These actuators provide the most important advantage of “non-intrusive” settings of parameters i.e. the limit & torque switch settings can be done without opening the actuator covers. This can be simply done with a digital (LCD) display cum electronic name-plate is provided in actuator with a scrolling menu options. This feature enables to read the status or fault in actuator or do parameterization of actuators at local / field level.

Since actuators can be directly connected to a laptop through an RS-232 cable & software, the operational parameters such as running time, number of switching / starts-stops, number of faults (torque & motor thermo-switch) etc. can be easily retrieved from the actuator. Similarly the parameters can also be uploaded to actuator.

This actuator moves away from the conventional technology of mechanical limit & torque sensing. The number of turns & mechanical overloads are electronically sensed.

Certain actuators provide the special feature such as “automatic commissioning” of MOV.

The actuators can also be supplied with “Integrated Process Controller” which reads the signal of a process sensor as actual value of process and then positions the actuator according to either a modulating process value or a programmed fixed value.

The actuators have the option of communicating via Bluetooth or Internet, thereby offering the advantages of wireless communication.

1. Pad-lockable Local Control Unit for Parameterisation and Diagnostics
The large-size LCD display shows all important parameters and diagnostic data in a selfexplanatory and easily understandable way using symbols and/or plain text. The actuator status is also indicated remotely by 3 bright LEDs.
2. Automatic Commissioning
A clear configuration menu allows easy adjustment of the PSM to a valve and its travelling range. During normal operation, the smart electronic control unit monitors end positions and torque, and controls the actuation speed.
3. Mechanical Position Monitoring
The 25-bit position sensor is absolute encoded and independent of any back-up battery, ensuring precise and permanent position monitoring even at loss of supply power. It works independently of the mechanical position indicator and does not need any adjustment over the full possible travel range.
4. Communication Plug for Parameterisation via Web Interface
Alternatively to using the local control unit, adjustment of parameters and read-out of diagnostics data can be done with a common internet browser reading from the IP address of the PSM. Required is just a standard network cable, but no specific software. An integrated memory card stores status and working data of the PSM permanently.
5. Mechanical Position Indicator
Adjustment of the position indicating device is done non-intrusively at the communication port. The housing does not need to be opened.
6. Brushless DC Motor with Electronic Commutation
The smart control enables the DC motor to provide the full nominal torque at the first turn of the motor. This avoids current peaks in the power supply line. To prevent the PSM from overheating, the electronic unit reduces the output speed if appropriate.
7. Variable-Speed Actuator
Different rotation speeds of the output are configurable for various ranges of the travel and the set value. To protect both gear and motor, and to reduce wear of the valve, the end stops can be approached with reduced speed. This feature also helps to avoid pressure blows in the pipe line.
8. Highly efficient Combination of Motor and Gears
The overall efficiency factor of the PSM is optimised with specific components to reduce operating cost over the life cycle to about 60% of the cost of conventional actuators. The high mechanical efficiency of the planetary gear allows high duty cycles, as the motor produces only low dissipation energy.
9. Mounting Flange as per ISO Standard
Direct mounting of the PSM to valves with standard flange is possible due to its ISO flange, with connection bores for various counter flanges.

For providing the same mechanical output energy, the PSM needs electric energy of less than double the output energy, resulting in energy and cost savings of about 40% over the whole working time.

The local control box is available for remote mounting as an option. Easy manual operation of the valve as well as adjustment of all values is given even in case the actuator itself is mounted inaccessibly.

Interface modules for various field bus protocols are available.

Special versions as per ATEX standards permit installation of the PSM in hazardous areas.

The output is generated by a 24 VDC motor, which is controlled by the electronics via pulse width modulation (PWM), i.e. it is operated at variable speed. Absolute-coded feedback is done with a precision potentiometer. PS-AMS standard equipment comprises positioner and active feedback function, automatic commissioning as well as comprehensive diagnostics functions.

The mechanical part of the PS-AMS actuator consists of the components of PS Automation's standard actuators with their well-proven components, namely a robust spur gear with trapezoidal thread in
PSL-AMS, and a high-reduction planetary differential gearbox with a handwheel permanently engaged via a worm gear in PSQ-AMS. All PS actuators are lubricated for life and therefore maintenance-free.

The electrical wiring of PSL-AMS is done directly to terminal blocks in the integrated terminal box. PSQ-AMS uses a plug-and-socket system with robust screw clamps in a separately attached housing. The plug can be removed without interfering with any existing cables, e.g. for maintenance or exchange of the actuator.

Our concept of monitoring current and voltage permits adaptation of the actuator functions to the process conditions in many ways. Via our communication software PSCS it is possible to adjust valve-specific details, actuation thrust/torque and speed, to configure alerts, and to do a freely programmable valve curve correction.

The diagnostics function of the communication software PSCS allows to retrieve counting values (such as operating hours, number of start-ups and running time of motor) and sets of running parameters (such as the analogue set value input, actual position value, currently required motor torque and inside temperature of the actuator). The actual values can be graphically displayed and analysed using the monitor function. Thus the PS-AMS concept allows pro-active maintenance and as a result an increase in process safety. We are currently preparing a combined monitoring system which will also give a trend prognosis of the wear situation of the PS-AMS actuator.

The optionally available lockable local control box PSC.2 allows onsite operation and can also be used to set most of the actuator-specific values. The display of actual position, messages and parameters of the actuator is in full text.

The integrated process controller PSIC, available as optional accessory, reads the signal of a process sensor as actual value of the process and then positions the actuator according to either a modulating process set value, or a programmed fixed value. The concept of PS-AMS using an electric motor with 24 VDC supply voltage facilitates a simple power supply to the actuator via photovoltaic cells, allowing to install a full control loop at remote locations independently of supply and signal lines which may be difficult to lay.

The main board is prepared for the optional installation of modules for all common field bus interfaces or Bluetooth protocol, which enables wireless parameterisation and read-out of diagnostics of the actuator at distances of up to 10 m.

The fail-safe device PSEP is based on an accumulator with controlled charger, so that a safety position in case of loss of power supply can be freely defined without any mechanical alterations to the actuator.