mode together.
3. Power Supply and Control System
Industrial sites may use different power supplies, such as AC380V or AC220V, and may require remote on-off control, modulating control, or automation-system integration.
Power supply, motor control method, feedback signals, and communication requirements should therefore be confirmed in advance.
3. Industrial Automation Project at a Certain Location
At a certain location, an industrial installation required remote automatic control of large-diameter valves, while the project also required CE conformity for equipment entering the relevant market.
For this type of application, USA VTON’s selection process can be divided into two parts. First, the project requirements are reviewed to confirm the relevant conformity documentation. Second, actuator configuration is determined according to actual valve torque, operating frequency, power supply, and control method.
Clarifying both aspects makes subsequent equipment integration more straightforward.
4. Field Conditions Also Affect Actuator Selection
Electric actuators are generally installed in industrial environments, so the following factors should not be overlooked:
- Ambient temperature;
- Humidity;
- Dust;
- Outdoor installation;
- Protection requirements;
- Vibration;
- Available installation space;
- Cable connections;
- Maintenance conditions.
For special environments, additional environmental requirements should be confirmed according to the project.
5. CE-Certified High-Torque Electric Actuator Selection Process
A practical sequence is:
Step 1: Confirm the valve.
Identify valve type, diameter, pressure rating, and connection method.
Step 2: Confirm torque.
Obtain the actual opening and closing torque and determine the required actuator output capability.
Step 3: Confirm electrical parameters.
Define power supply, control method, feedback signals, and communication requirements.
Step 4: Confirm the environment.
Identify indoor or outdoor installation, temperature, humidity, dust, and protection conditions.
Step 5: Confirm CE-related requirements.
Review applicable legislation and conformity documentation according to the target market and project requirements.
Conclusion
Selecting a CE-certified high-torque electric actuator should involve more than checking a CE marking or looking only at torque. A practical engineering process should consider conformity requirements, valve torque, electrical control, and field conditions together.
USA VTON can organize the selection criteria around the specific valve and project conditions. When preparing technical information, it is useful to provide valve parameters, torque, power supply, control method, and operating environment together.
