As a key terminal device in industrial automation systems, the core function of electric actuators is to convert control signals into mechanical motion, thereby accurately controlling the opening and closing and adjustment of valves. Under complex working conditions, valves may become stuck during operation due to friction, sediment accumulation, material aging and other factors. If they are not identified and handled in time, they will directly affect the stability and safety of the process. The M8350 series intelligent electric actuator integrate high-precision sensors and intelligent algorithms to monitor the operating status of valves in real time, identify early signs of stuckness through torque-current curve analysis, and then dynamically adjust the output strategy to significantly improve the reliability and maintenance efficiency of the system. This technical path not only reflects the intelligent trend of modern industrial control equipment, but also provides a scientific basis for preventive maintenance of valve failures.

1. Formation and significance of torque-current curve

The built-in high-precision torque sensor and current monitoring module of the electric actuator M8350 can collect mechanical torque and drive current data during valve operation in real time. When the electric actuator receives the control signal, its motor drives the valve through the gear transmission system. At this time, there is a clear correspondence between the output mechanical torque and the motor current. Ideally, when the valve is opened or closed, the torque-current curve should be smooth and stable, reflecting the coordination between the actuator and the valve. However, when problems such as increased friction, component wear or medium deposition occur inside the valve, the mechanical resistance will increase abnormally, causing the torque demand to exceed the normal range, and the current fluctuation amplitude will also change significantly. This curve characteristic that deviates from the normal state is the key basis for identifying the early signs of valve jamming.

2. Identification logic of jamming signs

The actuator M8350 can accurately capture abnormal signals by continuously analyzing the dynamic changes of the torque-current curve and combining it with the preset threshold model. For example, at the beginning of the valve opening, the torque and current output by the actuator should gradually increase and tend to stabilize; if the torque curve suddenly increases sharply at this time, accompanied by nonlinear fluctuations in the current, it may indicate that the friction coefficient between the valve stem and the stuffing box is abnormally increased, or there is local jamming between the butterfly plate and the valve body sealing surface. In addition, when the valve is close to the fully open or fully closed position, the normal torque curve should gradually decrease, and if the torque is observed to remain at a high level and the current oscillates periodically, it may point to problems such as wear of the valve seat sealing surface and rust and adhesion of the sleeve. Through multi-dimensional data analysis, the electric actuator M8350 can distinguish different types of jamming risks and give priority to the failure modes that have a greater impact on system safety.

3. Adjustment mechanism of dynamic output strategy

After identifying the signs of jamming, the electric actuator M8350 dynamically adjusts the output strategy through intelligent control algorithms to balance the safety and execution efficiency of valve operation. First, the actuator optimizes the distribution of output torque according to the current working conditions. For example, the drive current is increased in the low-speed stage to overcome the initial resistance, while the torque output is reduced in the high-speed stage to reduce energy loss. Secondly, the electric actuator M8350 supports adaptive current limiting protection function: when an abnormal increase in current is detected, the system automatically limits the motor output power to prevent damage to mechanical parts or motor burnout due to overload. In addition, for some repairable jamming problems (such as insufficient lubrication), the actuator can try to loosen the jammed part through short-term high-frequency vibration or reverse fine-tuning action, thereby restoring the flexibility of the valve. This process does not require manual intervention, which not only extends the life of the equipment, but also reduces the frequency of downtime maintenance.

4. Application verification in actual working conditions

In actual applications in the chemical, electric power and other industries, the intelligent diagnosis and adjustment functions of the electric actuator M8350 have shown significant advantages. For example, in the high-temperature butterfly valve control system of a refinery, due to the presence of trace particles in the medium, dry friction is easily generated between the valve stem and the stuffing box after long-term operation of the valve. After deploying M8350, the system discovered abnormal fluctuations in the torque-current curve at the beginning of valve action and triggered the automatic lubricant injection program, effectively alleviating the tendency of jamming. In another case, the high-pressure regulating valve of a power plant was blocked by the expansion of the valve core due to a sudden change in temperature. The electric actuator M8350 monitored the torque abnormality in real time and linked the DCS system to issue an early warning signal in advance, allowing the operation and maintenance personnel to take targeted measures before the fault expanded. These examples show that the intelligent diagnosis technology based on the torque-current curve can advance the identification and treatment of valve jamming to the hidden danger stage, significantly reducing the risk of sudden failures.

5. Technical advantages and industry value

The intelligent control capability of the electric actuator M8350 is not only reflected in its hardware performance, but also in the adaptability of its software algorithm to complex working conditions. Compared with the traditional electric actuator that relies on fixed parameter settings, the electric actuator M8350 can continuously optimize the diagnostic model and adjustment strategy through dynamic modeling and online learning to adapt to the needs of different valve types and operating environments. For example, in view of the differences between butterfly valves and ball valves, the system can automatically adjust the analysis weight of the torque-current curve; for valves that are frequently opened and closed, it focuses on the optimization of short-time dynamic response. This flexibility enables it to maintain excellent performance in multiple scenarios.

From an industry perspective, the technical solution of the electric actuator M8350 provides higher safety and economy for industrial automation systems. On the one hand, through early warning and active intervention, enterprises can reduce unplanned downtime and maintenance costs; on the other hand, the implementation of intelligent output strategies extends the service life of valves and actuators, indirectly reducing spare parts replacement and energy consumption. In addition, this technology can also be integrated with the industrial Internet of Things platform to achieve remote monitoring and big data analysis of equipment status, providing data support for the digital transformation of factories.

When looking for high-quality, reliable electric actuator parts, YOYIK is undoubtedly a choice worth considering. The company specializes in providing a variety of power equipment including steam turbine accessories, and has won wide acclaim for its high-quality products and services. For more information or inquiries, please contact the customer service below:
E-mail: sales@yoyik.com
Tel: +86-838-2226655
Whatsapp: +86-13618105229

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GAUGE PRESSURE 451220A04LXAP2000