7 Valve Actuator Headaches — And How to Make Them Go Away
1️. Maintenance & Downtime
Springs wear out – In spring-return actuators, metal fatigue, corrosion, or breakage leads to expensive rebuilds or full replacements.
Seal and O-ring degradation – Especially in high-cycle or harsh environments, frequent replacement is needed.
Lubrication needs – Some designs require periodic greasing, which adds labor costs.
Easytork angle: No springs → fewer high-stress wear parts → fewer maintenance shutdowns.
2.️ Reliability in Harsh Conditions
Corrosion – Springs and moving parts exposed to moisture, chemicals, or salt air degrade quickly.
Temperature extremes – Cold can make springs brittle; heat can degrade elastomers and lubricants.
Contamination – Dust, sand, and debris infiltrate seals and internal components.
Easytork angle: Compact, sealed design with fewer failure-prone components means better survival in tough environments.
3. Fail-Safe Performance Concerns
Loss of stored energy – Springs weaken over time, reducing fail-safe force and reliability.
Slow fail times – Some actuators fail too slowly or inconsistently, creating safety risks.
Unpredictable failure modes – If a spring snaps, it may lock up or not fail in the correct position.
Easytork angle: Internal air reservoir maintains consistent fail-safe torque throughout life of the actuator.
4. Size & Weight Constraints
Bulky footprint – Springs add length, width, and height, making installation harder in tight pipe racks or retrofit jobs.
Weight on valve stems – Heavy actuators can cause premature valve stem wear or require extra support.
Easytork angle: More compact → fits in tighter spaces → easier retrofits without engineering changes.
5. Cost Over the Life Cycle
Frequent rebuild kits – Springs, seals, and bushings add recurring costs.
Downtime costs – Lost production time far outweighs the actuator price itself.
Freight and labor – Larger, heavier units are more expensive to ship, install, and service.
Easytork angle: Lower maintenance needs and lighter weight reduce total cost of ownership.
6. Compatibility & Mounting
Mismatched standards – Some actuators require adapters or custom brackets to fit valves.
Actuator-valve misalignment – Can cause premature wear or torque loss.
Easytork angle: ISO standard mounting + focus on correct fit during sales process → fewer surprises at install.
7. Air Supply Issues
High air consumption – Wastes compressed air, driving up utility costs.
Air quality sensitivity – Some designs are finicky with dirty or wet air.
Easytork angle: Smaller internal volume → less air needed → more efficient.
Contact us today to discuss your application and see how we can help eliminate your valve actuator headaches.