Japan-based pneumatic valve actuator manufacturer Bestorque recently began marketing its unique valve actuator in North America. The Bestorque actuator uses a proprietary air motor that is light weight and compact yet develops very high torque. Part of the uniqueness of the actuator is the ease of installation. The installation process can be performed on any multi turn valve, 2 inches to 60 inches in size, while the process line is in service and without the need of a hot work permit. On a recent installation at a refinery in Ohio, one of the Bestorque actuators was installed on a 14 in, 600 pound gate valve. The installation process took less than 2 ½ hours and was performed by two maintenance personnel without a hot work permit.
