Innovative Valve Automation: UniTorq’s Cutting-Edge Actuators and Control Solutions

UniTorq Actuators and Controls drives innovation in valve automation. The company stands out by designing and manufacturing a wide range of actuators, limit switches, and valve positioners that meet the toughest demands in industrial and commercial applications. Based in Duluth, GA, UniTorq has built a solid reputation over more than 25 years by putting quality, reliability, and customer service at the forefront of every project.

Actuator Products That Deliver

UniTorq engineers design pneumatic actuators that respond quickly and precisely to production needs. Their rack and pinion and scotch-yoke designs deliver robust performance and durability. Customers enjoy actuators that halt directly at the pinion, a feature that boosts accuracy and minimizes wear. In addition, UniTorq’s electric actuators pack a compact, efficient design into every product. These electric units offer reliable motion control in environments where space is at a premium.

The company continuously innovates its product line to meet ever-changing industry requirements. For example, the new M-Series actuators represent a leap forward in design and performance. UniTorq engineers adjust travel stops with precision, provide enhanced tooth engagement, and incorporate a unique “top hat” thrust bearing. These design elements ensure consistent torque output and extend the life of critical components.

Limit Switches That Enhance Safety and Control

UniTorq features a specialized line of limit switches marketed under the SeniTec brand. These switches serve as vital position indicators that help maintain safe and reliable valve operation. Customers in high-demand industries rely on these devices to monitor valve position and provide early alerts if a valve fails to reach its designated position. UniTorq tailors these solutions to a variety of applications, ensuring that every installation meets strict performance and safety standards.

Valve Positioners That Optimize Automation

UniTorq designs valve positioners to work hand-in-hand with its actuators. The company offers both electro-pneumatic and digital valve positioners that convert control signals into precise mechanical movement. In operation, these positioners quickly adjust valve positions to match a 4–20 mA signal or another control input. This precision gives industries the confidence that process fluids will flow correctly, which is essential in chemical processing, water treatment, power generation, and oil and gas operations.

The transition to digital valve positioners further improves accuracy. Digital systems offer advanced diagnostics and enhanced communication capabilities, helping operators monitor equipment health and maintain system integrity. Whether customers require traditional electro-pneumatic positioners or the latest digital technology, UniTorq provides solutions that optimize performance and reduce downtime.

Serving Major Industries with Integrated Solutions

UniTorq tackles challenges in industries where valve automation remains critical. The company serves sectors like oil and gas, chemical processing, water treatment, power generation, and food and beverage production. Each industry benefits from UniTorq’s focus on durability and reliability. For instance, in harsh chemical environments, stainless steel body pneumatic actuators stand up to corrosion and reduce maintenance costs. In water treatment and power generation, rapid actuator response and precise valve positioning help maintain process control and safety.

UniTorq builds every product with an emphasis on quality management. The company adheres to ISO 9001:2015 standards, a testament to its commitment to continuous improvement and customer satisfaction. Customers trust UniTorq not only for innovative design but also for dependable service, prompt support, and competitive pricing.

A Company That Puts Customers First

UniTorq proves that success comes from more than just a quality product. The company prioritizes craftsmanship and service, tailoring solutions to each customer’s unique challenges. UniTorq’s experienced support team guides customers through every step—from product selection and installation to ongoing project support. This customer-first approach transforms one-time buyers into long-term partners, reinforcing UniTorq’s position as a trusted advisor in valve automation.

By consistently delivering intelligent, integrated solutions for valve automation, UniTorq Actuators and Controls continues to set new standards in the industry. Customers count on the company’s actuators, limit switches, and valve positioners to optimize their processes, reduce downtime, and maintain safe, efficient operations every day.

UniTorq Actuators and Controls  

2150 Boggs Road, Suite 410  

Duluth, GA 30096  

Phone: 770-446-7074  

Email: info@unitorq.com

https://unitorq.com

UniTorq’s Secret to 30+ Years of Success: Trust, Service, and Value

Longevity in business often stems from a simple but powerful equation: quality products, exceptional service, and competitive pricing. At UniTorq Actuators and Controls in Duluth, Georgia, this equation has fueled more than three decades of success in the manufacturing and supply of pneumatic and electric actuators, limit switches, and positioners. The company's ability to "stand the test of time" provides a compelling example of what it takes to thrive in a competitive industry.

UniTorq's reputation for delivering high-quality products did not happen by accident. From day one, the company has prioritized craftsmanship and reliability. Each actuator, limit switch, and positioner reflects a commitment to durability and performance, meeting the rigorous demands of industrial applications. Customers know they can rely on UniTorq products to work seamlessly, even in the harshest conditions. That trust builds loyalty and sets the company apart from competitors who might cut corners in the name of lower costs.

But quality alone does not guarantee longevity. UniTorq couples its manufacturing excellence with a laser focus on customer service. The team understands that every customer has unique challenges, and they respond with tailored solutions, rapid response times, and genuine care. This level of service turns one-time buyers into lifelong partners and positions UniTorq as more than just a supplier—it becomes a trusted advisor.

Competitive pricing completes the equation. While some equate high quality with high cost, UniTorq strikes a balance. The company's ability to deliver superior products at fair prices allows its customers to maximize value without sacrificing performance. This approach ensures that clients view UniTorq not just as a vendor but as an essential part of their success.

Thirty years of growth and customer loyalty don't just happen. They require vision, effort, and an unwavering commitment to doing things correctly. UniTorq's story reminds us that longevity isn't a coincidence—it's the natural outcome of prioritizing quality, service, and value above all else. For those who partner with UniTorq, the benefits of that philosophy are apparent every day.

UNITORQ
2150 Boggs Road
Suite 410
Duluth, GA 30096
https://unitorq.com
Phone: 770-446-7074
Fax: 770-447-1825

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from UniTorq

As we close out 2024, all of us at UniTorq want to express our sincere gratitude for your trust and support throughout the year. Your partnership has been a cornerstone of our success, and we’re thankful for the opportunity to work alongside such valued customers, committed vendors, and dedicated team members.

Every project and milestone this year has reminded us how fortunate we are to be part of this incredible community. Your collaboration and confidence in us have made a lasting impact, and we sincerely appreciate your role in our success.

We hope you enjoy peace, joy, and meaningful time with family and friends during this holiday season. May the New Year bring good health, new opportunities, and continued success for you and your loved ones.

Looking ahead to 2025, we’re excited about what we can accomplish together. Your continued partnership inspires us to keep growing, innovating, and delivering our best.

From all of us at UniTorq, thank you for an outstanding 2024. Wishing you a wonderful holiday season and a happy, prosperous New Year!

Ensuring Reliable Valve Operation: The Role of Torque Safety Factors in Actuator Sizing

Pneumatic rack and pinion actuators are pivotal in automating industrial valves, enabling precise control over fluid flow in various processes. When engineers select these actuators for specific valve applications, they must ensure they can deliver sufficient torque to operate the valve under all expected conditions. This requirement leads to incorporating a torque safety factor in the sizing calculations. Understanding why this safety factor is essential involves examining the variables that affect valve torque requirements and the operational reliability of the actuator-valve system.

The Critical Role of Proper Actuator Sizing

Actuator sizing is not merely matching nominal torque values between the actuator and the valve. Valves often experience conditions that can significantly increase the torque required to open or close them. If the actuator cannot provide the necessary torque under these conditions, the valve may fail to operate as intended, leading to process interruptions, safety hazards, or equipment damage. Therefore, engineers must account for various factors influencing torque requirements to ensure reliable and safe valve operation.

Factors Influencing Valve Torque Requirements

Several factors can cause the torque required to operate a valve to exceed the nominal values provided by the manufacturer:

• Friction and Wear: Over time, valves can experience increased friction due to wear, corrosion, or the accumulation of deposits on sealing surfaces. This friction directly translates to higher torque requirements. For instance, sediment buildup in a butterfly valve can make it harder to turn, necessitating more torque from the actuator.
• Temperature Variations: Temperature changes can affect the materials of both the valve and the actuator. Thermal expansion or contraction can alter clearances and increase friction. Additionally, temperature changes can affect the viscosity of the process fluid, making it harder to move the valve.
• Pressure Fluctuations: The differential pressure across a valve influences the torque needed to operate it. Unexpected increases in upstream or downstream pressure can create additional forces that the actuator must overcome. For example, in a ball valve, higher pressure can increase the seating force, thus requiring more torque to unseat the ball.
• Valve Seat Aging: The degradation of valve seats over time can lead to increased torque requirements. Aging seats may harden, lose elasticity, or become damaged, making the valve harder to operate.
• Unanticipated Loads: External factors such as pipeline stresses, misalignment, or mechanical interference can impose additional loads on the valve stem, increasing the torque needed for operation.
• Supply Pressure Variations: Pneumatic actuators rely on a supply of compressed air at a specific pressure. Fluctuations in this supply pressure can reduce the actuator's output torque. For instance, if the air supply drops below the design pressure, the actuator may not produce enough torque to operate the valve.

The Justification for a Torque Safety Factor

Given the many variables that can increase the torque required to operate a valve, engineers incorporate a torque safety factor into the actuator sizing process. This safety factor is a multiplier, usually expressed as a percentage, applied to the nominal valve torque to ensure the actuator can handle the maximum expected torque under all conditions.

The torque safety factor accounts for the following:

• Operational Uncertainties: It compensates for unknown or unpredictable factors that may affect valve torque requirements during the valve's service life.
• Manufacturing Variances: This section considers tolerances and variations in the manufacturing of valves and actuators, which can affect performance.
• Maintenance Practices: It allows for less-than-ideal maintenance conditions, such as valves not being serviced as regularly as required.
• Extreme Conditions: It ensures that the actuator can operate the valve during extreme conditions, such as emergency shutdowns or start-ups, where conditions may not be typical.

By applying a torque safety factor, engineers build a margin of safety that enhances the reliability and longevity of the valve-actuator assembly. This practice helps prevent operational failures, reduces downtime, and maintains safety standards within the industrial facility.

Incorporating a torque safety factor when sizing pneumatic rack and pinion actuators for industrial valves is a critical engineering practice. It accounts for the myriad factors that can increase torque requirements beyond nominal values and ensures that actuators can reliably operate valves under all anticipated conditions. By doing so, engineers safeguard against operational failures, enhance system reliability, and uphold safety in industrial processes.

UNITORQ
2150 Boggs Road
Suite 410
Duluth, GA 30096
https://unitorq.com
Phone: 770-446-7074
Fax: 770-447-1825

Advantages of Stainless Steel Body Pneumatic Rack & Pinion Actuators

Stainless steel body pneumatic rack and pinion actuators have gained significant popularity in various industrial sectors due to their robust construction and reliable performance by combining the toughness of stainless steel with the efficiency of pneumatic operation, these actuators offer several advantages that make them suitable for demanding applications.

One of these actuators' primary advantages is their exceptional resistance to corrosion. Stainless steel protects against corrosion from exposure to harsh chemicals, moisture, and extreme temperatures. This quality makes these actuators ideal for chemical processing, pharmaceuticals, and food and beverage production, where equipment frequently contacts corrosive substances or requires regular washdowns.

Durability represents another significant benefit of these actuators. The stainless steel construction ensures long-term operational reliability, reducing the need for frequent maintenance or replacement. This durability translates into lower operational costs and increased productivity as minimal equipment downtime occurs. In industries where continuous operation remains critical, such as oil and gas or power generation, the reliability of stainless steel actuators becomes an invaluable asset.

These actuators also offer high performance in terms of torque output and speed. The rack and pinion mechanism efficiently converts the linear motion of the pneumatic piston into rotational motion, providing precise control over valve positions. This precision is crucial in applications that require accurate flow control, such as water treatment facilities or chemical dosing systems.

The hygienic properties of stainless steel make these actuators suitable for use in industries with strict sanitary requirements. Equipment in the food and beverage industry must adhere to stringent hygiene standards to prevent contamination. Operators can easily clean stainless steel actuators, which do not harbor bacteria, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. Similarly, in pharmaceutical manufacturing, maintaining sterile conditions is essential; stainless steel equipment supports this necessity.

Industries operating in extreme temperatures also benefit from stainless steel body pneumatic rack and pinion actuators. Stainless steel retains its mechanical properties over a wide temperature range, making these actuators suitable for cryogenic applications or high-temperature processes. For example, these actuators maintain consistent performance in power plants or refineries, where temperatures can fluctuate significantly.

Stainless steel body pneumatic rack and pinion actuators offer a combination of corrosion resistance, durability, precision, and safety. Industries that benefit most from these actuators include chemical processing, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage production, oil and gas, water treatment, and power generation. The unique advantages of stainless steel construction make these actuators reliable for applications that demand high performance and resilience in challenging environments. By investing in stainless steel actuators, industries can enhance operational efficiency, ensure compliance with regulatory standards, and achieve long-term cost savings through reduced maintenance and downtime.

UNITORQ

2150 Boggs Road

Suite 410

Duluth, GA 30096

https://unitorq.com

Phone: 770-446-7074

Fax: 770-447-1825

The ISO 9001:2015 Standard: A Pillar of Trust and Quality for UniTorq Actuators and Controls Customers

Achieving ISO 9001:2015 certification is a significant milestone for any organization, and UniTorq Actuators and Controls represents a commitment to delivering the highest standards of quality and reliability. ISO 9001:2015 is the latest version of the ISO 9001 standard, which focuses on quality management systems (QMS). This standard outlines organizations' requirements to consistently provide products and services that meet customer and regulatory requirements.

To achieve ISO 9001:2015 certification, UniTorq Actuators and Controls must establish a quality management system that aligns with the standard's principles. The process begins with a thorough understanding of the organization's context and the needs and expectations of its customers. UniTorq identifies the critical processes in delivering its products and services, ensuring they are well-defined, documented, and controlled.

Leadership plays a crucial role in meeting the ISO 9001:2015 requirements. UniTorq's top management demonstrates a strong commitment to the QMS by setting quality objectives and ensuring that these objectives align with the company's strategic direction. Leadership also ensures that the necessary resources, such as skilled personnel and infrastructure, are available to maintain and improve the QMS.

Risk-based thinking is another critical component of ISO 9001:2015. UniTorq identifies potential risks that could affect the quality of its products and services and takes proactive measures to mitigate these risks. This approach ensures the company remains resilient and adaptable in a dynamic business environment. Moreover, the company focuses on continuous improvement by regularly monitoring and measuring its processes. By analyzing performance data, UniTorq identifies areas for improvement and implements corrective actions to enhance its QMS continually.

Employee involvement and competence are essential in maintaining the QMS's effectiveness. UniTorq ensures that all employees receive appropriate training and understand their roles in achieving quality objectives. The company fosters a culture of quality, where every team member takes responsibility for contributing to the QMS's overall success.

Documented information is another critical requirement of ISO 9001:2015. UniTorq maintains up-to-date records of its processes, procedures, and performance metrics. These records provide evidence of compliance with the standard and serve as a valuable resource for audits and continuous improvement efforts.

By achieving ISO 9001:2015 certification, UniTorq Actuators and Controls demonstrates its commitment to quality and reliability. This certification assures customers that the company operates under a robust QMS consistently delivering high-quality products and services. Customers can trust that UniTorq has implemented rigorous controls to meet their requirements and exceed their expectations.

The ISO 9001:2015 certification gives UniTorq a competitive edge in the market. It signals to customers that the company prioritizes quality in every aspect of its operations, from product design and development to manufacturing and delivery. This commitment to quality enhances customer satisfaction and builds long-term relationships based on trust and confidence.

In summary, achieving ISO 9001:2015 certification requires UniTorq Actuators and Controls to implement a comprehensive QMS emphasizing leadership, risk management, continuous improvement, and employee involvement. This certification assures customers that UniTorq consistently delivers products and services of the highest quality and reliability, reinforcing its position as a trusted partner in the industry.

UniTorq Actuators and Controls
2150 Boggs Road, Suite 410
Duluth, GA 30096
https://unitorq.com
Phone: (770) 446-7074
Fax: (770) 447-1825

Modernizing Fluid Control: Transitioning from Electro-Pneumatic to Digital Valve Positioners

An industrial electro-pneumatic valve positioner is crucial in precisely controlling fluid flow in various industrial processes. Its operation hinges on converting an electrical control signal into a mechanical movement to adjust the position of a valve. This conversion ensures that the valve achieves the desired position accurately and promptly, thereby maintaining the process's efficiency and reliability.

The operation begins with an electrical signal, typically a 4-20 mA current, input from a control system. This electrical signal represents the desired valve position and feeds the electro-pneumatic valve positioner. Inside the positioner, the electrical signal interacts with a coil in a force-balance system, producing a magnetic field proportional to the current. This magnetic field then influences a flapper-nozzle assembly, a core component in the positioner.

The flapper-nozzle system creates a variable air gap between the flapper (a small, movable plate) and the nozzle (an air supply orifice). As the magnetic field alters the position of the flapper, the air gap changes, modulating the backpressure in the nozzle. This backpressure directly affects a relay system that controls the air supply to the valve actuator. 

The actuator, typically a diaphragm or piston, receives the modulated air pressure, converting it into a mechanical force that moves the valve stem. The movement of the valve stem adjusts the position of the valve, thereby controlling the flow of the process fluid. A feedback mechanism, often in the form of a mechanical linkage or a position sensor, constantly monitors the valve's actual position and feeds this information back to the positioner. Suppose there is any discrepancy between the desired position (as indicated by the electrical signal) and the actual position. In that case, the positioner makes the necessary adjustments by altering the air pressure to the actuator until the desired valve position is achieved.

Industrial electro-pneumatic valve positioners are widely applied in various sectors such as oil and gas, chemical processing, water treatment, and power generation. They are instrumental in applications requiring precise fluid flow and pressure control, enabling processes to run efficiently and safely. The positioners enhance process control by ensuring valves respond quickly and accurately to control signals, reducing variability and maintaining the desired setpoints.

In recent years, newer digital valve positioner technology has begun to replace traditional electro-pneumatic valve positioners. Digital positioners offer several advantages, including enhanced accuracy, diagnostics, and communication capabilities. Unlike their electro-pneumatic counterparts, digital positioners use microprocessors to interpret the electrical control signal and adjust the valve position. This allows for more sophisticated control algorithms, which can improve the response time and accuracy of the valve positioning.

Moreover, digital positioners often feature advanced diagnostics that can monitor the health of the valve and actuator system. They can detect issues such as valve stiction, wear, and air leaks, providing maintenance alerts before they lead to process disruptions. Additionally, digital positioners support modern communication protocols like HART, Foundation Fieldbus, and Profibus, enabling seamless integration with plant-wide control and monitoring systems. This connectivity allows operators to access real-time data and make informed decisions to optimize process performance.

Digital valve positioners also offer greater flexibility in configuration and calibration. They can be easily adjusted through software interfaces, allowing quick changes to control parameters without manual intervention. This ease of setup is particularly beneficial in processes that frequently change or require fine-tuning to maintain optimal performance.

In summary, the operation of an industrial electro-pneumatic valve positioner involves converting an electrical control signal into a mechanical movement to adjust valve positions accurately. These devices are essential in various industrial applications requiring precise fluid control. However, the advent of digital positioner technology provides enhanced accuracy, diagnostic capabilities, and communication features, making them a superior choice for modern industrial automation systems.

UniTorq Actuators and Controls
2150 Boggs Road, Suite 410
Duluth, GA 30096
https://unitorq.com
Phone: (770) 446-7074
Fax: (770) 447-1825