Do you have any questions? We are here for you.
Support and advice at:
Mon-Fri, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m
+49 (0) 21 31 / 15 39 28-0
shop@fergo.shop
SUBCATEGORIES
Pneumatic Actuators
doppeltwirkend und einfachwirkend, 90° schwenkend, ISO Flansch 5211, einfachwirkend option: Federkraft öffnend(NO) Federkraft schließend(NC)
Electric Part-Turn Actuator
J4C Typen Standard, Stellungsregler, BSR Akkupack, Stellungsregler + Akkupack, Drehmoment 10Nm - 300Nm, Befestigung in Standard und auf Anfrage (9mm - 22mm), Spannung 24V - 230V - 240V
Inductive sensor
IFM 5008, 5225, 5327, 5334, IFT206, Für die Überwachung der Stellung, Rückmeldung der Position an Schwenkantrieben
Flange Gaskets
Flansch Dichtung Aramidfaser asbestfrei und Grafit, Anschluß PN10/16/25/40, Zulassung Fire Safe DVGW WRAS W270 EEL BAM
Pressure Gauge
Durchmesser 63mm & 100mm, Anschluß G 1/2 & G1/4 Zoll unten, Anzeigebereich Diverse 0 bis 100 bar
Frequently Asked Questions – Actuators & Accessories for Industrial Valves
The choice between a pneumatic quarter-turn actuator and an electric part-turn actuator depends on your plant infrastructure, safety requirements, and automation goals. Here is a direct comparison:
Pneumatic Actuators – best when:
Pneumatic Actuators – best when:
- Compressed air (4–8 bar) is already available in your facility
- Fast switching times (milliseconds to seconds) are required
- A defined fail-safe position on air failure is needed – spring-to-close (NC) or spring-to-open (NO) via single-acting actuator
- Operation in ATEX / hazardous-area zones is required – pneumatic actuators are inherently spark-free
- High switching frequency at low operating cost is desired
- No compressed air supply is available – only electrical power (24–240 V AC/DC) is needed
- Remote control via PLC / SCADA / fieldbus is required
- Precise intermediate valve positions via an integrated positioner are needed
- Battery-backup fail-safe (BSR variant) is preferred over a mechanical spring return
- Position feedback must be built in without an external limit switch box
FERGO pneumatic quarter-turn actuators are available in two operating principles:
Double-Acting (DA):
Double-Acting (DA):
- Compressed air drives the actuator in both directions – opening and closing
- Maximum torque in both directions – ideal for high-torque valves and large nominal sizes
- No defined fail-safe position on air failure – valve stays in last position
- More compact at equivalent torque compared to single-acting variants
- Used wherever a defined fail-safe end position is not required
- Compressed air acts in one direction only; an integrated spring automatically returns the valve to the safe position on pressure loss
- Spring-to-close (NC – Normally Closed): Valve closes on air failure → fail-safe position CLOSED – typical for shut-off duties on safety-critical media
- Spring-to-open (NO – Normally Open): Valve opens on air failure → fail-safe position OPEN – e.g. cooling water lines that must remain open in an emergency
- Essential wherever process safety demands a defined fail-safe valve position
The J4C electric part-turn actuator is available in four main variants designed for different automation requirements:
- J4C Standard: ON/OFF quarter-turn control for straightforward remote switching. Integrated end-stop switch and position indicator. Ideal where PLC control is needed but no intermediate positioning is required.
- J4C with Positioner: Adds a 4–20 mA or 0–10 V input for stepless positioning at any intermediate valve angle. Essential for throttling or flow-control tasks in process automation.
- J4C BSR Battery Pack: Integrates an emergency battery – on power failure the valve automatically moves to the programmed safe position (NO or NC). The electric equivalent of a spring-return pneumatic actuator.
- J4C Positioner + Battery Pack: Combines full positioner control with fail-safe battery backup – for the most demanding safety-instrumented control loops.
- Torque: 10–300 Nm
- Supply voltage: 24 V DC / 110 V AC / 230 V AC / 240 V AC (multi-voltage)
- Mounting: 9–22 mm standard ISO 5211; further adapters on request
- Housing: robust polyamide (PA), compact design
- Position feedback compatible with Switchmaster limit switch box or inductive sensors
A NAMUR solenoid valve (also called a pilot valve or directional control valve) is the interface between your electrical control system (PLC, DCS, fieldbus) and the pneumatic actuator. It converts a 24 V DC solenoid signal into a compressed-air movement that opens or closes the actuator.
FERGO supplies NAMUR solenoid valves in two configurations to match actuator type:
FERGO supplies NAMUR solenoid valves in two configurations to match actuator type:
- 3/2-way NAMUR solenoid valve: Three ports, two switching positions. For single-acting (SA) pneumatic actuators – the valve either supplies air to the actuator or exhausts it, letting the spring handle return. The fail-safe position is always maintained on solenoid de-energisation.
- 5/2-way NAMUR solenoid valve: Five ports, two switching positions. For double-acting (DA) pneumatic actuators – both actuator chambers are alternately pressurised and exhausted for full force in both directions.
The Switchmaster limit switch box mounts directly on the quarter-turn actuator and transmits the current valve position – typically OPEN and CLOSED as switching outputs – to the supervisory control system (PLC, DCS, SCADA).
Why is valve position feedback critical in industrial automation?
Why is valve position feedback critical in industrial automation?
- Confirms the valve has actually reached the commanded position, not just that the signal was sent
- Enables process monitoring and alarm generation when a valve is stuck in an intermediate position
- Required for Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) and protective interlock circuits
- Provides documentation for process control logs and remote monitoring platforms
- Protection class IP67 – fully dustproof and waterproof; suitable for outdoor installation and harsh industrial environments
- ATEX-certified version – approved for use in hazardous areas (Ex-zones) and explosive atmospheres
- Multi-voltage – compatible with multiple control voltages without hardware modification
- M2: Mechanical microswitches – proven, cost-effective contact-type position detection
- N2 / D2: Inductive sensors for contact-free, wear-free position detection at high switching frequencies
Inductive sensors detect the position of a quarter-turn actuator – and therefore the valve position – contact-free and wear-free using electromagnetic proximity sensing. They are the robust alternative to mechanical limit switches wherever high switching frequencies, vibration, or aggressive environments are present.
FERGO supplies proven IFM inductive sensors for valve position monitoring:
FERGO supplies proven IFM inductive sensors for valve position monitoring:
- IFM 5008, 5225, 5327, 5334 – Inductive proximity switches in various housing forms and switching distances; directly mountable on the quarter-turn actuator
- IFM IFT206 – Compact cylindrical sensor with IO-Link capability for extended diagnostics and Industry 4.0 integration
- No mechanical contacts → zero wear, no contact degradation from corrosion or moisture ingress
- Extremely high switching frequency without service-life limits
- Reproducible, precise switching points without adjustment drift over time
- ATEX-rated versions available for use in explosive atmospheres
- Simple PLC integration via PNP/NPN switching output or IO-Link
FERGO flange gaskets are high-quality industrial flat gaskets compatible with all DIN/ANSI flanged pipeline connections – including all flanged valves in the FERGO range.
Materials available:
Certifications and approvals:
Materials available:
- Aramid fibre (asbestos-free): High mechanical strength and good chemical resistance; the proven non-asbestos replacement for flat gaskets. Suitable for water, steam, gas, oil, and a wide range of chemical media.
- Graphite (expanded graphite): For the highest temperatures and aggressive media – temperature-resistant up to 450 °C and beyond; universal chemical resistance. Preferred in process, chemical, and energy industries.
Certifications and approvals:
- Fire Safe – Maintains sealing integrity under fire conditions (API 607 / API 6FA)
- DVGW – Approved for drinking water and gas applications (German standard)
- WRAS W270 – UK drinking water approval (Water Regulations Advisory Scheme)
- EEL – Approval for food-contact applications under European regulations
- BAM – Federal Institute for Materials Research approval for oxygen applications
FERGO pressure gauges are compact dial instruments for pressure monitoring in industrial pipeline systems:
- Case diameter: 63 mm (compact, for space-restricted installations) and 100 mm (easy long-distance readability)
- Connection: G ½" and G ¼" bottom entry (EN 837-1 compliant)
- Measuring ranges: Multiple scales from 0 to 100 bar
- Ideal alongside strainers, needle valves, and process instrumentation measurement points
- Correct sizing guaranteed: Actuator torque, spring rate, and mounting adapter are precisely matched to valve type, nominal size (DN), and operating pressure – eliminating under- or over-sizing
- Saves installation time: Valve and actuator arrive pre-assembled, adjusted, and function-tested – no on-site assembly or alignment required
- Single point of contact: No interface disputes between valve and actuator suppliers – FERGO takes full responsibility for the complete assembly
- Shorter lead times: Standard valve–actuator combinations ship from stock; specials are available at short notice on request
- All accessories from one source: Pneumatic actuators, electric part-turn actuators (J4C), solenoid valves, Switchmaster, inductive sensors, flange gaskets, and pressure gauges – all designed to work together seamlessly