Valtek Spring Cylinder

Linear Actuators

GENERAL INFORMATION Unpacking

The following instructions are designed to assist in While unpacking the actuator, check packing list against
installing, troubleshooting and servicing Valtek spring materials received. Lists describing the actuator and
cylinder actuators. Product users and maintenance accessories are included in each shipping container.
personnel should thoroughly review this bulletin prior
1. Position the lifting straps and hoist to avoid damage
to installing, operating or disassembling the actuator.
to the tubing and mounted accessories when lifting
Separate installation, operation and maintenance
the actuator from the shipping container.
instructions cover additional features (such as hand-
wheels, limit stops, fail-safe systems or limit WARNING: When lifting an actuator with lifting
switches). straps through the yoke legs, be aware the
center of gravity may be above the lifting
This publication does not contain information on point. Therefore, support must be given to
Flowserve positioners. Refer to the appropriate instal- prevent the actuator from rotating or causing
lation operation and maintenance instructions for serious injury to personnel or damage to
installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, calibrating and nearby equipment.
operating Flowserve positioners.
2. Contact your shipper immediately in the event of
To avoid possible injury to personnel or dam- shipping damage.
age to valve parts, WARNING and CAUTION 3. Contact your Flowserve representative for any
notes must be strictly followed. Modifying this problems.
product, substituting non-factory or inferior
parts or using maintenance procedures other
than outlined could drastically affect perfor- Installation
mance, void product warranties and be hazard-
ous to personnel and equipment. Prior to installation, make sure adequate overhead
clearance for the actuator is provided to allow for proper
removal from the valve body and for proper mainte-
WARNING: Standard industry safety practices
nance. Refer to Table 1.
must be followed when working on this or any
process control product. Specifically, personal NOTE: If the actuator is attached to a valve body
protection and lifting devices must be used as assembly, see Installation, Operation, Maintenance In-
warranted. structions 1 for overhead clearances.

Valtek No.
Flowserve 49012 Valtek Control Products, Tel. USA 801 489 8611
Corporation, 2-1
 Table 1: 9. Clean any dirt or foreign material from the actuator
Overhead Clearance for Disassembly stem.

Actuator Size Minimum Clearance 10. If an air filter is supplied, check and replace
cartridge as necessary.
25 6 inches
50 8 inches
100,200,300 DISASSEMBLY AND REASSEMBLY
9 inches
400,500,600 Disassembling the Actuator
1. Connect the air supply and instrument signal air Refer to Figures 1 through 5 to disassemble the cylinder
lines to the two appropriately marked connections actuator.
on the positioner. Since both the cylinder and 1. Shut off air supply. If actuator is installed on a
positioner are suitable for 150 psi air supply, an air Flowserve valve, remove the valve per Installation
regulator should not be used unless the supply Operation, Maintenance Instructions 1.
exceeds 150 psi.
WARNING: To avoid serious injury, depressur-
NOTE: In some cases, air supply must be limited to ize the line to atmospheric pressure and drain
100 psi rather than 150 psi; this will be indicated by all fluids before working on the actuator.
a sticker found near the upper air port on the cylinder.
2. Disconnect all tubing. Remove stem clamp and
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or equip- stem bellows from the actuator stem.
ment damage, do not exceed recommended
supply pressure. 3. Relieve spring compression completely by remov-
ing the adjusting screw. Remove adjusting screw
2. Installation of an air filter on the supply line is gasket from adjusting screw.
recommended.
CAUTION: Do not use a screwdriver or bar to
3. Use a soap solution to make sure all air connections
turn the adjusting screw; instead, use a
are leak free.
wrench on the flats of the screw.
MAINTENANCE WARNING: To avoid serious personal injury,
At least once every six months, check for proper opera- relieve the spring compression before further
tion by following the preventative maintenance steps disassembly. The cylinder could possibly fly
outlined below. These steps can be performed while off the yoke when removing the cylinder
the actuator is in service and, in some cases, without retaining ring.
interrupting service. If an internal problem is suspected 4. Remove the cylinder retaining ring from the groove
with the actuator, refer to the “Disassembly and Reas- at the base of the cylinder by using two screw-
sembly” section. drivers. Insert one screwdriver in slot found in the
1. Examine the actuator for damage caused by corro- ring and pry the ring from the groove. Use the other
sive fumes and process drippings. screwdriver to help work the ring out of the cylinder
2. Clean the actuator and repaint any areas of severe groove.
oxidation. 5. Pull the cylinder off the yoke and piston; some
3. If possible, stroke the actuator and check for O-ring resistance may be felt.
smooth, full-stroke operation. WARNING: To avoid serious personal injury,
WARNING: To avoid serious injury, keep hands, do not use air pressure to remove the cylinder.
hair and clothing away from all moving parts The cylinder could possibly fly off the yoke.
while operating the actuator.
6. For heavy-duty spring designs using a spring cap
4. Make sure positioner mounting bolts, linkage and (see Figure 4), remove the spring cap and cap
stem clamp are securely fastened. O-ring from the cylinder.
5. Ensure all accessories, brackets and associated 7. For air-to-retract configurations, remove the
bolting are securely fastened. spring(s) and spring button for cleaning and inspec-
6. If possible, remove air supply and observe actuator tion (see Figures 1, 3 and 5). Remove the actuator
for correct fail-safe action. stem locknut and slide the piston and stem spacer
7. Check rubber bellows for wear. off the actuator stem. The spring guide should be
8. Spray soap solution around the cylinder retaining removed when using heavy-duty spring designs.
ring, the adjusting screw and the lower actuator NOTE: The dual, heavy-duty spring configuration
stem bushing to check for air leaks through the (Figure 3) has two springs, one inside the other.
O-rings and gasket. Remove both springs during this step.

2-2 Flowserve Corporation, Valtek Control Products, Tel. USA 801 489 8611
 Adjusting Screw
Adjusting Screw Gasket (Item No. 210)
(Item No. 248)

Cylinder
Spring Button (Item No. 202)
(Item No. 227)

Spring
Actuator Stem Locknut (Item No. 229)
(Item No. 348)

Stem Spacer
Piston Stem O-ring (Item No. 223)
(Item No. 272)

Piston O-ring
Piston (Item No. 271)
(Item No. 225)

Yoke O-ring
Upper Stem Bushing (Item No. 274)
(Item No. 253)

O Cylinder Retaining
Actuator Stem O-ring Ring
(Item No. 275) (Item No. 256)

Lower Stem Bushing Actuator Stem

(Item No. 254) (Item No. 211)
S

Stem Clamp Bolting Stem Bellows

(Item No. 240/345) (Item No. 247)

Stem Clamp Stroke Plate

(Item No. 249) (Item No. 213)

Yoke
(Item No. 201)

Figure 1: Air-to-retract Cylinder Actuator

NOTE: Item numbers correspond directly to actuator's bill of material. Refer to it for specific part numbers.

For air-to-extend configurations, slowly loosen and 8. Remove the piston O-ring, piston stem O-ring and
remove the actuator stem locknut. Be certain the yoke O-ring.
piston follows the stem locknut up the actuator stem 9. Remove the actuator stem O-ring.
and does not bind on the actuator stem. Remove
the actuator stem locknut, spring button, piston, NOTE: The upper and lower stem bushings are
spring and stem spacer. pressed into the yoke. Removal of the bushings to
WARNING: To avoid personal injury, be certain replace the actuator stem O-ring is unnecessary.
the spring force is completely relieved before 10. Use appropriately sized press to push worn or
removing actuator stem locknut. damaged bushings out of yoke.

Flowserve Corporation, Valtek Control Products, Tel. USA 801 489 8611 2-3
 Adjusting Screw
Adjusting Screw Gasket (Item No. 210)
(Item No. 248)

Actuator Stem Locknut

(Item No. 348)
Cylinder
(Item No. 202)
Piston
(Item No. 225)
Spring Button
(Item No. 227)
Stem Spacer
(Item No. 228)

Piston O-ring
(Item No. 271) Actuator Stem O-ring
(Item No. 275)

Piston Stem O-ring Yoke O-ring

(Item No. 272) (Item No. 274)

Spring Cylinder Retaining Ring

(Item No. 229) (Item No. 256)
O

Upper Stem Bushing Actuator Stem

(Item No. 253) (Item No. 211)

Lower Stem Bushing Stem Bellows

(Item No. 254)
S (Item No. 247)

Stem Clamp Bolting Stroke Plate

(Item No. 240/345) (Item No. 213)

Stem Clamp Yoke

(Item No. 249) (Item No. 201)

Figure 2: Air-to-extend Cylinder Actuator

NOTE: Item numbers correspond directly to actuator's bill of material. Refer to it for specific part numbers.

Reassembling the Actuator in the yoke until it bottoms out. Press the upper
To reassemble the cylinder actuator, refer to Figures 1 stem bushing into the bore until it is flush with the
through 5: top of the yoke (refer to Figures 1 or 2).
1. All O-rings should be replaced. New O-rings should 4. Replace the actuator stem O-ring and yoke O-ring.
be lubricated with a silicone lubricant (Dow Corning 5. Reassemble the piston, piston stem O-ring and
55M or equivalent). Silicone O-rings must be lubri- stem spacer on the actuator stem according to the
cated with Magnalube-G lubricant or equivalent. Do proper air-action (refer to either Figure 1 or 2).
not use silicone lubricant on silicone O-rings. Replace the piston O-ring. Air-to-extend configura-
2. Thoroughly clean all internal parts before beginning tions require the spring button to be stored under
assembly. Lubricate cylinder wall with silicone actuator stem locknut. Tighten the locknut firmly.
lubricant. NOTE: When reassembling heavy-duty, spring-
3. Lubricate the outside of the replacement bushings design actuators, the spring guide must be first
if the stem bushings have been removed. Press a inserted under the actuator stem locknut (see
new lower stem bushing into the actuator stem bore Figures 3 and 4).

2-4 Flowserve Corporation, Valtek Control Products, Tel. USA 801 489 8611
 Adjusting Screw Gasket Adjusting Screw
(Item No. 248) (Item No. 210)

Outer Spring Cylinder

(Item No. 229) (Item No. 202)

Inner Spring Spring Button

(Item No. 230) (Item No. 227)

Actuator Stem Locknut Spring Guide

(Item No. 348) (Item No. 326)

Piston Stem O-ring Piston O-ring

(Item No. 272) (Item No. 271)

Piston Yoke O-ring

(Item No. 225) (Item No. 274)

Upper Stem Bushing Cylinder Retaining Ring

(Item No. 253) O (Item No. 256)

Actuator Stem O-ring Actuator Stem

(Item No. 275) (Item No. 211)

S Stem Bellows
Lower Stem Bushing
(Item No. 254) (Item No. 247)

Stem Clamp Bolting Stroke Plate

(Item No. 240/345) (Item No. 213)

Stem Clamp Yoke

(Item No. 249) (Item No. 201)

Figure 3: Dual-spring Cylinder Actuator

NOTE: Item numbers correspond directly to actuator's bill of material. Refer to it for specific part numbers.

6. For air-to-extend configurations, place the spring 9. Reinsert the cylinder retaining ring by until it snaps
under the piston and insert the actuator stem in place. Use a hammer and drift punch to lightly tap
through the yoke, being careful not to pinch the the retaining ring in the groove.
actuator stem O-ring or gall the stem and stem WARNING: To avoid personal injury, the cylin-
bushings. For air-to-retract configurations, insert der retaining ring must be solidly in place. The
the actuator stem through the yoke and place the cylinder could possibly fly off when pressur-
spring(s) and spring button above the piston. ized. Be careful not to pinch or cut fingers on
7. Replace the cap O-ring and install the spring cap in the square edges of the retaining ring during
the cylinder when using heavy-duty spring designs installation.
using spring caps (see Figure 4). 10. Reinstall the adjusting screw using a new adjusting
8. Install the cylinder, making sure the yoke is pushed screw gasket.
deeply enough into the cylinder to allow the cylinder NOTE: Be certain the hole in the spring button is
retaining ring to be installed. Care should be taken directly centered under the adjusting screw hole in
not to scar or cut the piston and yoke O-rings. the cylinder on air-to-retract configurations.

Flowserve Corporation, Valtek Control Products, Tel. USA 801 489 8611 2-5
 Adjusting Screw
Adjusting Screw Gasket (Item No. 210)
(Item No. 248)
Spring Cap
Spring Button (Item No. 325)
(Item No. 227)
Spring
Cap O-ring (Item No. 229)
(Item No. 270)

Cylinder
Actuator Stem Locknut (Item No. 202)
(Item No. 348)

Spring Guide
Piston Stem O-ring (Item No. 326)
(Item No. 272)
Piston O-ring
Piston (Item No. 271)
(Item No. 225)
Yoke O-ring
Upper Stem Bushing (Item No. 274)
(Item No. 253)
Cylinder Retaining Ring
Actuator Stem O-ring (Item No. 256)
(Item No. 275) O
Actuator Stem
Lower Stem Bushing (Item No. 211)
(Item No. 254)
S Stem Bellows
Stem Clamp Bolting (Item No. 247)
(Item No. 240/345)
Stroke Plate
Stem Clamp (Item No. 213)
(Item No. 249)
Yoke
(Item No. 201)

Figure 4: Cap-spring Cylinder Actuator

NOTE: Item numbers correspond directly to actuator's bill of material. Refer to it for specific part numbers.

11. Tighten the adjusting screw enough to provide an Reversing the Air-action
air seal with the gasket. Do not overtighten.
To change the air action from air-to-retract to air-to
12. Reinstall the stem bellows and stem clamp. extend, or vice versa, refer to Figures 1, 2 or 5:
NOTE: To ensure maximum clamping strength NOTE: Heavy-duty spring actuators are not reversible.
when installing the stem clamp, make sure the stem 1. Disassemble the actuator according to the “Disas-
clamp bolting is perpendicular to one of the slots sembling the Actuator” section.
machined into the actuator stem. 2. For air-to-retract action, reassemble the actuator
13. Apply air over the piston. Tighten the stem clamp with stem spacer and spring button over the piston.
bolting with the stem clamp adjusted to point at the 3. For air-to-extend action, reassemble with spring
closed position of the stroke indicator plate. and stem spacer below the piston and with the
NOTE: If the actuator is installed on a Flowserve spring button stored above the piston.
valve, refer to Installation, Operaton, Mainte- 4. Reassemble the actuator according to the “Reas-
nance Instructions 1 for correct plug stem thread sembling the Actuator” section.
engagement. 5. The positioner must also be reversed. See the
14. Reconnect tubing, supply and signal lines. appropriate positioner maintenance instructions.

2-6 Flowserve Corporation, Valtek Control Products, Tel. USA 801 489 8611
 Lifting Ring
(Item No. 209)

Adjusting Screw
(Item No. 210)

Adjusting Screw Gasket

(Item No. 248)

Cylinder
V
(Item No. 202)
A
L
T
E Actuator Stem Lock Nut
K (Item No. 348)
Spring Button
(Item No. 227)

Spring
(Item No. 229) Spring Button
(Item No. 227)
Actuator Stem Lock Nut
AIR-TO- Piston O-ring
(Item No. 348)
(Item No. 271)
AIR-TO-
RETRACT Stem Spacer EXTEND
Piston
(Item No. 228)
(Item No. 225)

Piston O-ring Piston Stem O-ring

(Item No. 271) (Item No. 272)

Stem Spacer
Piston
(Item No. 225)
Spring
(Item No. 229)
Piston Stem O-ring
(Item No. 272)

Actuator Stem
(Item No. 211)

Upper Stem Bushing

(Item No. 253)

Actuator Stem O-ring

(Item No. 275)

Lower Stem Bushing

(Item No. 254)

Yoke O-ring
(Item No. 274)

Yoke
Serial Plate
(Item No. 201)
(Item No. 252)

Stroke Plate
(Item No. 213)

Cylinder Retaining Ring

(Item No. 256) Stem Clamp
(Item No. 249)

Stem Bellows Stem Clamp Bolt

(Item No. 247) (Item No. 240)

Stem Clamp Nut E0170

(Item No. 345)

Figure 5: Exploded View, Spring Cylinder Actuator

NOTE: Item numbers correspond directly to actuator's bill of material. Refer to it for specific part numbers.

Flowserve Corporation, Valtek Control Products, Tel. USA 801 489 8611 2-7
 Troubleshooting
Problem Probable Cause Corrective Action
High air consumption or 1. Leaks in the air supply or instru- 1. Tighten connections and replace any
leakage ment signal system leaking lines
2. Malfunctioning positioner 2. Refer to appropriate positioner
maintenance bulletin
3. Leaks through O-rings or adjusting 3. Replace O-rings or gasket
screw gasket
Actuator does not move to 1. Air pressure in cylinder not venting 1. Refer to appropriate positioner
fail position upon loss because of faulty positioner maintenance bulletin
of air supply pressure 2. Spring failure 2. Replace spring
3. Internal valve problem 3. Refer to valve’s maintenance bulletin
Jerky or sticking 1. Insufficient air supply pressure 1. Check air supply and any filters or
stem travel regulators; check for leaking O-rings
2. Unlubricated cylinder wall 2. Lubricate cylinder wall with silicone
lubricant
3. Worn or damaged stem bushings 3. Check actuator stem for damage;
replace actuator stem, O-ring, and
stem bushings, if necessary
4. Improperly assembled spring 4. Disassemble actuator and check
cylinder and piston for damage;
reassemble actuator correctly
5. Internal valve problem 5. Refer to valve’s maintenance
instructions

Flowserve Corporation has established industry leadership in the design and manufacture of its products. When properly selected, this
Flowserve product is designed to perform its intended function safely during its useful life. However, the purchaser or user of Flowserve
products should be aware that Flowserve products might be used in numerous applications under a wide variety of industrial service
conditions. Although Flowserve can (and often does) provide general guidelines, it cannot provide specific data and warnings for all
possible applications. The purchaser/user must therefore assume the ultimate responsibility for the proper sizing and selection, installa-
tion, operation and maintenance of Flowserve products. The purchaser/user should read and understand the Installation Operation
Maintenance (IOM) instructions included with the product, and train its employees and contractors in the safe use of Flowserve products in
connection with the specific application.
While the information and specifications presented in this literature are believed to be accurate, they are supplied for informative purposes
only and should not be considered certified or as a guarantee of satisfactory results by reliance thereon. Nothing contained herein is to be
construed as a warranty or guarantee, express or implied, regarding any matter with respect to this product. Because Flowserve is
continually improving and upgrading its product design, the specifications, dimensions and information contained herein are subject to
change without notice. Should any question arise concerning these provisions, the purchaser/user should contact Flowserve Corporation
at any of its worldwide operations or offices.

For more information about Flowserve and its products,

For more information, contact: contact www.flowserve.com or call USA 972 443 6500

Regional Headquarters Quick Response Centers

1350 N. Mt. Springs Prkwy. 5114 Railroad Street

Springville, UT 84663 Deer Park, TX 77536 USA
Phone 801 489 8611 Phone 281 479 9500
Facsimile 801 489 3719 Facsimile 281 479 8511

12 Tuas Avenue 20 104 Chelsea Parkway

Republic of Signapore 638824 Boothwyn, PA 19061 USA
Phone (65) 862 3332 Phone 610 497 8600
Facsimile (65) 862 4940 Facsimile 610 497 6680

12, av. du Québec, B.P. 645 1300 Parkway View Drive

91965, Courtaboeuf Cedex, France Pittsburgh, PA 15205 USA
Phone (33 1) 60 92 32 51 Phone 412 787 8803
Facsimile (33 1) 60 92 32 99 Facsimile 412 787 1944
Flowserve and Valtek are registered trademarks of Flowserve Corporation.

2-8
FCD VLAIM002-15 ©1999 Flowserve Corporation. Flowserve Corporation, Valtek Control
Flowserve Corporation, Products,
Valtek ControlTel. USA 801
Products, 489
Tel. 8611
USA 801 489 8611