Pneumatic Actuators
Pneumatic actuators from Kähler Industrie-Armaturen automate quarter-turn valves,
such as ball valves, butterfly valves or gate valves, quickly, reliably and cost-effectively.
They really come into their own where high speed and power transmission are required with minimal maintenance.
As a system partner to renowned manufacturers, we supply ready-to-install units including design, accessories, functional testing and documentation
– seamlessly integrated into your processes and standards.
A key advantage of pneumatic rotary actuators lies in their fast, repeatable switching operations
and the easily achievable fail-safe position via spring force.
They are characterised by their simple design without sensitive electronics,
making them particularly suitable for harsh and potentially explosive environments.
Depending on the application, three operating modes are available:
single-acting spring-to-open (Fail Open), single-acting spring-to-close (Fail Close) and double-acting (Open/Close).
Each version has specific strengths, which we balance with you to suit the medium, pressure, temperature and process risks.
Single-acting spring-open actuators ensure a defined open position in the event of a control air failure, e.g. for pressure relief.
Single-acting spring-close actuators move the valve to the safe closed position in the event of a pressure drop
– for media retention without external energy or for process and plant safety concepts.
High-performance spring assemblies provide the necessary safety reserves in critical applications.
Double-acting open/close actuators impress with their energy efficiency, smooth torque transmission
and short switching times – ideal for frequent switching cycles.
Our portfolio covers a wide range – from all-round and high-torque to heavy-duty variants.
For demanding operating conditions, we offer options such as ATEX/IECEx versions, SIL classifications,
low-temperature or high-temperature packages, as well as various IP and corrosion protection classes.
This keeps you flexible – from compact OEM applications to offshore and chemical environments.
All versions are designed for industrial use:
Standard-compliant interfaces facilitate integration.
Accessories such as solenoid valves, limit switches and positioners are directly connected.
Options for temperature, corrosion protection and switching time configuration provide scope for demanding environments.
This ensures you receive the right solution for every valve and every safety philosophy
– from a single source, precisely tailored and engineered and delivered ready for installation. .
Applications
pneumatic actuators
- on/off automation of ball valves, butterfly valves and plug valves for a wide range of applications, such as heating and air-conditioning systems, energy and utility infrastructure, plant and mechanical engineering, conveyor technology, the oil and gas industry, the chemical and petrochemical industries, water and wastewater technology, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, power stations, and hygiene and sterilisation technology
- particularly suitable for high-cycle processes in utilities, filling, mixing, dosing and batch applications
- Media: filtered, dry or oiled compressed air
- robust and reliable even under demanding or extreme conditions, such as in low and high temperature ranges or in explosive or humid environments:
standard: −40°C to +80°C
high temperature: −15°C to +150°C low temperature: −55°C to +80°C - operating conditions as per data sheet
Construction
pneumatic actuators
- robust, compact, modular design
- corrosion-resistant finishes in various options - stainless steel options depending on the series
- reliable rack-and-pinion quarter-turn mechanism with double piston and blowout-proof shaft
- smooth, application-specific torque delivery
- precisely adjustable mechanical end stops for exact 0°/90° positions
- durable bearing/seal designs
- stable shaft guidance
- high-temperature bearing sleeves for guiding the pinion shaft
- clear position indicator
- optionally defined fail-open/fail-close position for emergency and fault situations (e.g. with spring return/ESD packages)
- standard-compliant interfaces for integration into the system: ISO 5211 (mounting), VDI/VDE 3845 (Namur) for accessories
- compatible with limit switch boxes, positioners, solenoid valves, filter/control/maintenance units, as well as switching time and fail-safe optimisations (chokes, quick-release vents, air accumulators)
- extensive range of accessories
Versions
pneumatic actuators
- Swivel angle:
0° to 90° (standard)
special angles (e.g. 120°/180°) available depending on the model - Pneumatic pressure range:
up to 10 bar – higher pressures available on request - Actuator types:
double-acting (open-close)
single-acting spring-to-open (Fail Open)
single-acting spring-to-close (Fail Close) - Torque range:
double-acting: up to 12,000 Nm
single-acting: up to 8,000 Nm - Options:
for extended temperature ranges and harsh environments - Protection classifications:
ATEX/IECEx, SIL, IP protection ratings, corrosion protection classes (e.g. for offshore/chemical applications) – model-dependent - ready-to-install packages with precisely fitting adaptors/couplings and documented factory testing
Types and features pneumatic actuators
pneumatic actuators series SC, SO, DR
- balanced combination of size, torque and switching speed for a wide range of applications
- proven performance in supply and process engineering with moderate torque requirements
- high repeatability and reliable switching behaviour in on/off and control modes
- smooth, application-specific torque delivery even under high loads thanks to rack-and-pinion mechanics and triple-bearing support of the piston with integrated support shoulder
- external, user-friendly and precisely adjustable limit stops for exact 0°/90° positions
- precise, low-friction and low-wear guidance of the pinion shaft thanks to high-temperature bearing bushes (up to 155°C)
- long, low-maintenance operation thanks to corrosion-resistant surfaces and sealed bearing points
- consistently standardised interfaces for easy commissioning and accessory integration
- safe operation, even in explosive or damp environments
- easy conversion from single-acting to double-acting thanks to pre-tensioned, easily convertible safety springs
- wide range of variants and heavy-duty options, as well as extensions for ATEX/IECEx, SIL and temperature packages
- flexible and customisable configuration thanks to an extensive range of accessories
- economical air consumption and low operating costs
- highest international certification to ISO 9001
pneumatic actuators series BR03, BR3C, BR16
- high power density combined with a space-saving design – ideal for skids, OEM applications and confined installation spaces
- series-specific differentiation:
BR03: particularly compact and lightweight
BR3C: high-performance mid-range series with a wide range of sizes for comprehensive torque coverage
BR16: heavy-duty series, ideal for confined installation spaces, high torques and harsh environments - fixed preset rotation angle of 0° or 90°
- adjustable swivel angles
- moderate torque requirements
- stable, easily controllable control behaviour across the entire swivel range, ideal for frequent switching cycles
- linear torque delivery across the entire stroke
- finely graduated sizes and spring ratings for precisely matched fail-open/fail-close torques
- precise, reproducible attainment of the open and closed positions via machined end stops
- efficient air consumption
- robust housing and bearing design – medium to high torque ranges reliably covered
- high operational reliability
- long, low-maintenance operation
- rapid integration of positioners, limit switches and solenoid valves thanks to ISO 5211/Namur interfaces
- flexible adaptability through a modular spring/piston concept and extensive range of accessories
- wide range of variants and heavy-duty options, as well as extensions for ATEX/IECEx, SIL, temperature packages and IP and corrosion protection classes
- available certifications: EU declarations of conformity, SIL certificate and compliance with DIN EN 15714-3 (depending on version)
pneumatic actuators series RD and RS
- reliable and cost-effective performance, particularly at high to very high torques, larger nominal diameters and high differential pressures
- robust aluminium housing with an anodised finish for uniform expansion under the influence of elevated temperatures
- robust rack-and-pinion quarter-turn actuator for universal on/off and control applications
- high operational reliability and low-wear operation thanks to a patented pressure-relieved, blow-out-proof shaft with self-lubricating piston slide strips and internal blow-out-proof bearing bushes without corrosion-prone external retaining rings
- reinforced bearings and solid construction for continuous operation and harsh environments
- reliable fail-safe function with high-performance spring assemblies for safety-critical applications
- consistent, process-reliable switching behaviour even with high load cycles
- short switching times
- precise, adjustable limit stops
- easy-to-read position indicator
- designed for maximum availability and service life in demanding processes
- safe and cost-effective conversion/retrofitting of actuators with left- or right-hand springs
- modular design with standardised interfaces for easy automation
- numerous optional versions for FO/FC and double-acting, as well as expandable protection and temperature packages for customer-specific applications
- compatible with common accessory systems, such as limit switch boxes, positioners or solenoid valves
- compliant with all requirements of the European standards
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