Long life and long-term accuracy for continuous control valves
Continuous process control valves must maintain their accuracy over a long service life to reduce downtime and maximise value for operators. Our Element continuous control valves deliver this performance for food & beverage as well as pharmaceutical processes by precisely controlling gases and liquids. In fact, our fully automatable designs achieve 0.1% accuracy over a service life of seven million cycles - at least three times longer than conventional valves.
Accurate and repeatable control valve performance in application
Also known as modulating control valves, continuous control valves are suitable for a wide variety of applications where accuracy is crucial. Bürkert’s Element devices can operate as:
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Up to three times longer lifespan than traditional designs
The key benefit of the Element continuous control valve system, however, is its significantly longer lifespan compared to traditional designs. With an expected lifetime of seven million cycles, this is at least three times higher than the alternatives.
This difference lies in the design of Element’s air system. With conventional technology, air pressure opens or closes the valves against the force of the spring but when the valve is de-energised and the springs decompress, ambient air is introduced to the chamber. Ambient air includes moisture and in humid and potentially corrosive environments, such as a food & beverage manufacturing site that is subjected to regular chemical washdowns, the moisture and chemicals can rapidly corrode the valve’s steel spring.
Alternatively, Bürkert’s Element system is sealed and prevents ingress of moist, contaminated air. The clean, dry air used to pressurise the actuator is recycled back into the spring chamber via an integrated pilot valve, preventing corrosion of the actuator spring and removing humidity build-up inside the actuator.
This also removes the possibility of bacteria collecting inside the actuator, which could potentially contaminate the hygienic atmosphere. In addition, the positioner is also sealed and the area around the electronics is pressurised to keep out any moisture, contributing to the valve system’s long life.
Digital communication & automation
Our process control valves can be fully automated in line with your existing protocols. Our valves are easily automated with LED digital displays and open communication for local control. Whether you're looking to completely overhaul your plant or simply swap out a few control valves, we can help.
Get in touch to book a no obligation demo here > kirsty.miller@burkert.com
ELEMENT continuous control valve systems – overview
- Integrated automation with leading technology
- High service life and maintenance-free operation
- Excellent control characteristics, especially for angle seat and globe valve
Electromotive 2-way angle seat control valve
- Good and fast control
- Weather, impact and vibration resistant design
- Easy cleaning by its design according hygienic demands
- Position controller and process controller available
Robust design for tough environments
With a highly durable, stainless steel body, the Element continuous control valve is also free from external corrosion. It can be used in hygienic environments and can undergo a rigorous washdown with chemical solutions without pitting or degrading, which can attract bacteria. Similarly, the valves are designed for simple and effective cleaning, with the smooth edges reducing bacteria build-up and the sleek design providing a clean, clinical look. The polished stainless steel finish also means there’s no paint that can peel off in the hygienic environment and the high IP rating makes the valve durable against washdown and moisture ingress.
As the Element continuous control valves are more compact, they also use less compressed air. By their nature, continuous control valves can be in near constant motion so the savings to be obtained from air usage can be significant across a plant. On average usage with 50 valves per site, a typical saving of £2,500 per year can be achieved by using Bürkert’s more compact valves. The advantages of a smaller, lighter valve also include easier maintenance and as the largest Bürkert Element continuous control valve can be held in one hand, pipework doesn’t need any reinforcement whether for new or retrofit projects.
The Element system ensures high, repeatable accuracy across its lifetime, using technology that makes it last significantly longer than the alternatives. The result is improved performance, reduced downtime and lower overall cost. For continuous control valve applications, Bürkert’s Element system is the answer.
Speak to one of our technical experts today by calling +44 1285 648720 or email sales.uk@burkert.com to book in a no obligation demo of our control valves.