Dear experts in the field of hydraulic systems, how should one choose an actuator – Bettis, ProControl, Neles, Automax, Biffi, STI, etc.?

Bettis and Biffi are definitely good options; Neles and Automax work as well too. Generally, one uses valves made by the same company, but I’m not sure about the other two brands……

Both Bettis and Biffi belong to Emerson, and it’s likely they will become more expensive in the future – that’s what market monopoly does

If it was used before, stick with the previous brand; if it’s new, consider the price and service!

Founded in January 2002, the Italian company ProControl is a manufacturer that produces pneumatic, hydraulic, electro-hydraulic, gas-liquid, self-acting hydraulic actuators, valve automation control systems, and HIPPS systems. It has since grown to become one of the largest manufacturers of actuators in Europe. ProControl products are widely used in offshore platforms, oil and gas pipelines, LNG facilities, refineries, petrochemical plants, coal chemical industries, power plants, the shipbuilding industry, and renewable energy plants. The ProControl brand has demonstrated excellent performance among energy customers around the world, and it has received high recognition from clients such as Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, Kuwait National Oil Company, Borealis in the UAE, Malaysia National Oil Company, Indonesia National Oil Company, Brazil’s national oil companies, Norway’s national oil company, several major operators in the Iranian market, Texaco in Tianjin, and Karachaganak Company, among other large international energy companies. The main customers in the Chinese market with proven application performance include: CNPC, Sinopec, CNOOC, Shenhua Group, China Coal Ordos Energy & Chemical Co., Ltd., Pucheng Clean Energy & Chemical Co., Ltd., Shaanxi Yanchang China Coal Yulin Energy & Chemical Co., Ltd., Zhanhua BP Chemical Co., Ltd., Sinochem Quanzhou Petrochemical Co., Ltd., CNPC Ningxia Petrochemical Company, Yantai Wanhua Polyurethanes Co., Ltd., Qinghai Salt Lake Magnesium Industry Co., Ltd., Xinjiang Xinlianxin Energy & Chemical Co., Ltd., Sinochem Hongrun Petrochemical Co., Ltd., Yangtze Coal Group, Shandong Hengxin Group Coking Co., Ltd., Lu’an Group, Yitai Ili Energy Co., Ltd., Zhongtian Hechuang Energy Co., Ltd., CNOOC Refining & Chemical Co., Ltd., and several other large-scale users in the fields of oil refining, petrochemicals, coal chemicals, and LNG. Features of the actuator: 1. The actuator’s housing is made of carbon steel, with a pressure resistance of 12 kilograms; other brands typically have a pressure resistance of 10 kilograms. 2 The standard operating temperature range for all actuators is from minus 30 degrees to 80 degrees; low-temperature models can operate down to minus 60 degrees, while the standard temperature range for other brands is generally minus 20 degrees. 3. All components of the actuators undergo processes such as pickling, degreasing, sandblasting, and application of epoxy primer during production. They feature an IP66/67 protection rating, and the anti-corrosion treatment ensures that the primer does not rust when the actuators are used in humid environments such as seaside areas. 4 All actuators are certified to SIL3 standard, with certificates issued by TUV. There are around 5,000 units in use in China, and they have been used in nearly all new projects in China since 2008. 5 The Beijing office is responsible for operations in the Chinese market, ensuring a stable supply chain.

It seems that in April 2022, Procontrol invested 50 million dollars in Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, to build a new wholly-owned factory; as a result, prices and delivery times are set to increase further in the future.

The torque margin design for Bettis cylinders is on the low side; if choosing Bettis cylinders, it is recommended to leave more margin, otherwise the failure rate of these cylinders will be relatively high； Several coal chemical plant slag locking valves that I’m aware of have been greatly affected by it