1.10 Product Variations
2 Unpacking
3 Valve Installation
4 Dissassembly of VL-ES Actuator
5 Assembly of the VL-ES Actuator
6 Maintenance 1
7 Decommissioning the Spring-Can 1
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4
4
5
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Valtek VL-ES Actuators FCD VLENIM0114-00 – 09/06
1 General Information
1.1 Using
The following instructions are designed to assist in disassembling, reassembling and troubleshooting
Flowserve Valtek valves equipped with VL-ES actuators. Separate installation, operation and mainte
nance instructions cover additional features (such as handwheels, limit stops, fail-safe systems, limit
switches or positioners). Product users and maintenance personnel should thoroughly review this
bulletin in conjunction with any handwheels or other accessory equipment before installing, operating or
performing any maintenance on the valve. In most cases, Flowserve valves, actuators and accessories
are designed for specific applications (e.g. with regard to medium, pressure, temperature). For this
reason they should not be used in other applications without first contacting the manufacturer.
1.2 Applicability
The following instructions are applicable to the maintenance and installation of VL-ES actuators
only. This document should be used in conjunction with the appropriate Installation, Operation and
Maintenance Instructions specific to the model of the valve on which the actuator is installed.
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1.3 Terms Concerning Safety
The safety terms DANGER, WARNING, CAUTION and NOTE are used in these instructions to highlight
particular dangers and/or to provide additional information on aspects that may not be readily apparent.
DANGER: indicates that death, severe personal injury and/or substantial property damage will occur
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if proper precautions are not taken.
WARNING: indicates that death, severe personal injury and/or substantial property damage can
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occur if proper precautions are not taken.
CAUTION: indicates that minor personal injury and/or property damage can occur if proper precau-
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tions are not taken.
NOTE: indicates and provides additional technical information which may not be obvious, even to
qualified personnel.
Compliance with other notes, which may not be particularly emphasized, with regard to transport,
assembly, operation and maintenance and with regard to technical documentation (e.g. in the operating
instructions, product documentation or on the product itself), is essential in order to avoid faults, which,
in and of themselves may directly or indirectly cause severe personal injury or property damage.
1.4 Protective Clothing
Flowserve products are often used in problematic applications (e.g. under extremely high pressures or
with dangerous, toxic or corrosive mediums). When performing service, inspection or repair operations,
always ensure that the valve and actuator are depressurized and that the valve has been cleaned and
is free from harmful substances. In such cases, pay particular attention to personal protection (e.g.
protective clothing, gloves, glasses and respirator as required).
1.5 Qualified Personnel
Qualified personnel are people who, on account of their training, experience, instruction and knowledge
of relevant standards, specifications, accident prevention regulations and operating conditions, have
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Valtek VL-ES Actuators FCD VLENIM0114-00 – 09/06
been authorized by those responsible for the safety of the plant to perform the necessary work and who
are able to recognize and avoid possible dangers.
DANGER: Before installation, check the order number, serial number and/or the tag number to
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ensure that the valve/actuator is correct for the intended application.
WARNING: Standard industry safety practices must be followed when working on this or any
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process control product. Specifically, personal protection and lifting devices must be used as
warranted.
1.6 Installation
1.6.1 Do not insulate extensions that are provided for hot or cold services.
1.6.2 Pipelines must be correctly aligned to ensure that the valve is not fitted under tension.
1.6.3The user must provide fire protection.
1.7 Spare Parts
Use only Flowserve original spare parts. Flowserve cannot accept responsibility for any damages that
occur from using spare parts or fastening materials from other manufactures. If Flowserve products
(especially sealing materials) have been on store for long periods of time check these products for
corrosion or deterioration before using them. The end user must provide fire protection for Flowserve
products.
1.8 Service / Repair
To avoid possible injury to personnel or damage to products, the safety terms must be strictly adhered
to (see Section 1.3). Modifying this product, substituting non-factory parts, or using maintenance
procedures other than those outlined in this instruction manual can drastically affect performance, be
hazardous to personnel and equipment, and may void existing warranties. Between the actuator and
the valve there are moving parts. To avoid injury, Flowserve provides pinch-point-protection in the form
of cover plates, especially where side-mounted positioners are fitted. If these plates are removed for
inspection, service or repair special attention is required. After completing work the cover plates must
be refitted. Apart from the operating instructions and the obligatory accident prevention directives valid
in the country of use, all recognized regulations for safety and good engineering practices must be
followed.
WARNING: Before products are returned to Flowserve for repair or service, Flowserve must
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be provided with an MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) and a certificate, which confirms that
the product has been decontaminated. Flowserve will not accept deliveries if the MSDS and the
certificate have not been provided (a form can be obtained from Flowserve). Since the packing box
cannot be cleaned without removing packing, valve packing should be removed and the packing
area flushed as part of the cleaning.
1.9 Storage
In most cases, Flowserve products are manufactured from stainless steel. Products not manufactured
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from stainless steel are provided with an epoxy resin coating. This means that Flowserve products are
well protected from corrosion. Nevertheless, Flowserve products must be adequately stored in a clean,
dry environment. Plastic caps are fitted to protect the flange faces by preventing the ingress of foreign
materials. These caps should not be removed until the valve is actually mounted into the system.
Valtek VL-ES Actuators FCD VLENIM0114-00 – 09/06
1.10 Product Variations
These instructions cannot claim to cover all the details of every possible product variation, nor in
particular can they provide information for every possible example of installation, operation and
maintenance. This means that the instructions normally include only the directions to be followed
by qualified personnel using the product for its defined purpose. If there are any uncertainties in this
respect, particularly in the event of missing product related information, clarification must be obtained
via the appropriate Flowserve sales office.
2 Unpacking
While unpacking the actuator, check the packing list against the materials received. Lists describing the
actuator and accessories are included in each shipping container.
2.1Position the lifting straps and hoist to avoid damage to the tubing and mounted accessories when
lifting the actuator from the shipping container.
WARNING: When lifting an actuator with lifting straps through the yoke legs, be aware that the
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center of gravity may be above the lifting point. Therefore, support must be given to prevent the
actuator from rotating, causing serious injury to personnel or damage to nearby equipment.
2.2Contact your shipper immediately in the event of shipping damage.
2.3Contact your Flowserve representative with any other problems.
3 Valve Installation
Prior to installation, make sure adequate overhead clearance is provided for the actuator to allow for
proper removal from the valve body and for proper maintenance. Refer to Table I.
Table I: Dissassembly Clearance
Actuator SizeSpring
100Standard9229
150Standard9229
150Heavy Duty9229
200Standard9229
200Heavy Duty9229
300Standard9229
300Heavy Duty9229
400Standard9229
400Heavy Duty9229
Disassembly Clearance
in.mm
3.1Make sure the positioner mounting bolts, linkage and stem clamp are fastened securely.
3.2Ensure all accessories, brackets and associated bolting are fastened securely.
3.3Check rubber bellows for wear.
3.4Spray soap solution around the base and top of the cylinder, lower actuator stem bushing and the
piston stem bushings to check for air leaks through the O-rings.
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Valtek VL-ES Actuators FCD VLENIM0114-00 – 09/06
3.5Clean any dirt or foreign material from the actuator and piston stems.
3.6If an air filter is supplied, isolate the air filter, then check and replace the cartridge as necessary.
4 Dissassembly of VL-ES Actuator
To disassemble the VL-ES actuator, refer to Figure 1 and 2 and then proceed as follows:
4.1Shut off the air supply. If the actuator is installed on a Flowserve valve, remove the valve using the
appropriate Installation Operation and Maintenance instructions.
WARNING: To avoid serious injury, depressurize the line to atmospheric pressure and drain all fluids
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before working on the actuator.
4.2Disconnect all tubing.
4.3Remove the actuator from the valve body using air in the cylinder to move the plug stem to approxi-
mately mid stroke position. Remove the stem clamp and release the air from the cylinder slowly.
Remove the yoke bolts. Using lifting rings in the place of two of the top plate bolts, lift the actuator
up off the valve body subassembly. Set the actuator on a workbench or other sturdy work surface.
WARNING: When lifting an actuator with lifting straps through the yoke legs, be aware that the
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center of gravity may be above the lifting point. Therefore, support must be given to prevent the
actuator from rotating, causing serious injury to personnel or damage to nearby equipment.
WARNING: Removing the stem clamp without relieving the pressure between the plug stem and the
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actuator stem can cause the stem clamp to suddenly jump, causing serious injury to personnel or
damage to nearby equipment.
4.4Remove the cover plate bolts, cover plate and cover plate O-ring.
4.5For fail open, air to close (ATC) actuators, apply air the bottom port on the actuator, moving the
piston to the top of the cylinder. Remove the piston stem half rings, collar and thrust washer.
4.6Remove all but two of the spring-can bolts. Leave in two bolts on opposite sides of the actuator.
Remove the two remaining bolts one flat at a time, turning each in order. Remove the spring-can
by lifting it clear of the actuator.
DANGER: The spring-can contains a pre-tensioned spring. The spring-can must not be disas-
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sembled in the field and requires special equipment and training to service. Disassembling the
spring-can will cause serious injury or death. For instructions on decommissioning the spring-can,
see section 7.0 below.
4.7For fail closed, air to open (ATO) actuators, remove the spring guide and thrust washer.
4.8Remove the four self-locking tie rod nuts by unscrewing them in an alternating pattern. Remove
the cylinder end cap.
NOTE: When removing the tie rods, spinning the self-locking nuts may cause the entire rod to turn,
removing the rods instead of the nuts. In this case, do not use vise-grip pliers or a similar device to keep
the rod from turning. This will damage the surface of the tie rod and can cause the rod to fail in service.
Instead allow the rod and nut to come out as one. Once the rod and nut are clear, use a soft grip vise to
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turn the nut off the tie-rod.
4.9If the tie-rods did not come out with the locknuts, remove the tie rods from the yoke using two
nuts locked together on the upper threads.
Valtek VL-ES Actuators FCD VLENIM0114-00 – 09/06
4.10Lift the cylinder off the yoke and piston. If excessive O-ring resistance is felt, use a rubber mallet
to gently tap around the cylinder perimeter and gently pry the cylinder off with a flat screwdriver.
Remove the piston quad-seal, and two cylinder O-rings.
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WARNING: To avoid serious personal injury, never use air pressure to remove the piston. The piston
may fly out of the cylinder.
4.11Remove the piston assembly.
4.12Remove the piston stem, piston and piston O-ring from the actuator stem.
4.13Remove the O-rings seals from the yoke and end cap.
4.14The bushings in the yoke and end cap can be pushed out with a press if worn or damaged.
5 Assembly of the VL-ES Actuator
The quad seal and all of the O-rings should be replaced and lubricated with a calcium complex grease
(Dow 55 or equivalent). Silicone O-rings must be lubricated with Magnalube-G lubricant or equivalent.
5.1Inspect the bushing in the yoke and end cap for damage or excessive wear. Use Table II to
determine if the bushings are useable. Excessive wear on these bushings will affect the cycle life of
the actuator. Replace the bushing if necessary.
Table II: Bushing Tolerances
Actuator
Size
1002.25257.202.25757.332.25257.202.25757.33
2002.25257.202.25757.332.25257.202.25757.33
3002.75169.882.75770.032.75169.882.75770.03
4002.75169.882.75770.032.75169.882.75770.03
5.2 Replacing the yoke and end cap bushings
5.2.1Remove the old bushings using a press and properly sized pushrods. Take note that the
bushings only push out from one side.
5.2.2Set the inside bushing by pressing it down to contact the step in the hole. The smaller
bushing is pressed in first. Some bushings may be interchangeable.
5.2.3Set the outside bushing to be flush with the surface. This provides the correct clearance for
the O-ring to be installed later.
Actuator Stem BushingPiston Stem Bushing
MinimumMaximumMinimumMaximum
in.mmin.mmin.mmin.mm
5.3Inspect the piston stem, actuator stem, piston O-ring and piston for damage or wear. Assemble the
piston assembly using Loctite
vice may be used to hold the actuator stem, if desired.
NOTE: When using a vise grip to hold the actuator stem, take care not to damage the stem threads.
5.4Lubricate and install the four O-rings for the yoke and yoke cap. Lubricate the bushings in the yoke
and yoke cap with a light coat of grease.
®
266 thread locking compound or equivalent. During assembly, a
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Valtek VL-ES Actuators FCD VLENIM0114-00 – 09/06
5.5Insert the piston assembly into the yoke and cylinder. A threaded hole in the piston stem has been
provided as a lifting point. Generously lubricate the piston quad seal and install into the piston.
The grease should fill the valley between each of the quad seal lobes. Install the protective rubber
bellows on the actuator stem.
5.6Lubricate the inside of the cylinder with a light coat of grease. Install the cylinder onto the yoke and
piston assembly. Use a soft mallet to gently tap the cylinder into place.
NOTE: Care must be taken as the cylinder and top cap are installed or the O-rings and quad seal can
be pinched. This will cause damage to the seals, which must then be replaced. Used quad seals will
swell somewhat due the effects of the lubricant and new seals should be used whenever the actuator is
reassembled.
5.7Install the tie rods into the yoke using a removable thread-locker (Blue® 266 thread locking
compound or equivalent). Using two nuts, jammed together, on the top threads of the tie rod will
make installing these rods easier. Remove any nuts used to screw the rods into the yoke.
5.8Install the end cap onto the piston stem and the cylinder. Take care to line up the air holes on both
the yoke and the end cap.
WARNING: Damaged tie rods can fail, causing injury, property damage or death. Damaged tie rods
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should be replaced. Do not use vice grips or similar devices which can leave scores and dents in the
surface of the tie rod. Chipped paint should be repainted.
WARNING: Tie rods must be fully threaded into the yoke. The tie rod must be flush, or extend
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slightly beyond the bottom of the yoke.
5.9Install and tighten the tie rod lock nuts. Then loosen the lock nuts by one turn.
5.10Using the minimum air supply required, stroke the actuator three times. This provides alignment
between the upper and lower stem bushings.
5.11Tighten the tie rod nuts using Table III to obtain the proper torque values.
Table III: Tie Rod Torque Values
Cylinder Sizeft-lbNm
100, 150 & 200150203
300 & 400
210285
5.12For ATO, fail closed actuators, lubricate the thrust washer on both sides with a calcium complex
grease and install both the spring guide and thrust washer.
5.13Set the spring-can onto the cylinder assembly. Using appropriate anti-seize compound, install
two opposing spring-can bolts and lock washers, tightening half a turn at a time to bring the
spring-can down evenly onto the cylinder. Install and torque the remaining spring-can bolts and
lock washers, again using appropriate anti-seize compound.
5.14For ATC, fail open actuators, stroke the actuator open using the low pressure air. Lubricate the
thrust washer with a calcium complex grease on both sides. Install the collar, thrust washer and
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half rings. The half rings are slightly bent to keep them locked into place. They will need to be
gently tapped into place to squeeze them into the groove. Slowly release the air from the cylinder,
locking the half rings into place.
Valtek VL-ES Actuators FCD VLENIM0114-00 – 09/06
5.15Install the positioner, tubing and other accessories. Use of an air filter is always recommended.
Use a soap solution to make sure all air connections are leak-free.
5.16Install the maximum air supply pressure sticker and regulator if required.
NOTE: In some cases, air supply must be limited; this will be indicated by a sticker found near the upper
air port on the cylinder.
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or equipment damage, do not exceed the recommended supply
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pressure.
5.17Lower the actuator onto the valve body using lifting rings in place of two opposing cover plate
holes and install the yoke bolts finder tight. Replace the lifting lugs with the bolts and lock
washers using appropriate anti-seize. If the actuator uses a single piece stem clamp, this must be
put over the plug stem before the actuator is installed.
WARNING: When lifting an actuator with lifting straps through the yoke legs, be aware that the
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center of gravity may be above the lifting point. Therefore, support must be given to prevent the
actuator from rotating, causing serious injury to personnel or damage to nearby equipment.
5.18Most VL-ES actuators use a split stem clamp. This clamp comes in two pieces and has male
threads on the actuator and plug stem. One piece stem clamps have female threads in the
actuator stem.
5.19For split stem clamps:
5.19.1Make sure the plug is firmly seated into the seat ring. Using air, stroke the actuator stem
down until it is about
1
⁄8" from the plug stem. Install the stem clamp and tighten. Stroke
the valve several times to align the actuator and plug stem. With the plug stem off the
seat, tighten the yoke bolts to finger tight.
5.19.2Loosen the stem clamp to finger tight. Using the appropriate installation instructions,
adjust the plug stem position and tighten the stem clamp.
5.20For one piece stem clamps:
5.20.1With the actuator lowered onto the valve, the plug stem and actuator stem should be
touching. Before proceeding, verify the stem clamp is on the plug stem. The actuator
must be rotated to screw the actuator stem onto the plug stem. Rotate the actuator
down on the plug stem engaging the threads between the plug and actuator stem. Use
wrenches on the flats provided on the plug stem and actuator stem to turn the actuator.
Continue to turn the actuator on until the yoke contacts the bonnet.
5.20.2Lift the stem clamp into place and tighten to finger tight.
5.21Once the actuator is on the valve, the plug stem engagement into the actuator stem must be
adjusted. This adjustment is critical to shutoff and fail action.
5.22Verify that the stem clamp is only finger tight. Verify that the yoke bolts are in place, but loosened
to a ¼ to ½ inch gap.
5.23Using air on the actuator, lift the plug off the seat and adjust the plug as needed. Stroke the plug
down and watch for a gap where the yoke meets the bonnet. Continue to repeat this step until the
plug contacts the seat and lifts the actuator, making a gap between the yoke where it contacts the
bonnet of about
1
⁄16".
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Valtek VL-ES Actuators FCD VLENIM0114-00 – 09/06
NOTE: Rotating the plug while it is in contact with the seat will cause damage to both the plug and seat
ring. Take care not to allow the plug to rotate while threading the actuator onto the plug stem.
5.24Apply air to the actuator to lift the plug off the seat. Tighten the stem clamp and yoke bolts. Use
Table IV to find torque values for the yoke bolts. Stroke fully open to fully closed several times to
verify operation.
Table IV: Yoke Bolt Torque Values
Actuator SizeSpud Size
100-2003.38Bolted Bonnet0.62-114433
100-2004.00Bolted/Half Ring0.62-114433
100-2004.75Bolted Bonnet0.62-114433
300-6003.38Bolted Bonnet0.75-108060
300-6004.00Bolted/Half Ring0.75-108060
300-6004.75Bolted Bonnet0.75-108060
Connection
Type
Bolt Size
Carbon Bolting
(ft-lb)
Stainless
Bolting (ft-lb)
5.25For ATC, fail open, valves, remove the air from the actuator and allow the valve plug to backseat
on the bonnet. This should put the plug at the top of the stroke. Using feeler gauges check to
make sure that the upper spring button is not contacting the top of the spring-can. If the upper
spring button is in contact with the top of the spring-can, the spring load is not being applied into
the plug and will need to be adjusted.
5.26Install the cover plate, cover plate O-ring, bolts and lock washers, using anti-seize compound.
6 Maintenance
At least once every six months, check for proper operation by following the preventative maintenance
steps outlined below. These steps should not be performed while the actuator is in service. If an internal
problem is suspected with the actuator, refer to the Disassembly and Assembly sections (Sections 4 and
5 respectively).
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WARNING: To avoid serious injury, the following steps should only be performed with the air supply
or positioner input disconnected.
6.1When disconnecting air supply, observe actuator for correct fail-safe action.
6.2Examine the actuator for damage caused by corrosive fumes and process drippings.
6.3Clean the actuator and repaint any areas of severe oxidation.
6.4If possible, stroke the actuator and check for smooth, full-stroke operation.
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WARNING: To avoid serious injury, keep hands, hair and clothing away from all moving parts while
operating the actuator.
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Valtek VL-ES Actuators FCD VLENIM0114-00 – 09/06
7 Decommissioning the Spring-Can
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DANGER: The spring-can contains a pre-tensioned spring. The welds on the spring-can should not
be removed until the spring has been determined to be relaxed. Serious injury or death can result
from removing the welds while the spring is still compressed.
Spring-cans must be disassembled using specialized equipment. Before the weld seal is broken, the can
must be contained inside of a press. It is recommended that the spring can be returned to Flowserve for
decommissioning.
For more information about Flowserve Corporation, visit
www.flowserve.com or call USA 1 800 225 6989
United States
Flowserve Corp.
Flow Control
Valtek Control Products
1350 N. Mt. Springs Parkway
Springville, UT 84663 USA
Telephone: 1 801 489 8611
Fax: 1 801 489 3719
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, installation, 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 contained 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 one of its worldwide operations or offices.