Valtek VL-C Spring Cylinder

Linear Actuators

GENERAL INFORMATION
The following instructions are designed to assist in WARNING: Standard industry safety practices must
installing, troubleshooting and servicing Valtek VL-C be followed when working on this or any process
spring cylinder linear actuators sizes 100, 150 and 200. control product. Specifically, personal protection
Separate installation, operation and maintenance and lifting devices must be used as warranted.
instructions cover 25 and 50 sizes as well as additional
features (such as handwheels, limit stops, fail-safe
systems or limit switches). Product users and mainte- Unpacking
nance personnel should thoroughly review this bulletin
While unpacking the actuator, check packing list against
prior to installing, operating or disassembling the
materials received. Lists describing the actuator and
actuator.
accessories are included in each shipping container.
This publication does not contain information on 1. Position the lifting straps and hoist to avoid damage
Flowserve positioners. Refer to the appropriate instal- to the tubing and mounted accessories when lifting
lation operation and maintenance instructions for in- the actuator from the shipping container.
stalling, maintaining, troubleshooting, calibrating and
operating Flowserve positioners. WARNING: When lifting an actuator with lifting
straps through the yoke legs, be aware the
To avoid possible injury to personnel or dam- center of gravity may be above the lifting point.
age to valve parts, WARNING and CAUTION Therefore, support must be given to prevent the
notes must be strictly followed. Modifying this actuator from rotating or causing serious injury
product, substituting non-factory or inferior to personnel or damage to nearby equipment.
parts or using maintenance procedures other 2. Contact your shipper immediately in the event of
than outlined could drastically affect perfor- shipping damage.
mance, void product warranties and be hazard-
ous to personnel and equipment. 3. Contact your Flowserve representative with any
problems.

Flowserve
Valtek Corporation,
No. 188485 Valtek Control Products, Tel. USA 801 489 8611 54-1
Installation 5. Make sure positioner mounting bolts, linkage and
stem clamp are fastened securely.
Prior to installation, make sure adequate overhead
clearance for the actuator is provided to allow for proper 6. Ensure all accessories, brackets and associated
removal from the valve body and for proper mainte- bolting are fastened securely.
nance. Refer to Table I. 7. Check rubber bellows for wear.
8. Spray soap solution around the base and top of the
Table I: cylinder, the adjusting screw and the lower actuator
Overhead Clearance for Maintenance stem bushing to check for air leaks through the
Actuator Size Minimum Clearance O-rings and gasket.
100, 150, 200 9 inches 9. Clean any dirt or foreign material from the actuator
stem.
NOTE: If an actuator is attached to a valve body
10. If an air filter is supplied, isolate the air filter, then
assembly, see the appropriate installation, operation,
check and replace cartridge as necessary.
maintenance instructions.
1. Connect the air supply and instrument signal air
lines to the two marked connections on the DISASSEMBLY AND REASSEMBLY
positioner. Since both the cylinder and positioner Disassembling the Actuator
are suitable for 150 psi (10.3 bar) air supply, an air
Refer to Figures 1 through 4 to disassemble the cylinder
regulator should not be used unless the supply
actuator.
exceeds 150 psi (10.3 bar).
1. Shut off air supply. If actuator is installed on a
NOTE: In some cases, air supply must be limited to
Flowserve valve, remove the valve per the appropri-
100 psi (6.9 bar) rather than 150 psi (10.3 bar); this
ate installation operation, maintenance instructions.
will be indicated by a sticker found near the upper
air port on the cylinder. WARNING: To avoid serious injury, depressur-
ize the line to atmospheric pressure and drain
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or equip-
all fluids before working on the actuator.
ment damage, do not exceed recommended
supply pressure. 2. Disconnect all tubing. Remove stem clamp and
2. Installation of an air filter on the supply line is stem bellows from the actuator stem.
recommended. 3. Relieve spring compression by completely remov-
3. Use a soap solution to make sure all air connections ing the adjusting screw. Remove adjusting screw
are leak-free. gasket from adjusting screw.
WARNING: To avoid serious personal injury,
MAINTENANCE relieve the spring compression before further
At least once every six months, check for proper opera- disassembly. The cylinder end cap may fly off
tion by following the preventative maintenance steps the yoke when removing the cylinder tie-rod
outlined below. These steps should not be performed nuts.
while the actuator is in service. If an internal problem is 4. Remove the four self-locking tie rod nuts by un-
suspected with the actuator, refer to the Disassembly screwing in an alternating pattern. Remove the
and Reassembly section. cylinder end cap.
WARNING: To avoid serious injury, the following
5. Lift the cylinder off the yoke and piston. If excessive
steps should only be performed with the air supply
O-ring resistance is felt, use a rubber mallet to
or positioner input disconnected.
gently tap around the cylinder perimeter.
1. When disconnecting air supply, observe actuator
WARNING: To avoid serious personal injury, do
for correct fail-safe action.
not use air pressure to remove the cylinder. The
2. Examine the actuator for damage caused by corro- cylinder may fly off the yoke.
sive fumes and process drippings.
CAUTION: When removing the actuator stem
3. Clean the actuator and repaint any areas of severe lock nut, do not hold the actuator stem with a
oxidation. pipe wrench as the sealing surface may be
4. If possible, stroke the actuator and check for damaged; instead, use a wrench on the flats of
smooth, full-stroke operation. the actuator stem.
WARNING: To avoid serious injury, keep hands, 6. For air-to-retract configurations, remove the
hair and clothing away from all moving parts spring(s) and spring button for cleaning and inspec-
while operating the actuator. tion (see Figures 1, 3 and 4). Remove the actuator

54-2 Flowserve Corporation, Valtek Control Products, Tel. USA 801 489 8611
 Adjusting Screw Adjusting Screw
(Item No. 210) Gasket
Tie Rod Nut (4) (Item No. 248)
(Item No. 205)

End Cap O-ring

(Item No. 227)
End Cap
(Item No. 207)
Spring Button
(Item No. 227)

Tie Rod (4)

(Item No. 206) Spring
(Item No. 229)

Actuator Stem
Lock Nut
(Item No. 348) Stem Spacer
(Item No. 228)

Cylinder
(Item No. 202) Quad-seal
(Item No. 271)

Piston
Yoke O-ring (Item No. 225)
(Item No. 271)

Actuator Stem
(Item No. 211)
Piston Stem
O-ring
(Item No. 272) Bushing
(Item No. 253)

Actuator Stem
Stem Bellows
(Item No. 247)
O-ring
(Item No. 275)

Bushing
(Item No. 253)
Yoke
(Item No. 201)
Stem Clamp
No. 26906
(Valtek Positioner)

Figure 1: Air-to-retract Cylinder Actuator

NOTE: Item numbers correspond directly to actuator's bill of material. Refer to it for specific part numbers.

stem locknut by holding the flats on the actuator (Remove the piston and stem locknut together,
stem and slide the piston and stem spacer off the making sure the piston does not bind on the actua-
actuator stem. The spring guide should be removed tor stem.) Next, remove the spring button, spring
when using dual or heavy-duty spring designs. and stem spacer.
NOTE: The dual spring configuration (Figure 3) has WARNING: To avoid personal injury, be certain
two springs, one inside the other. Remove both the spring force is completely relieved before
springs during this step. removing actuator stem locknut.
7. For air-to-extend configurations, slowly loosen and 8. Remove the piston quad-seal, piston stem O-ring
remove the actuator stem locknut and piston. and yoke O-ring.

Flowserve Corporation, Valtek Control Products, Tel. USA 801 489 8611 54-3
 Spring Button
(Item No. 227)

Stem Spacer
(Item No. 228)

Spring
(Item No. 229)

Figure 2: Air-to-extend Cylinder Actuator

NOTE: Item numbers correspond directly to actuator's bill of material. Refer to it for specific part numbers.
Parts listed change location upon reversing air action. No new parts are required.

9. Remove the actuator stem O-ring. 1. All O-rings and the quad-seal should be replaced
NOTE: The stem bushing is pressed into the yoke. and lubricated with a calcium complex grease
The actuator stem O-ring can be replaced without (DuBois MPG-2 or equivalent). Silicone O-rings
removing the bushing. must be lubricated with Magnalube-G lubricant or
equivalent.
10. Use an appropriately sized press to push a worn or
2. Thoroughly clean all internal parts before beginning
damaged bushing out of the yoke.
assembly. Check the cylinder bore for scratches,
Reassembling the Actuator pitting or worn areas. Lubricate cylinder wall and all
To reassemble the cylinder actuator, refer to Figures 1 internal surfaces with the appropriate lubricant.
through 4: NOTE: Applying a light coating of lubricant to the

54-4 Flowserve Corporation, Valtek Control Products, Tel. USA 801 489 8611
 Adjusting Screw
(Item No. 210)

Outer Spring
(Item No. 229)
Spring Button
(Item No. 227)

Inner Spring
(Item No. 230)
Spring Guide
(Item No. 326)

Actuator Stem
(Item No. 211)

Figure 3: Dual-spring Cylinder Actuator

NOTE: Item numbers correspond directly to actuator's bill of material. Refer to it for specific part numbers.
Parts listed indicate differences from the single-spring model.

entire cylinder bore, end cap and both sides of the NOTE: When installing the actuator stem, align the
piston enables smooth operation and can help actuator stem flats with the yoke legs. This allows
reduce corrosion. the stem clamp to work properly and helps prevent
3. Lubricate the outside of the replacement bushing if plug assembly rotation.
the stem bushing has been removed. Press a new CAUTION: When installing the actuator stem
lower stem bushing into the actuator stem bore in lock nut, do not hold the actuator stem with a
the yoke until it bottoms out. Press the upper stem pipe wrench as the sealing surface may be
bushing into the bore until it is flush with the top of damaged; instead, use a wrench on the flats of
the yoke (refer to Figures 1 or 2). the actuator stem.
4. Replace the actuator stem O-ring and yoke O-ring. 5. Reassemble the piston, piston stem O-ring and

Flowserve Corporation, Valtek Control Products, Tel. USA 801 489 8611 54-5
 stem spacer on the actuator stem according to the Table II: Tie Rod Nut Torque Values
proper air-action (see either Figure 1 or 2). Replace
the piston quad-seal. Air-to-extend configurations Actuator Size Torque Value (ft.-lbs.)
require the spring button to be stored under actua- 100 207 – 229
tor stem locknut. Tighten the locknut firmly by 150, 200 336 – 371
holding the flats on the actuator stem.
12. Reinstall the stem bellows and stem clamp.
NOTE: When reassembling dual or heavy-duty
spring actuators, the spring guide must be first NOTE: To ensure maximum clamping strength
inserted under the actuator stem locknut (see Fig- when installing the stem clamp, make sure the stem
ures 3 and 4). clamp bolting is perpendicular to one of the slots
machined into the actuator stem.
6. For air-to-extend configurations, place the spring
under the piston and insert the actuator stem 13. Apply air over the piston. Tighten the stem clamp
through the yoke, being careful not to pinch the bolting with the stem clamp adjusted to point at the
actuator stem O-ring or gall the stem and stem closed position of the stroke indicator plate.
bushing. For air-to-retract configurations, insert the NOTE: If the actuator is installed on a Flowserve
actuator stem through the yoke and place the valve, refer to the appropriate installation, opera-
spring(s) and spring button above the piston. tion, maintenance instructions for correct plug stem
thread engagement.
7. Install the tie rods into the yoke using Loctite
No. 242 NSF61 or equivalent. 14. Reconnect tubing, supply and signal lines.
8. Install the cylinder, making sure the cylinder is
Reversing the Air-action
completely seated on the yoke. Care should be
taken not to scar or cut the piston and yoke O-rings. To change the air action from air-to-retract to air-to
extend, or vice versa, refer to Figures 1, 2 or 4:
9. Replace the cylinder end cap and secure to the tie
rods using new self-locking nuts. Refer to Table II NOTE: Dual spring actuators are not reversible.
for the appropriate torque values. 1. Disassemble the actuator according to the Disas-
WARNING: To avoid personal injury, the cylin- sembling the Actuator section.
der end cap must be solidly in place. The cylin- 2. For air-to-retract action, reassemble the actuator
der end cap may fly off when pressurized. with stem spacer and spring button over the piston.
10. Reinstall the adjusting screw fitted with a new 3. For air-to-extend action, reassemble with spring
adjusting screw gasket. and stem spacer below the piston and with the
NOTE: Be certain the hole in the spring button is spring button stored above the piston.
directly centered under the adjusting screw hole in 4. Reassemble the actuator according to the Reas-
the cylinder on air-to-retract configurations. sembling the Actuator section.
11. Tighten the adjusting screw enough to provide an 5. The positioner must also be reversed. See the
air seal with the gasket. Do not overtighten. appropriate positioner maintenance instructions.

54-6 Flowserve Corporation, Valtek Control Products, Tel. USA 801 489 8611
 Adjusting Screw
(Item No. 210)

Adjusting Screw Gasket

(Item No. 248)

Tie Rod Nut (4)

(Item No. 205)

Tie Rod (4)

(Item No. 206)

End Cap
AIR-TO- (Item No. 207) AIR-TO-
RETRACT EXTEND
End Cap O-ring
(Item No. 208)

Spring Button
(Item No. 227)
Actuator Stem Nut
(Item No. 348)

Spring Spring Button

(Item No. 229) (Item No. 227)

Quad-seal
(Item No. 271)
Actuator Stem Nut
(Item No. 348)

Piston
(Item No. 225)
Stem Spacer
(Item No. 228)
Piston Stem O-ring
(Item No. 272)

Quad-seal Cylinder Stem Spacer

(Item No. 271) (Item No. 228)
(Item No. 202)

Upper Stem
Actuator Stem
Piston Actuator Stem O-ring Bushing (Item No. 211)
(Item No. 225) (Item No. 275) (Item No. 253)

Piston Stem O-ring Spring

(Item No. 272) (Item No. 229)

Actuator Stem
(Item No. 211)

Lower Stem Bushing

(Item No. 253)

Stroke Plate Yoke O-ring

(Item No. 213) (Item No. 274)

Yoke
(Item No. 201)

Stem Bellows
(Item No. 247)

Figure 4: Exploded View, Spring Cylinder Actuator

NOTE: Item numbers correspond directly to actuator's bill of material. Refer to it for specific part numbers.

Flowserve Corporation, Valtek Control Products, Tel. USA 801 489 8611 54-7
 Troubleshooting
Problem Probable Cause Corrective Action
High air consumption or 1. Leaks in the air supply or instru- 1. Tighten connections and replace any
leakage ment signal system leaking lines
2. Malfunctioning positioner 2. Refer to appropriate positioner
maintenance bulletin
3. Leaks through O-rings or adjusting 3. Replace O-rings or gasket
screw gasket
Actuator does not move to 1. Air pressure in cylinder not venting 1. Refer to appropriate positioner
fail position upon loss because of faulty positioner maintenance bulletin
of air supply pressure 2. Spring failure 2. Replace spring
3. Internal valve problem 3. Refer to valve’s maintenance bulletin
Jerky or sticking 1. Insufficient air supply pressure 1. Check air supply and any filters or
stem travel regulators; check for leaking O-rings
2. Unlubricated cylinder wall 2. Lubricate cylinder wall with silicone
lubricant
3. Worn or damaged stem bushings 3. Check actuator stem for damage;
replace actuator stem, O-ring, and
stem bushings, if necessary
4. Improperly assembled spring 4. Disassemble actuator and check
cylinder and piston for damage;
reassemble actuator correctly
5. Internal valve problem 5. Refer to valve’s maintenance
instructions

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 presented 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 of its worldwide operations
or offices.

For more information about Flowserve and its products,

For more information, contact: contact www.flowserve.com or call USA 972 443 6500

Regional Headquarters Quick Response Centers

1350 N. Mt. Springs Prkwy. 5114 Railroad Street

Springville, UT 84663 Deer Park, TX 77536 USA
Phone 801 489 8611 Phone 281 479 9500
Facsimile 801 489 3719 Facsimile 281 479 8511

12 Tuas Avenue 20 104 Chelsea Parkway

Republic of Signapore 638824 Boothwyn, PA 19061 USA
Phone (65) 862 3332 Phone 610 497 8600
Facsimile (65) 862 4940 Facsimile 610 497 6680

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91965, Courtaboeuf Cedex, France Pittsburgh, PA 15205 USA
Phone (33 1) 60 92 32 51 Phone 412 787 8803
Facsimile (33 1) 60 92 32 99 Facsimile 412 787 1944
Flowserve and Valtek are registered trademarks of Flowserve Corporation.

54-8
FCD VLAIM054-00 Flowserve
© 2001 Flowserve Corporation. Flowserve Corporation, Corporation,
Valtek Valtek Control
Control Products, Products,
Tel. USA Tel.8611
801 489 USA 801 489 8611