How do I choose a control valve actuator?

Start with the valve data sheet, required shutoff or thrust force, fluid pressure, flow direction, control signal, fail position, operating frequency, available power or air supply, and mounting interface. The actuator and valve should be reviewed as one package.

When should I choose an electric actuator for a control valve?

Electric actuation can suit sites where compressed air is unavailable and where the required supply voltage, modulation signal and feedback can be provided. Confirm duty cycle, torque or thrust, ingress protection and fail-action requirements before selection.

What information is needed for a control valve actuator quotation?

Provide valve type, size, medium, temperature, pressure, connection standard, valve data sheet or drawing, required control mode, signal, supply voltage or air pressure, fail position, feedback requirement, quantity and any project certificates.

Control Valve Actuator Selection Guide | Electric & Pneumatic

Actuator selection should begin with the complete valve operating condition—not just the valve size. A control valve package must generate sufficient force or torque through the required stroke while maintaining the intended control accuracy, shutoff performance and safety position.

For an engineering review: send the control valve data sheet or drawing together with the medium, pressure, temperature, control signal, available power or air supply and requested fail action. This reduces the risk of an actuator that fits mechanically but cannot meet the operating requirement.

1. Define the valve duty before selecting the actuator

Valve operating force

For globe, gate and linear control valves, confirm required thrust through the travel range. For rotary valves, confirm break torque, running torque and seating torque.

Control requirement

Identify on-off open/close service or modulating/regulating service. Modulating projects should state the required signal and positioning accuracy.

Safety position

Specify the required action on loss of air or electrical supply: fail closed, fail open, fail in place, or another approved project condition.

2. Electric vs. pneumatic control valve actuation

Selection point	Electric actuator	Pneumatic actuator
Available utility	Requires compatible voltage, wiring and electrical protection.	Requires clean, stable instrument air at the specified pressure.
Control signal	Common options include 4–20 mA, 0–10 V, digital commands and feedback outputs.	Often paired with a positioner for 4–20 mA control; solenoid valves are used for on-off duty.
Fail action	Confirm whether fail-in-place, battery/energy storage, or another engineered function is required.	Spring-return designs can provide fail-open or fail-closed action when air is lost.
Operating duty	Check duty cycle, starts per hour, heat dissipation and manual override.	Check air consumption, cycling rate, positioner and air treatment requirements.

3. Signals, feedback and site integration

For regulating service, state whether the plant uses 4–20 mA, 0–10 V, a fieldbus system or a site-specific protocol. Also specify position feedback, open/close limit switches, local controls, manual override, enclosure rating and cable entry requirements. These details allow the valve, actuator and control system to be quoted as a compatible package.

4. Customer-specified actuator brands

For projects that specify Rotork, AUMA or SAMSON equipment, Jinkon can review the requested actuator model and provide or replace a compatible valve-actuator package subject to engineering confirmation and availability. Send the existing actuator nameplate, mounting interface, required travel, torque or thrust, supply, signal and feedback requirement before selection.

Rotork, AUMA and SAMSON are third-party trademarks. Jinkon is not affiliated with or an authorized distributor for those brands unless expressly confirmed in writing for a specific project.

5. RFQ checklist

Valve type, nominal size and connection standard
Medium, operating pressure, temperature and flow direction
Valve drawing, data sheet or existing actuator nameplate
On-off or modulating function; required signal and feedback
Supply voltage or available air pressure
Fail action, enclosure rating, certifications, quantity and delivery destination

Need a control valve actuator review?

Explore our control valve category, compare general valve actuator options, or send the project details for a technical quotation.

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