Process engineers have several choices when it comes to actuators for rising stem valves – manual, pneumatic, hydraulic and electric. Manual actuators satisfy simple on-off needs.  Pneumatic valve actuators are fast and low cost. Hydraulic systems can be a solution for high force applications and remote installations. For critical process control applications, though, electric valve actuators can deliver what process engineers are striving for - increased productivity, greater efficiency and less downtime.  In other words, electric actuators improve processes and save money.

As oil and gas drilling environments grow more challenging, the need for the enhanced control provided by managed pressure drilling (MPD) grows too.  The drilling choke valve is an essential component in an MPD system, and the drilling choke valve operator (choke valve actuator) provides the vital element of control.  It’s the valve operator that communicates the control software’s commands and provides position feedback to the control system. It stands to reason that selecting the best valve operator is critical to the success of an MPD system.