What Are Explosion Proof Valve Actuators?

Explosion proof valve actuators are specially protected actuators used to control valves electrically in areas where explosive gas, vapour or dust atmospheres may form.

Standard valve actuators may not be suitable for ATEX-zoned facilities. Therefore, appropriately certified explosion-proof models are selected according to the zone and application. They can open or close a valve completely or regulate its position continuously.

Valve Actuator Types

• Linear Valve Actuators: Used with globe valves and other valves that require linear movement.
• Rotary Valve Actuators: Suitable for butterfly valves, ball valves and damper applications.
• On-Off Valve Actuators: Used when a valve must move to a fully open or fully closed position.
• Modulating Valve Actuators: Provide continuous valve positioning with 0–10 V, 2–10 V or 4–20 mA control signals.
• Spring-Return Valve Actuators: Move the valve to a predetermined safe position when power is lost.
• Non-Spring-Return Actuators: Preferred when the valve must retain its current position after a power interruption.

Operating Principle

Valve actuators generate mechanical movement in response to an electrical signal from the control system. This movement is transferred to the valve stem or coupling mechanism, moving the valve to the required position.

On-off models operate between two defined positions. In contrast, modulating models adjust the valve opening continuously. As a result, flow, pressure, temperature, humidity and process conditions can be controlled more accurately.

Application Areas

• ATEX-zoned production areas
• Chemical and petrochemical facilities
• Refineries and solvent processes
• Paint, coating and flammable vapour environments
• Battery rooms and areas with a hydrogen risk
• Explosion-proof air-conditioning and ventilation systems
• Hot water, chilled water and steam lines
• Gas, air and process fluid control lines
• Fire safety and emergency scenarios
• Industrial automation and process control systems

Technical Features

• Explosion-proof enclosure and connection structure
• Model options designed for relevant ATEX zones
• Linear or rotary operating principle
• On-off or modulating control alternatives
• 24 V AC/DC, 230 V AC and other supply voltage options
• 0–10 V, 2–10 V, 4–20 mA or dry-contact control
• Spring-return and non-spring-return configurations
• Capacity alternatives for different torque and stroke requirements
• Integration with PLC, BMS and automation panels

System Advantages

• Supports safe valve control in areas with an explosive atmosphere risk.
• Helps operators manage and monitor process flow consistently.
• Can operate with fans, air-conditioning, heating, cooling and process automation.
• Supports system safety in emergency and fail-safe operating scenarios.
• Modulating control can improve energy efficiency and process stability.
• Linear and rotary options support different valve designs.
• Creates a durable control infrastructure for industrial environments.

Selection Criteria

When selecting explosion proof valve actuators, supply voltage alone is not sufficient. Valve type, diameter, torque, stroke, control signal, zone classification, environmental conditions and the automation scenario must be evaluated together.

• Linear or rotary actuator requirement
• Valve type and nominal diameter
• Required torque or stroke length
• On-off or modulating control
• Supply voltage and control signal
• Spring-return or non-spring-return operation
• ATEX zone classification and certification requirements
• Ambient temperature, humidity, dust and chemical vapours
• PLC, BMS or process automation integration

Use in ATEX Areas

Selecting the correct valve actuator is critical in locations with a potential explosive atmosphere. Standard electrical actuators may create ignition risks through sparks, hot surfaces or electrical faults. Therefore, the selected equipment must have protection and certification appropriate to the identified zone and operating conditions.

The European Commission ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU guidance provides official information about equipment and protective systems intended for potentially explosive atmospheres.

Safe operation also requires correct cable connections, certified cable glands, suitable panel integration, proper commissioning and periodic maintenance.

Use in HVAC and Process Systems

In explosion-proof HVAC systems, valve actuators can control hot water, chilled water, steam, glycol and other process fluids. Valve position can be managed through automation scenarios in air-handling units, fan-coil units, coils, dehumidification and ventilation systems.

In process facilities, these actuators support fluid control, safe shutdown, flow management, temperature regulation and emergency procedures.

Automation Integration

Valve actuators can be integrated with control panels, PLC, BMS, SCADA and process automation systems. Depending on the selected model, the control signal can command opening, closing or continuous positioning.

Models with position feedback allow operators to monitor valve position from the automation interface. Consequently, operating safety, process monitoring and energy management become more effective.

Maintenance and Commissioning

Safe operation requires correct installation orientation, coupling adapters, cable entries, electrical connections, control signals and limit-position settings.

During commissioning, technicians should test the valve direction, operating time, torque setting, stroke, feedback signal, automation commands and emergency scenarios.

Airtes Explosion-Proof Valve Control Solutions

Airtes supports the selection of explosion proof valve actuators by evaluating the valve type, application, control scenario, zone classification and automation infrastructure together.

This project-based approach enables safe valve control solutions for explosion-proof HVAC, process control, gas detection, dehumidification, heating, cooling and emergency scenarios.

Why Choose Airtes?

• Technical experience in ATEX areas and explosion-proof equipment applications
• Selection support based on valve type, torque, stroke and control signal
• Solutions compatible with HVAC, process and automation systems
• Project-specific evaluation of linear and rotary valve actuators
• Technical support for PLC, BMS and control panel integration
• Professional support during site surveys, technical analysis and quotation

Frequently Asked Questions

What do explosion proof valve actuators do?

They safely open, close or modulate valves in ATEX-zoned areas when the selected actuator is suitable for the zone and operating conditions.

Can a standard valve actuator be used in an ATEX area?

A standard actuator should not be used where its protection and certification are unsuitable for the classified zone. Equipment selection must follow the site risk assessment and applicable requirements.

What is the difference between linear and rotary actuators?

Linear actuators provide straight-line movement. Rotary actuators produce angular movement and are commonly used with butterfly valves, ball valves and dampers.

How should the correct product be selected?

Selection should consider valve type, torque, stroke, control signal, supply voltage, zone classification, spring-return requirement and automation infrastructure.

Contact Airtes for Explosion Proof Valve Actuators

Valve type, fluid characteristics, zone classification, torque, control signal, supply voltage, spring-return requirement and automation infrastructure should be analysed before product selection. The Airtes technical team provides professional support for a valve control solution suited to your facility.

Contact us for detailed information, a technical site survey and a project-specific quotation.

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