The “Balanced Torque™” Valve, A Paradigm Shift in Valve Actuation

An advanced technology has been developed by AlliedSignal Aerospace Equipment Systems (AES) of Tempe, Ariz., which is a paradigm shift in butterfly valve actuation and/or modulation. Butterfly valve actuators are typically sized to overcome friction forces within the valve and the aerodynamic forces acting on the butterfly plate. This new technology uses what was previously considered the detrimental aerodynamic forces acting on the plate to reposition the plate for changing the flow through the valve. The goal in using this new technology is to reduce valve actuator volume by 75%, weight by 25%, and cost by 30%.

This paper discusses how butterfly plate aerodynamic forces impact valve actuator sizing and how a new butterfly plate mechanism was developed to use these forces for repositioning the plate. The paper will also describe the technical challenges required during the initial development phase of this program. Actual test data will be presented for a Pressure Regulator Valve using this technology, along with the progress we have made in reaching the stated goals.