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Automax Pneumatic Valve Actuators | Rack & Pinion, Stainless & Scotch Yoke
Automax Pneumatic
Valve Actuators & Controls
Rack and pinion, stainless steel, and heavy-duty scotch yoke pneumatic actuators for ball, butterfly, plug, and damper automation. Torque from 25 to 2.2 million in-lbs, NAMUR controls, declutchable overrides, and engineered mounting kits. Specified and supported from Houston, Texas.
Automax Valve Automation Systems is Flowserve®'s pneumatic actuation brand, providing complete valve and damper automation to the worldwide processing industries. Automax pneumatic actuators automate valves with torque values from 25 to 2.2 million in-lbs, which is 2.8 to 248,566 Nm, across three distinct product families and a wide range of housing materials and protective coatings suited to the most demanding service.
The line is deliberately broad at both ends. At the small end, the SuperNova B Series rack and pinion covers the high-population process valves that make up most of a plant's automated valve count. At the top, the RG Series heavy-duty scotch yoke reaches 2.2 million in-lbs and carries IP67M and IEC 61508 SIL 3 credentials for safety shutdown duty. In between, the SXL® Series answers corrosive and sanitary service in 316 stainless steel. Alongside the actuators, Flowserve offers a comprehensive range of NAMUR controls and accessories including solenoid valves, positioners, position indicators, lockout modules, and declutchable gear overrides, plus engineered AutoBrakit mounting hardware.
E4 Industrial is an engineering-led flow systems company delivering pump systems and valve automation solutions for industrial, energy, and infrastructure markets. We size, specify, configure, and supply complete Automax actuation packages that mount to the valves already in your specification. If you know your valve torque, available instrument air pressure, and failure mode, call 281.664.8000 or email sales@e4industrial.com and we will return a sized selection with pricing and lead time.
Automax Valve Automation Systems is a Flowserve brand.E4 Industrial sizes, specifies, and supplies complete Automax actuation packages.
Choosing The Right Automax Actuator
Three product families, three different jobs. The mechanism, the housing material, and the torque demand decide which one you are in.
Automax is a pneumatic-first line, so the first question is not power source. If you have an instrument air header, you are in scope. The real decisions are mechanism, material, and torque.
SuperNova Rack & Pinion
RG Series Scotch Yoke
Complete Automation Systems
Rack And Pinion: The SuperNova B Series
Two opposed pistons drive a rack that turns a central pinion, producing a flat, symmetrical torque curve across the full stroke. This is the right mechanism for the large population of small and mid-size quarter-turn valves in general process service, where installed cost and footprint dominate the decision and torque demand is moderate. SuperNova covers 25 to 58,000 in-lbs across models B050 through B200 plus the larger SNA250 and SNA300.
Two SuperNova design choices are worth understanding before you specify. The actuator is one compact design for both double acting and spring return, field convertible simply by installing or removing springs, which means a single body can serve either duty. And the action is field reversible by rotating the pistons 180 degrees, so fail-clockwise and fail-counterclockwise are a bench operation rather than a different part number. For anyone carrying spares across a large valve population, that combination is a genuine inventory reduction.
Stainless Steel: The SXL® Series
Where the environment attacks the actuator rather than the process, the answer is material, not coating. The SXL Series uses a 316 series stainless steel body and is built for corrosive service, with optional stainless steel pistons and springs and an optional polished finish for sanitary applications. Maximum double acting torque is 7,279 in-lbs across models SXL050 through SXL150. If you are running wash-down duty, coastal or offshore exposure, or a food, beverage, or pharmaceutical process, this is the family to start in.
Heavy-Duty Scotch Yoke: The RG Series
A scotch yoke converts linear piston motion into 90 degrees of rotation through a slot and pin, producing a torque curve that peaks at the beginning and end of stroke. That matches the demand curve of a seated ball or plug valve, which needs its highest torque to break away from the seat and to drive back into it. The RG Series covers RG1 through RG8 with ISO rated torque from 2,000 Nm to 250,000 Nm, and it is the family that carries the safety credentials: IP67M ingress protection, IEC 61508 SIL 3 suitability, and ATEX certification. It also accepts hydraulic pressure modules at 500 to 3,000 psi where air alone will not deliver the force.
Combining scotch yoke and rack and pinion from one brand is the practical argument for standardizing. You cover the entire quarter-turn population, from a 2 inch utility ball valve to a large safety shutdown valve, on one source, one accessory interface, and one mounting philosophy. For comparison against other actuation platforms, see our Bettisâ„¢ valve automation and Shaferâ„¢ pipeline actuation pages.
Coating And Material Selection
Housing protection is where a lot of actuator life is won or lost, particularly on the Gulf Coast. The SuperNova standard is hard anodized aluminum with stainless steel fasteners, and above that sit several engineered options including K-Mass, white epoxy, gray epoxy, BlackMax, and the MaxGuardâ„¢ severe service process. Specifying the coating correctly at the outset costs very little. Retrofitting it after the housings have pitted costs the whole actuator.
SuperNova B Series Rack & Pinion Actuators
One compact design for double acting and spring return. Designed for butterfly, plug, and ball valves and dampers.
SuperNova B Series
Rack & Pinion, Double Acting & Spring Return
Rack and pinion actuators designed for automating butterfly, plug, and ball valves and dampers. The actuators incorporate a precision-extruded hard anodized aluminum body and a one-piece nitride-coated pinion gear, factory lubricated for a long trouble-free life. Precision die-cast pistons with large cylinder bearings increase efficiency and cycle life. One compact design serves both double acting and spring return, easily field convertible by installing or removing springs, and the action is field reversible simply by rotating the pistons 180 degrees.
- Precision-extruded hard anodized aluminum body with stainless steel fasteners
- One-piece nitride-coated pinion gear, factory lubricated
- Precision die-cast pistons with large cylinder bearings for efficiency and cycle life
- Full length gear engagement between piston rack and pinion
- Upper and lower pinion bearings extend life
- Designed for 100 degree travel with clockwise and counterclockwise adjustment
- Integral travel stops in both directions with 10 degrees of overtravel
- Dual ISO mounting pad for ease and flexibility in direct valve installation
- NAMUR dimensions on accessory holes, drive shaft, and pneumatic port connections
- Flats on pinion drive shaft accommodate wrench overrides and accessories
- Field reversible action and field convertible between double acting and spring return
| Torque Range | 25 to 58,000 in-lbs |
| Models | B050, B063, B085, B100, B115, B125, B150, B175, B200, SNA250, SNA300 |
| Mechanism | Rack and pinion, quarter-turn |
| Action | Double acting, spring return FCW or FCCW, 180 degree double acting |
| Mounting | Dual ISO pad, NAMUR accessory interface |
| Seals | Buna standard, low temperature or Viton high temperature optional |
SuperNova 180° Actuators
Multiport And Diverter Valve Automation
Automax 180 degree actuators are available in the same models and with the same torque outputs as the standard SuperNova double acting actuators. The integral mechanical end-of-stroke travel adjustment is for one direction only. As options, travel stops can be furnished for less than 180 degrees of travel, and an additional travel stop for the other direction can be provided in the valve actuator adaption. Automax has developed economical control circuits and devices to actuate multiport valves in both two position and three position arrangements using the UltraSwitch.
- Same models and torque outputs as standard SuperNova double acting units
- Two position control at 0 and 180 degrees
- Three position control at 0, 90, and 180 degrees using the UltraSwitch
- Optional travel stops for less than 180 degrees of travel
- Additional travel stop for the opposite direction available in the valve adaption
- Bidirectional travel stops available via bottom-mounted Travel Stop Module on SNA250 and SNA300
| Models | B050 through B200, SNA250, SNA300 |
| Rotation | 180 degrees |
| Order Code | Type M, 180 degree double acting |
| Control | 2 position (0, 180) or 3 position (0, 90, 180) |
The Aluminum Alloy And Hard Anodizing
The SuperNova housing is not simply painted aluminum. Hard anodic oxidation is an electrolytic conversion process that forms an oxide film integral with the base substrate rather than a coating sitting on top of it. That distinction matters in practice: because the oxide is part of the substrate, it will not spall from impact, thermal shock, or high temperature up to aluminum's melting point, and it has negligible effect on the other properties of the aluminum.
Aluminum oxide is one of the hardest materials known, at the hardness of corundum, 45 to 65 Rockwell C. Abrasion testing shows only half as much wear as hardened steel. The oxide is relatively stable and chemically inert, usually stable across a pH range of 4.5 to 8.5, and it normally resists concentrated nitric acid at pH 1 and ammonium hydroxide at pH 13. It can be dissolved by strong acids and alkalis, so consult the factory for chemical compatibility on aggressive service. Continuation of the anodizing process produces the hard anodic coating to more than 50 microns, and the alloy chemistry is selected for strength, abrasion resistance, cold working, and chemical resistance.
MaxGuardâ„¢ Severe Service Actuators
A PTFE-impregnated anodic layer developed for deep space hardware, applied to the actuator body and both end caps.
MaxGuard Severe Service
Maximum Protection Against Corrosive Environments
The MaxGuard process is designed to provide maximum protection against corrosive environments. The patented MaxGuard formula is a chemical conversion process developed specifically for anodized aluminum alloys. During the anodizing process, PTFE is impregnated into the aluminum oxide layer, creating a 2 mil protective layer, 50 microns, imparted with PTFE. The process is applied to the actuator body and both end caps, providing an armored layer of protection both internally and externally. The technology was originally developed by the U.S. Department of Defense and applied to aluminum material deployed for deep space exploration.
- Superior chemical resistance
- Increased internal and external wear resistance
- PTFE impregnated into the porous oxide layer during anodizing
- 2 mil (50 micron) protective layer
- Applied to body and both end caps, inside and out
- MIL-A-63576A Type 1, Aluminum Oxide Coating, Lubrication
- MIL-A-8625, Anodic Coatings
- ASTM B 117, Salt Spray Testing
| Available On | SuperNova B050 through B200, SNA250 through SNA300 |
| Order Code | Material option M |
| Layer Thickness | 2 mil (50 microns) |
SXL® Series Stainless Steel Actuators
316 series stainless steel body for corrosive and sanitary service.
SXL Series
316 Stainless Steel Rack & Pinion
The SXL Series utilizes a 316 series stainless steel body and is ideal for use in corrosive environments. It is available in both double acting and spring return versions with a maximum double acting torque output of 7,279 in-lbs. It can be supplied with stainless steel or aluminum pistons and springs per customer requirements, and is also available with optional polished finishes for sanitary applications. Where a coated aluminum actuator becomes a recurring maintenance item, a solid stainless housing simply removes the problem.
- 316 series stainless steel housing as standard
- Double acting and spring return, FCW or FCCW
- Optional stainless steel pistons and stainless steel springs
- Optional polished finish for sanitary applications
- NAMUR accessory mounting interface
- Viton seals standard, low temperature seals optional
| Torque Range | 78 to 7,279 in-lbs |
| Models | SXL050, SXL063, SXL085, SXL100, SXL115, SXL125, SXL150 |
| Body Material | 316 series stainless steel |
| Seals | Viton standard, low temperature optional |
| Options | K-Mass coated, polished finish, stainless springs, stainless pistons, extra long travel stop |
RG Series Heavy-Duty Scotch Yoke Actuators
A modular scotch yoke platform to 2.2 million in-lbs, IP67M approved and SIL 3 capable, in pneumatic or hydraulic configurations.
The RG Series is the top of the Automax line and the family that carries the safety credentials. It is built as three separable modules, a pressure module, a torque module, and a spring module, which is the design decision that drives most of its practical advantages. Field service becomes interchange rather than teardown. Spring and air modules swap. Overrides retrofit. And because the mounting is consistent for both spring and torque modules, one mounting arrangement covers both.
Automax RG Series
Heavy-Duty Modular Scotch Yoke
A complete line of scotch yoke heavy-duty actuators providing torques from 950 to 2.2 million in-lbs. The interchangeable yoke system uses a ductile iron casting with a totally enclosed yoke slot for increased strength and cycle life, and offers a canted yoke that delivers approximately 20 percent higher break torque than the symmetrical version. Two keyway provisions allow parallel or perpendicular mounting. Scotch yoke actuators can also be configured with high pressure hydraulic cylinders where instrument air alone will not deliver the required force.
- Modular pressure, torque, and spring modules for flexibility, reduced envelope, and lower weight
- Interchangeable yoke system, symmetrical or canted ductile iron cast yoke
- Canted yoke gives approximately 20 percent higher break torque
- Totally enclosed yoke slot with 2 keyway provision for parallel or perpendicular mounting
- Hard chrome plated cylinder walls, honed interior, for corrosion and wear resistance
- Dynamic Quad Seal piston seals for enhanced cycle life versus conventional O-rings
- Guide bands optimize piston support and extend seal life with protective wiping action
- Hard chrome plated alloy steel guide bar supports transverse loads
- Induction hardened, hard chrome plated yoke pin with aluminum bronze slider blocks
- PTFE lined, metal reinforced bronze rod bearings
- Pull-to-compress concentric-nested spring module in high strength alloy spring steel, weld secured
- Oversized, hard chrome plated spring pull rod
- External retention rods allow visual confirmation of rod integrity
- Bidirectional travel stops for precise open and closed adjustment
- Dual DD cylinder option, field reversible action
- Line break and special control configurations, ESD performance
| Torque Range | 950 to 2.2 million in-lbs |
| Models | RG1 through RG8 |
| Pneumatic Pressure | 40 to 150 psi |
| Hydraulic Pressure | 500 to 3,000 psi |
| Ingress Protection | IP67M, 1 metre depth for 30 minutes |
| Functional Safety | IEC 61508 SIL 3 suitable |
| Hazardous Area | ATEX certified |
| Design Standard | EN 15714-3 |
| Mounting | ISO 5211 / MSS SP-101, NAMUR VDI/VDE accessory pads |
RG Series Torque And Mounting
| Model | ISO Mounting | Rated Torque (Nm) | Rated Torque (in-lb) | Typical Valve Scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RG1 | F14 | 2,000 | 17,702 | Mid-size ball and plug isolation |
| RG2 | F16 | 4,000 | 35,404 | Larger process isolation valves |
| RG3 | F25 | 8,000 | 70,808 | Unit isolation, shutdown service |
| RG4 | F30 | 16,000 | 141,616 | Large ball valves, ESD duty |
| RG5 | F35 | 32,000 | 283,232 | High-torque shutdown valves |
| RG6 | F40 | 63,000 | 557,613 | Very large diameter isolation |
| RG7 | F48 | 125,000 | 1,106,375 | Pipeline and terminal mainline valves |
| RG8 | F60 | 250,000 | 2,212,750 | Largest quarter-turn valves in service |
Rated torque figures are the ISO output ratings published for override selection. Delivered torque depends on supply pressure, yoke type (symmetrical or canted), and spring configuration. Automax publishes an overall RG range of 950 to 2.2 million in-lbs, which extends below RG1 rated output at lower pressures and smaller configurations. Contact E4 Industrial for a sized selection against your specific valve torque and supply pressure.
RG Series Modular Configuration
Because the platform is modular, an RG is specified as a stack rather than as a single part number. The combinations available are:
- Action. Double acting, or spring return fail-clockwise or fail-counterclockwise.
- Pressure module. Pneumatic at 40 to 150 psi, or hydraulic at 500 to 3,000 psi. A dual DD double acting cylinder option is available where a single cylinder will not deliver the force.
- Torque module. Symmetrical or canted yoke, interchangeable in the field. Canted delivers roughly 20 percent higher break torque, which is the difference between a marginal selection and a comfortable one on a high-friction seated valve.
- Override. Direct drive jackscrew, bevel gear jackscrew, declutchable sandwich gear, or hydraulic override cylinder. Availability varies by model size, so confirm at selection.
The spring module design specifically facilitates field retrofitting of jackscrew or hydraulic overrides, so an override added two years after commissioning is not a new actuator purchase.
Spring Return With Jackscrew
Double Acting With Hydraulic Override
RG Series Heavy-Duty Actuator
RG Series Configuration
Standard Paint Specification
The standard external surface treatment is a two-pack primer and two-pack epoxy system, an international marine coating suitable for chemical, coastal, and offshore environments. Primer is Akzo Nobel Intergard 251 anticorrosive zinc phosphate epoxy at 75 microns dry film thickness. Top coat is Akzo Nobel Intergard 740 epoxy finish at 2 mils dry film thickness. Finished color is Storm Grey, high gloss.
Automax Product Family Comparison
The three actuator families side by side. Use this to shortlist before sizing.
| Criteria | SuperNova B Series | SXL® Series | RG Series |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Rack and pinion | Rack and pinion | Scotch yoke, modular |
| Torque Range | 25 to 58,000 in-lbs | 78 to 7,279 in-lbs | 950 to 2.2 million in-lbs |
| Body Material | Hard anodized aluminum | 316 series stainless steel | Ductile iron yoke, hard chrome plated steel cylinder |
| Torque Curve | Flat and symmetrical across the stroke | Flat and symmetrical across the stroke | Peaks at both ends of stroke, canted yoke shifts it further |
| Power Source | Instrument air | Instrument air | Pneumatic 40 to 150 psi or hydraulic 500 to 3,000 psi |
| Action | Double acting and spring return, field convertible | Double acting and spring return | Double acting and spring return, field reversible |
| Coating Options | K-Mass, white epoxy, gray epoxy, BlackMax, MaxGuardâ„¢ severe service | K-Mass, polished for sanitary | Two-pack marine epoxy system as standard |
| Functional Safety | Consult factory for SIL application | Consult factory for SIL application | IEC 61508 SIL 3 suitable |
| Ingress Protection | Consult factory | Consult factory | IP67M, 1 metre for 30 minutes |
| Overrides | Wrench override on drive shaft flats, declutchable gear override | Declutchable gear override | Direct drive jackscrew, bevel gear jackscrew, declutchable sandwich gear, hydraulic |
| Best Fit | High-population small and mid-size quarter-turn process valves and dampers | Corrosive, wash-down, coastal, and sanitary service | Safety shutdown, ESD, large high-torque isolation, hydraulic-assisted duty |
| Relative Cost | Lowest | Moderate, material driven | Highest, capability driven |
Housing Material & Coating Selection
Which protection scheme belongs on which service. This is the single cheapest decision to get right and the most expensive to get wrong.
| Option | Order Code | Description | Specify When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hard Anodized Aluminum | Blank (standard) | Integral aluminum oxide layer, 45 to 65 Rockwell C, stainless steel fasteners | General indoor and sheltered process service, benign atmospheres |
| K-Mass Coated | K | Applied protective coating over the anodized housing | Moderately aggressive atmospheres beyond standard anodizing |
| White Epoxy | W | White epoxy coating system | Where colour coding or reflectivity is specified |
| Gray Epoxy | G | Gray epoxy coating system | General plant standard finishes |
| BlackMax Coating | X | BlackMax protective coating | Where the plant specification calls for it |
| MaxGuardâ„¢ Severe Service | M | PTFE impregnated into the anodic oxide layer, 2 mil (50 micron), body and both end caps, inside and out | Acids and caustics, chemical, offshore, wash down, coastal and desalination |
| 316 Stainless Steel Body | SXL® Series | Solid 316 series stainless housing, optional stainless pistons and springs, optional polished finish | Sustained corrosive attack, sanitary process, wash down, where a coating will eventually fail |
| Marine Epoxy System | RG standard | Intergard 251 zinc phosphate primer at 75 microns plus Intergard 740 epoxy at 2 mils, Storm Grey | Standard on all RG Series, suitable for chemical, coastal, and offshore |
Seal Selection
Seal material is set by process and ambient temperature, not by the housing decision. SuperNova ships with Buna as standard, with low temperature and Viton high temperature options. The SXL Series ships with Viton as standard and a low temperature option. RG Series uses dynamic Quad Seals rather than conventional O-rings on the piston, which is a cycle life decision rather than a temperature one, with guide bands providing a protective wiping action that extends seal life further.
Automax Controls & Accessories
The actuator is the heart of an automation system, but the accessories are what turn it into a complete package. All NAMUR interfaced for direct modular mounting.
Nearly every schedule and quality problem on a valve automation project lives in the accessory package rather than the actuator. Solenoid valves, position indication, flow controls, lockouts, overrides, and the bracket and coupling all have to agree with each other, with the valve, and with the control system. The Automax approach is to eliminate the interfaces wherever possible: NAMUR interfaces allow direct modular mounting on the actuator, and the sandwich-mount accessory modules stack on one another rather than requiring tubing runs between them. Every tubing run removed is a leak path and a vibration failure removed.
Pharos NAMUR Indicator
UltraSwitch Position Indicator
Aviator II & BUSwitch
Declutchable Gear Overrides
Controls
| Product | Function | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| S25N Directional Valve | Solenoid directional control valve mounting directly to SuperNova series actuators | Eliminates the cost of tubing and fittings. Available for double acting and spring return, with NEMA 4X, 7 and 9, or intrinsically-safe and low power solenoid operators. Tested and proven reliable for over one million cycles. |
| APS1 Module | Diverts exhaust air from between the pistons into the spring chamber | Works with the Automax S25N solenoid valve. Prevents corrosive atmospheres from being pulled into the spring chamber as the actuator breathes. |
| APS2 Module | Same exhaust diversion function for remote or line mounted solenoid valves | Use where the solenoid is not mounted on the actuator. Same spring chamber protection benefit. |
| LV1 Lockout & Vent Valve | Shuts off supply air and vents actuator ports, and serves as a pneumatic lockout valve | Used with a manual override. When properly implemented it supports OSHA lockout and tagout requirements. May be sandwich mounted with other Automax NAMUR accessories or used with the NPT1 adaptor. |
| FC1, FCDA and FCSR Flow Controls | Compact flow control modules for precise adjustment of actuator stroke speed | Sandwich mounted with other Automax accessories or used with the NPT1 adaptor. Separate variants for double acting and spring return service. |
Position Indication & Accessories
| Product | Function | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pharos NAMUR Indicator | Local visual position indication | Economical positive visual indication of actuator position. Constructed of tough industrial engineered resin. Usable on any actuator with a NAMUR mounting interface. |
| UltraSwitch GL / XCL / PL Series | Rotary position indicators with visual and remote electrical indication | Compact and economical. Available in die cast aluminum and non-metallic versions. Suitable for non-hazardous, hazardous, and intrinsically-safe applications. |
| Aviator II and BUSwitch | Rotary position indicator with internal pilot solenoid | Indicator enclosure with an internal pilot solenoid coil for a genuinely integrated package. Converts to a BUSwitch by adding a Fieldbus communication printed circuit board. |
| APEX Modular Positioner | Precise valve positioning for modulating control | Epoxy coated aluminium construction. Modular manifold base accepts 3 to 15 psi pneumatic control signals, or 4 to 20 mA with the addition of the I/P module. Corrosion resistant and hazardous location models available, certified to UL, C-UL, ATEX, and SAA. |
| Lockouts | Mechanical lockout of automated valves | Designed to withstand the rated output torque of the actuator, with the intent to meet OSHA requirements for the control of hazardous energy. |
| Gear Overrides | Declutchable manual override for local control | Allow local manual control of actuated valves and dampers. Sized for easy operation and combinable with other control accessories. |
| AutoBrakit Mounting Kits | Engineered actuator to valve mounting bracket and coupling | Heavy-duty mounting kits designed to close tolerances to assure consistency and proper alignment, which are essential to maximum actuator and valve cycle life. |
Why The Mounting Kit Is Not An Afterthought
The bracket and coupling transmit the full rated output torque of the actuator into the valve stem. An undersized, misaligned, or generically adapted kit will fail before the actuator does, and it will take the valve stem or the actuator output drive with it. Misalignment also loads the pinion bearings and the valve packing in ways neither was designed for, which shows up as shortened cycle life long before it shows up as a failure. AutoBrakit kits exist for this reason, and we supply the kit engineered to the specific valve and actuator combination rather than a catalog adapter.
Application Cross-Reference
Match your service to the right Automax configuration. Call for an application-specific recommendation.
| Application | Recommended | Alternate | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Process Ball And Butterfly Valves | SuperNova B Series | SXL® Series | Lowest installed cost, smallest footprint, field convertible action |
| Safety Shutdown And ESD Valves | RG Series spring return | SuperNova spring return on smaller valves | IEC 61508 SIL 3 suitable with scotch yoke torque curve matched to seated valves |
| Large High-Torque Isolation | RG Series | Not applicable | Rated output to 250,000 Nm on RG8 |
| Corrosive Chemical Service | SXL Series | SuperNova with MaxGuardâ„¢ | Solid 316 stainless removes the coating failure mode entirely |
| Offshore And Coastal Exposure | SuperNova with MaxGuard | SXL Series | PTFE impregnated anodic layer inside and out, salt spray tested to ASTM B 117 |
| Wash-Down Duty | SXL Series | SuperNova with MaxGuard | Stainless housing with optional polished finish |
| Sanitary, Food, Beverage, Pharmaceutical | SXL Series polished | Not applicable | 316 stainless with polished finish option for cleanability |
| Desalination Plants | SuperNova with MaxGuard | SXL Series | Specifically recommended for coastal and desalination service |
| Multiport And Diverter Valves | SuperNova 180 degree, type M | Not applicable | 2 position and 3 position control circuits using the UltraSwitch |
| Damper Drives | SuperNova B Series | RG Series on large dampers | Rack and pinion is designed for damper duty as well as valves |
| Modulating Control Service | SuperNova with APEX positioner | RG Series with positioner | APEX accepts 3 to 15 psi or 4 to 20 mA with the I/P module |
| Where Air Alone Will Not Deliver Force | RG Series hydraulic pressure module | RG Series dual DD cylinder | Hydraulic operation at 500 to 3,000 psi |
| Line Break Control | RG Series | Not applicable | Line break and special control configurations with ESD performance |
| Hazardous Area Installation | RG Series ATEX certified | SuperNova with intrinsically-safe S25N | Confirm the certification scheme required for your site |
| Retrofit Of Manual Quarter-Turn Valves | SuperNova with AutoBrakit kit | SXL Series in corrosive areas | Engineered mounting kit rather than a generic adapter |
| Large Valve Population, Spares Reduction | SuperNova B Series | Not applicable | One body serves double acting and spring return, action field reversible |
Specifying An Automax Actuator
What we need from you, and where pneumatic actuator selections most often go wrong.
Information Required
- Valve type, size, and pressure class. Ball, butterfly, plug, or damper. Line size, class, and the valve manufacturer and model.
- Valve torque data. Breakaway, running, and seating torque from the valve manufacturer. If you do not have it, send us the make and model and we will work from published data.
- Differential pressure. Maximum expected pressure drop across the closed valve, not line pressure.
- Instrument air supply pressure. Both nominal and minimum expected at the valve. This is the single most consequential number in a pneumatic sizing.
- Failure mode. Fail open, fail closed, or fail in last position, and which rotational direction that corresponds to on your valve.
- Duty. On/off, emergency shutdown, or modulating, with expected cycles per day.
- Required stroke time. Flow control modules can slow a stroke, but nothing speeds up an undersized actuator.
- Ambient and process temperature. Sets seal material and can affect coating selection.
- Environment. Indoor, outdoor, coastal, offshore, wash down, or aggressive chemical exposure. This sets the housing and coating decision.
- Area classification. Class and division or zone, gas group, and temperature class for solenoids and switches.
- Accessory scope. Solenoid, position indication, positioner, flow controls, lockout, override.
- Mounting interface. ISO 5211 flange designation, stem dimensions, and the valve topworks drawing.
Common Sizing Errors
- Sizing at nominal air pressure rather than minimum. An actuator sized at 80 psig that sees 55 psig at the end of a long header on a cold morning is undersized in service, and it will be undersized on exactly the day it matters.
- Missing the spring stroke check on spring return units. The calculation runs twice. Air stroke torque must exceed valve demand at minimum supply pressure, and spring stroke torque at end of travel must exceed seating torque with margin. A unit that opens comfortably and then fails to seat is a silent failure until it is not.
- Applying rack and pinion to a high-friction seated valve. The flat torque curve does not match the valve demand curve, and the actuator is at its least advantageous point exactly at breakaway. This is what the RG scotch yoke, and particularly the canted yoke, exists to solve.
- Ignoring accumulated torque growth. Published valve torque is a clean, new-valve number. A valve that sits closed for months in scaling, coking, or slurry service does not present that number. Safety factor should reflect the service, not the datasheet.
- Coating specified after the fact. Upgrading to MaxGuard™ or moving to SXL® at order entry costs a fraction of replacing pitted housings in year three.
- Generic mounting hardware. The bracket and coupling carry full rated torque. Use an engineered AutoBrakit kit.
- Wrong failure direction. Fail closed is not automatically safe. On some services closing the valve is the hazard. Confirm against the process hazard analysis, not the habit.
Mounting Standards
ISO 5211, along with MSS SP-101, defines the mounting flange between a quarter-turn valve and its actuator, standardizing bolt circle, pilot diameter, and drive coupling across designations F03 through F60. The RG Series torque module is compliant to ISO and MSS mounting specifications, and SuperNova provides a dual ISO mounting pad for flexibility in direct valve installation.
NAMUR, defined by VDI/VDE 3845, standardizes the accessory interface on the actuator itself. Across the Automax line, NAMUR dimensions appear on the actuator accessory holes, on the drive shaft, and on the pneumatic port connections, which is what allows the S25N solenoid to mount directly with no tubing and the sandwich accessory modules to stack. See also our solenoid valve reference.
Standards, Certifications & Compliance
The specification language on most valve automation requisitions, and what it means here.
EN 15714-3. The RG Series is designed in accordance with EN 15714-3, which defines minimum cycle life performance for pneumatic part-turn valve actuators, and it is designed for both on/off and modulating service.
IEC 61508 SIL 3. The RG Series is suitable for SIL 3 applications. Selection for a safety instrumented function requires attention to proof test interval, partial stroke testing capability, and documented failure rate data, not just the model number, so bring us into that conversation early.
IP67M. The RG Series is IP67M rated, meaning 1 metre submersion depth for 30 minutes, achieved through O-rings and dynamic quad seals. This is the rating that matters for deluge testing and flood-prone installations.
ATEX. The RG Series is ATEX certified. Confirm which certification scheme your site requires, whether North American Class and Division, ATEX, IECEx, or a national scheme, along with gas group and temperature class, since this constrains solenoid and switch selection as much as it does the actuator.
ISO 5211 and MSS SP-101. Actuator output meets ISO rated torque compliance to provide a safe mounting interface, and complies with ISO 5211 and MSS SP-101 mounting standards. See the ISO 5211 reference page.
NAMUR VDI/VDE 3845. The accessory mounting standard for solenoids, positioners, and switch assemblies. See the NAMUR reference page.
OSHA control of hazardous energy. The LV1 Lockout and Vent Valve and the mechanical lockout options are intended to support lockout and tagout requirements under the OSHA control of hazardous energy standard. Lockouts are designed to withstand the rated output torque of the actuator.
MaxGuardâ„¢ coating compliance. MIL-A-63576A Type 1 aluminum oxide coating for lubrication, MIL-A-8625 anodic coatings, and ASTM B 117 salt spray testing.
Accessory certifications. The APEX positioner is certified to UL, C-UL, ATEX, and SAA. S25N solenoid operators are available in NEMA 4X, 7 and 9, and in intrinsically-safe and low power versions. UltraSwitch position indicators are available for non-hazardous, hazardous, and intrinsically-safe applications. Further detail is on the valve standards and valve materials and trims reference pages.
Industries We Support
Automax provides complete valve and damper automation to the worldwide processing industries. Here is where it lands most often.
Refining And Petrochemical
The highest valve counts and the widest spread of duty. SuperNova covers the large population of utility, transfer, and unit process valves, while RG Series handles the safety shutdown and large isolation population where SIL suitability and scotch yoke torque characteristics matter. Hazardous area certification and documented accessory selection dominate the specification.
Chemical Processing
Aggressive media and aggressive atmospheres, often at the same time. This is MaxGuard™ and SXL® territory. The APS1 and APS2 modules are worth specific attention here, because preventing a corrosive atmosphere from being drawn into the spring chamber on every stroke is the difference between a five year and a fifteen year spring life.
Oil And Gas Production And Midstream
Wellhead, gathering, gas processing, terminals, and tank farms. RG Series with line break and special control configurations covers the ESD population, with hydraulic pressure modules available where instrument air is limited or the force requirement exceeds what air will deliver.
Power Generation
Balance of plant, cooling water, fuel handling, and a very large damper population on combustion air and flue gas systems. Rack and pinion is well suited to damper drives, and RG Series covers the large dampers where torque demand climbs.
Municipal Water And Wastewater
Large butterfly isolation, plant process valves, and chemical feed. Corrosion from chlorine and other treatment chemicals argues for careful coating selection, and wash-down areas argue for stainless. See our municipal water and wastewater page.
Desalination And Coastal Facilities
Called out specifically in the MaxGuard recommended applications. Continuous salt exposure destroys standard coated aluminum housings, and the choice is between an engineered protective process and a stainless housing rather than between coating colours.
Pulp And Paper
Corrosive chemistry, steam service, high cycle counts, and continuous operation where an unplanned valve failure stops the machine. Cycle life and seal selection carry more weight here than first cost.
Food, Beverage, And Pharmaceutical
Wash-down duty and cleanability requirements. SXL Series with the optional polished finish is the intended answer, in stainless throughout rather than coated aluminum.
Offshore And Marine
Salt spray, deluge, and space constraint. IP67M on the RG Series, the standard two-pack marine epoxy system, and MaxGuard or SXL on the rack and pinion population all address this environment directly.
OEMs, EPCs, And Package Builders
Repeatable, documented, quickly delivered actuation packages with consistent mounting. See our OEM, EPC, and contractor page.
Why Source Automax From E4 Industrial
We are an engineering-led flow systems company, not a catalog reseller. On pneumatic actuation the difference shows up in the sizing calculation and the mounting kit.
Engineering-Led Selection
Sizing worked from valve torque data, minimum available air pressure, failure mode, and duty cycle. We run the spring stroke check as well as the air stroke check on every spring return unit. You get the calculation basis with the quote.
Full Automax Range
Rack and pinion, stainless, and heavy-duty scotch yoke in one conversation, from 25 in-lbs to 2.2 million. The recommendation reflects your valve and your environment rather than what is easiest to quote.
Complete Actuation Packages
Actuator, engineered AutoBrakit mounting kit, solenoid, position indication, positioner, flow controls, lockout, and override. Assembled, functionally tested, and documented. One purchase order.
Coating And Material Guidance
We will tell you when standard hard anodizing is enough and when it is not. Getting MaxGuard™ or SXL® specified at order entry costs a fraction of replacing pitted housings in year three.
Houston Gulf Coast Base
Located in Houston, Texas, at the center of North American refining, petrochemical, and midstream infrastructure. Local support across Texas and the Gulf Coast, with nationwide shipping.
Direct Engineer Accountability
You talk to the engineer who sized the unit. One point of contact from torque calculation through commissioning, not a rotating account rep and not a call center.
Retrofit And Cross-Reference
We automate existing manual valves and replace failed actuators from competitive brands. Send the valve tag data and existing mounting details and we will work the interface.
Documentation That Survives Audit
Torque calculation basis, mounting kit drawings, certification documents, IOM manuals, and test records supplied with the package. This matters at turnaround and during an incident investigation.
Automax Frequently Asked Questions
The questions we field most often on Automax selection and pneumatic actuation projects.
What is Automax and who makes it?
Automax Valve Automation Systems is Flowserve® Corporation's pneumatic valve actuation brand. It provides complete valve and damper automation to the worldwide processing industries through three actuator families, a comprehensive range of NAMUR controls and accessories, and engineered AutoBrakit mounting hardware.
What torque range do Automax actuators cover?
The published range across the line is 25 to 2.2 million in-lbs, which is 2.8 to 248,566 Nm. SuperNova B Series rack and pinion covers 25 to 58,000 in-lbs. The SXL® Series stainless covers 78 to 7,279 in-lbs. The RG Series heavy-duty scotch yoke covers 950 to 2.2 million in-lbs.
What is the difference between rack and pinion and scotch yoke?
Rack and pinion uses two opposed pistons driving a rack that turns a central pinion, producing a flat symmetrical torque curve across the stroke. Scotch yoke converts piston motion through a slot and pin, producing a curve that peaks at the beginning and end of stroke. The scotch yoke curve matches the demand of a seated ball or plug valve, which needs the most torque to break away and to seat. Rack and pinion suits the high population of smaller process valves where cost and footprint dominate.
Can a SuperNova actuator be converted between double acting and spring return?
Yes. SuperNova uses one compact design for both, and conversion is a matter of installing or removing springs in the field. The action is also field reversible between fail-clockwise and fail-counterclockwise simply by rotating the pistons 180 degrees. Across a large valve population that combination meaningfully reduces the spares you have to carry.
What is a canted yoke and why would I want one?
The RG Series offers an interchangeable yoke system with either a symmetrical or a canted ductile iron yoke. The canted yoke shifts the torque curve to deliver approximately 20 percent higher break torque. On a high-friction seated valve, that difference is often what separates a marginal selection from a comfortable one, and because the yoke system is interchangeable it can be changed in the field.
Is Automax suitable for safety instrumented systems?
The RG Series is IEC 61508 SIL 3 suitable, designed in accordance with EN 15714-3, IP67M rated, and ATEX certified. Selection for a specific safety instrumented function still requires attention to proof test interval, partial stroke testing, and documented failure rate data, so involve us early on those applications rather than at the purchase order stage.
What is MaxGuardâ„¢ and when should I specify it?
MaxGuard is a patented chemical conversion process for anodized aluminum alloys in which PTFE is impregnated into the aluminum oxide layer during anodizing, creating a 2 mil, 50 micron protective layer applied to the actuator body and both end caps, internally and externally. It is recommended for acids and caustics, chemical service, offshore, wash down, and coastal or desalination environments. It is available on SuperNova B050 through B200 and SNA250 through SNA300.
When should I choose SXL stainless over a coated aluminum actuator?
When the corrosive attack is sustained rather than occasional. A coating, however good, is a layer over aluminum, and once it is breached the substrate is exposed. A 316 stainless housing removes that failure mode. SXL is also the answer for sanitary service, where the optional polished finish supports cleanability. The trade is torque: SXL tops out at 7,279 in-lbs double acting.
Can Automax actuators run on hydraulic pressure instead of air?
The RG Series accepts a hydraulic pressure module operating at 500 to 3,000 psi, as well as the standard pneumatic module at 40 to 150 psi. This is the route where instrument air alone will not deliver the required force or where the available air pressure is limited. SuperNova and SXL are pneumatic only.
What does NAMUR mounting give me in practice?
NAMUR, defined by VDI/VDE 3845, standardizes the accessory interface. Across the Automax line, NAMUR dimensions appear on the actuator accessory holes, the drive shaft, and the pneumatic port connections. That allows the S25N solenoid valve to mount directly to the actuator with no tubing or fittings, and allows accessory modules such as flow controls and the LV1 lockout to sandwich mount on one another. Every tubing run eliminated is a leak path and a vibration failure removed.
What do the APS1 and APS2 modules do?
Both divert exhaust air from between the pistons into the spring chamber. As a spring return actuator strokes, it would otherwise draw ambient air into the spring chamber, and in a corrosive atmosphere that means drawing the corrosive atmosphere directly onto the springs. APS1 works with the Automax S25N solenoid valve. APS2 works with remote or line mounted solenoid valves. On aggressive service they are cheap insurance.
How do I control actuator stroke speed?
The FC1, FCDA, and FCSR flow control modules provide compact flow controls for precise adjustment of SuperNova actuator speeds. They sandwich mount with other Automax accessories or can be used with the NPT1 adaptor. Note that flow controls can slow a stroke but cannot speed up an undersized actuator, so stroke time belongs in the sizing inputs rather than being solved afterwards.
What manual override options are available?
SuperNova provides flats on the pinion drive shaft that accommodate wrench overrides, and declutchable gear overrides are available across the line for local manual control of actuated valves and dampers. The RG Series offers direct drive jackscrew, bevel gear jackscrew, declutchable sandwich gear, and hydraulic override cylinder options, with availability varying by model size. The RG spring module design specifically facilitates field retrofitting of jackscrew or hydraulic overrides.
Do you supply the mounting bracket and coupling?
Yes. AutoBrakit heavy-duty mounting kits are designed to close tolerances to assure consistency and proper alignment, which are essential to maximum actuator and valve cycle life. We supply the kit engineered to your specific valve and actuator combination rather than a generic adapter, because the bracket and coupling transmit full rated output torque.
Can Automax actuators be retrofitted to existing valves?
Yes, in most cases. Where the valve carries an ISO 5211 or MSS SP-101 flange the interface is straightforward. Where it does not, an AutoBrakit kit can be engineered from the valve topworks dimensions. Send us the valve tag data, the topworks drawing if you have it, and photographs of the existing mounting, and we will work the interface.
How does Automax compare to Bettisâ„¢ or Shaferâ„¢?
Automax is a Flowserve brand and is pneumatic-first, with hydraulic available on the RG Series. Bettis, an Emerson brand, spans electric, electro-hydraulic, hydraulic, gas-hydraulic, and pneumatic. Shafer, also Emerson, is a pipeline specialist built on the rotary vane mechanism with gas-over-oil operation. If your plant is air-served and you want one source across the full quarter-turn range, Automax is a strong answer. If you need electric or gas-powered actuation, call us and we will point you to the right platform.
What lead times should I expect?
Standard SuperNova and SXL configurations move fastest. RG Series units, hydraulic configurations, and heavily accessorized packages are built to order and carry longer schedules. Call us with your requirement and we will give you a current, honest schedule rather than an optimistic one.
Valve Automation Engineering References
Technical reference pages covering actuation technologies, mounting standards, and valve fundamentals.
Ready To Automate Your Valves?
Send us the valve make and model, size and class, differential pressure, minimum available instrument air pressure, failure mode, and the environment at the valve. We will return a sized Automax selection with the calculation basis, coating recommendation, AutoBrakit mounting detail, accessory scope, pricing, and lead time.
Flowserve is a registered trademark of Flowserve Corporation. Automax, SuperNova, SXL, MaxGuard, BlackMax, K-Mass, AutoBrakit, AutoSize, UltraSwitch, Pharos, Aviator, BUSwitch, and APEX are trademarks of Flowserve Corporation. Bettisâ„¢ and Shaferâ„¢ are trademarks of Emerson Electric Co. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. All product specifications shown reflect published Automax product literature and are subject to change by the manufacturer without notice. Responsibility for proper selection, use, and maintenance of any product remains with the purchaser and end user.E4Industrial LLC is a Houston, Texas based engineering-led flow systems company. 281.664.8000 | sales@e4industrial.com
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