Neles VB Series pneumatic cylinder linear actuators offer double-acting and spring-return configurations, with output thrust ranging from 16823 to 78160 N and an operating temperature range of -55 to +120 °C. They support safety integrity levels up to SIL 3. With an exceptionally long cycle life, these actuators are designed for on-off and modulating control of medium- to high-thrust linear control and shut-off valves, including applications requiring frequent operation or linear valve actuation in wide-temperature environments.
Neles pneumatic cylinder linear actuator, VB Series
Neles
Neles VB Series Pneumatic Cylinder-Type Linear Actuators
Pneumatic cylinder linear actuators for modulating and on-off control, with spring-return support.
- Category
- Actuators
- Operating pressure range
- 2.8 - 10 bar / 40 - 140 psi
- Operating temperature range
- -55 to +120 °C / -67 to +250 °F
Specifications
- Actuator type
- Pneumatic cylinder-type linear actuator
- Operating mode
- Double-acting; optional spring return
- Operating pressure range
- 2.8 - 10 bar / 40 - 140 psi
- Operating temperature range
- -55 to +120 °C / -67 to +250 °F
- Output thrust range
- 16823 - 78160 N / 3781 - 17571 lb.f
- Spring range option
- Light-duty spring 1.3 bar - 1.8 bar (19 psi - 25 psi)
- Safety integrity level
- Compliant with IEC 61508, up to and including SIL 3
Application scenarios
Control of medium- to high-thrust linear modulating valves
Used to drive linear modulating valves requiring medium to high thrust. The pneumatic piston-type linear actuator changes the valve position to regulate the process. Product documentation explicitly supports modulating control applications and specifies low friction and an output thrust range of 16823 to 78160 N.
On-off control of linear isolation valves
Used to drive linear on-off valves installed in process pipelines or at equipment interfaces, performing valve opening and closing operations. Product documentation explicitly supports on-off control applications, while double-acting and spring-return configurations accommodate different valve operating requirements.
Valve operation requiring a high cycle life
Used for linear valves requiring repeated modulating or on-off operation. Product documentation explicitly states that the series provides an extremely long cycle life, making it suitable for long-term operation of medium- to high-thrust linear valves.
Linear valve actuation in a wide temperature range
Used for linear valve actuation in operating ambient temperatures ranging from -55 to +120 °C. Product documentation explicitly supports this operating temperature range as well as modulating and on-off control applications for linear valves.
Selection points
Medium- to high-thrust linear valve actuation
The VB Series provides an output thrust range of 16823 to 78160 N, making it suitable for linear valve applications requiring medium to high thrust.
Double-acting and spring-return configurations
The VB Series is available in double-acting and optional spring-return configurations, allowing selection based on the required operating mode of the linear valve.
Support for both modulating and on-off control
The VB Series is designed for both modulating and on-off control applications and uses a low-friction construction to support these linear valve operating conditions.
Wide temperature and operating pressure ranges
The VB Series has an operating temperature range of -55 to +120 °C and an operating pressure range of 2.8 to 10 bar. Selection should be verified against the site temperature and available air supply pressure.
IEC 61508 safety integrity up to SIL 3
The VB Series complies with IEC 61508 and provides a safety integrity level up to and including SIL 3, supporting actuator selection for relevant safety instrumented functions.
Installation notes
Operating air supply pressure limits
The site air supply pressure should remain within the operating range of 2.8 bar to 10 bar (40 psi to 140 psi).
Operating temperature range limits
The ambient temperature surrounding the actuator and the temperature of the input air should remain within the operating range of -55 °C to +120 °C (-67 °F to +250 °F).
FAQ
What valve control tasks are Neles VB Series pneumatic cylinder linear actuators suitable for?
The Neles VB Series is suitable for valve actuation applications requiring linear thrust output and can be used for modulating and on-off control. Its piston-type linear construction is designed for medium- to high-thrust requirements and can support applications ranging from precise control to demanding low-temperature duties.
What are the operating pressure and thrust ranges of VB Series double-acting actuators?
VBC double-acting models have an operating pressure range of 2.8–10 bar (40–140 psi) and an output thrust range of 16,823–78,160 N (3,781–17,571 lbf). The actual available thrust must be confirmed based on the air supply pressure, specific model and valve operating conditions.
Can the Neles VB Series be used in safety instrumented systems?
The VB Series complies with IEC 61508 and can be used in safety instrumented systems up to and including SIL 3. For safety functions, the specific actuator configuration, control loop and actual application conditions should be evaluated.
How should double-acting and spring-return VB Series actuators be selected?
Double-acting actuators are suitable for control requirements involving bidirectional movement supplied by the air source. Spring-return actuators provide a spring-return function and offer options such as volume chambers. During selection, confirm the required valve thrust, air supply conditions, control method and whether a return function is required.
What are the characteristics of VB Series actuators in low-temperature or frequent-operation duties?
The VB Series uses a robust, wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant design, with a long cycle life and low friction for frequent-operation applications and duties with demanding reliability requirements. Its temperature range is -55 to +120 °C, allowing it to accommodate various application environments, including Arctic conditions. The specific configuration must be confirmed based on the actual model and application conditions.