The AW Series Pneumatic Actuator is a heavy-duty quarter-turn pneumatic actuator designed for reliable automation of high-torque rotary valves. It uses a robust scotch-yoke mechanism to convert the linear movement of pneumatic pistons into rotary output torque, providing high torque at critical positions during valve opening and closing.
With a rugged construction, stable torque output and flexible configuration, the AW Series is suitable for ball valves, butterfly valves, plug valves and other quarter-turn valves. It can be configured in double-acting and single-acting spring-return versions, including Fail-Close (FC) and Fail-Open (FO) configurations for different process safety requirements.
The actuator can be equipped with solenoid valves, limit switches, valve positioners, air filter regulators and other pneumatic accessories, enabling remote control, valve position feedback and automated process operation.
The AW Series pneumatic actuator is widely used in petrochemical, chemical processing, power generation, oil and gas, water treatment, pulp and paper and general industrial applications, particularly for large-diameter, high-pressure and high-torque valve automation.
AW Series Pneumatic Actuator – Working Principle
The AW Series Pneumatic Actuator uses a piston-and-scotch-yoke mechanism to convert the linear movement generated by compressed air into 90° rotary motion and output torque. It is designed for automated operation of ball valves, butterfly valves, plug valves and other quarter-turn valves.
Valve Opening：Compressed air enters the actuator cylinder and drives the piston(s) in a linear direction. The piston rod or pin engages with the scotch-yoke mechanism, converting linear piston movement into rotary motion.
The scotch-yoke then rotates the central output shaft, generating the required torque to open the valve. As the piston moves through the stroke, the torque output varies according to the scotch-yoke geometry, providing high torque at the critical end of the valve-opening cycle.
Valve Closing：When the pneumatic supply is switched to the opposite chamber, the piston(s) move in the reverse direction. The scotch-yoke mechanism rotates in the opposite direction, driving the output shaft to close the valve.
The actuator provides stable and repeatable quarter-turn operation, with adjustable mechanical travel stops allowing accurate positioning at the fully open and fully closed positions.
Double-Acting Configuration：For the Double-Acting (DA) version, compressed air is alternately supplied to the two sides of the piston(s). Air pressure is used for both the opening and closing strokes, providing reliable bidirectional operation and high output torque.
If the air supply is lost, a standard double-acting actuator does not automatically return to a predetermined safety position. Fail-in-Place (FL) operation can be achieved by installing an appropriate pneumatic lock-up or position-maintaining system.
Single-Acting Spring-Return Configuration：For the Single-Acting (SR) version, compressed air performs the normal operating stroke while integrated springs provide the return stroke when the air supply is interrupted.
Depending on the spring arrangement, the actuator can be configured as:Fail-Close (FC): Air failure → Valve closes / Fail-Open (FO): Air failure → Valve opens
A pneumatic actuator converts the energy of compressed air into mechanical motion, enabling the valve to open, close, or continuously modulate its position for reliable and automated valve control. For pneumatic actuator selection and procurement, please contact our technical team and provide the relevant operating parameters so that we can recommend the most suitable actuator model for your application. （Unit: mm）
| Size | Part No | FL-L | FC-L(S) | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | H1 | 1 | J | K | S | n-M | O | P | Q | RxR | S | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | XLX-AW13-DS | 750 | 840 | 220 | 190 | 175 | 60 | 172 | 140 | G1/4″ | 175 | 20 | 55 | 8 | 32 | 40 | 4-M14 | 4-M5 | 80 | 30 | 27×27 | 35 | |
| 17 | XLX-AW17-DS | 930 | 1180 | 290 | 240 | 230 | 70 | 196 | 140 | G3/8″ | 230 | 20 | 70 | 12 | 40 | 55 | 4-M16 | 4-M5 | 80 | 30 | 36×36 | 45 | |
| 20 | XLX-AW20-DS | 930 | 1280 | 340 | 240 | 260 | 70 | 196 | 165 | G3/8″ | 230 | 20 | 70 | 12 | 40 | 55 | 4-M16 | 4-M5 | 80 | 30 | 36×36 | 45 | |
| 21 | XLX-AW21-DS1 | 1150 | 1475 | 370 | 290 | 260 | 90 | 235 | 200 | G3/8″ | 260 | 30 | 90 | 16 | 50 | 55 | 8-M16 | 4-M5 | 130 | 30 | 46×46 | 50 | |
| 22 | XLX-AW22-DS | 1160 | 1475 | 380 | 31.5 | 280 | 100 | 235 | 200 | G3/8″ | 280 | 30 | 90 | 16 | 50 | 55 | 8-M16 | 4-M5 | 130 | 30 | 46×46 | 50 | |
| 25 | XLX-AW25-DS | 1240 | 1550 | 430 | 325 | 315 | 110 | 235 | 200 | G3/8″ | 315 | 30 | 90 | 16 | 50 | 60 | 8-M16 | 4-M5 | 130 | 30 | 46×46 | 50 | |
| 28 | XLX-AW28-DS | 1380 | 1845 | 460 | 425 | 340 | 10 | 315 | 254 | G1/2″ | 340 | 30 | 110 | 16 | 60 | 70 | 8-M16 | 4-M5 | 130 | 30 | 46×46 | 50 | |
| 30 | XLX-AW30-DS | 1440 | 2100 | 470 | 370 | 390 | 30 | 320 | 254 | G1/2″ | 390 | 30 | 110 | 20 | 60 | 70 | 8-M16 | 4-M5 | 130 | 30 | 55×55 | 60 | |
| 32 | XLX-AW32-DS | 1440 | 2100 | 490 | 370 | 400 | 30 | 320 | 254 | G1/2″ | 400 | 30 | 110 | 20 | 60 | 70 | 8-M16 | 4-M5 | 130 | 30 | 55×55 | 60 | |
| 35 | XLX-AW35-DS | 1820 | 2530 | 540 | 330 | 440 | 50 | 350 | 298 | G3/4″ | 440 | 30 | 153 | 28 | 75 | 100 | 8-M20 | 4-M5 | 180 | 30 | 定制 | 70 | |
| 40 | XLX-AW40-DS | 1820 | 2530 | 540 | 330 | 440 | 150 | 350 | 298 | G3/4″ | 440 | 30 | 153 | 28 | 100 | 100 | 8-M20 | 4-M5 | 180 | 30 | 定制 | 70 | |
| 50 | XLX-AW50-DS | 2120 | 2730 | 760 | 380 | 700 | 90 | 415 | 356 | G1″ | 700 | 30 | 185 | 32 | 130 | 160 | 8-M30 | 4-M5 | 220 | 30 | 定制 | 70 | |
| 60 | XLX-AW60-DS | 2120 | 2730 | 760 | 380 | 700 | 190 | 415 | 356 | G1″ | 700 | 30 | 185 | 32 | 130 | 160 | 8-M30 | 4-M5 | 220 | 30 | 定制 | 70 |
AW Series Pneumatic Actuator – Key Advantages
Variable-Torque Scotch-Yoke Design with High Breakaway Torque：The scotch-yoke variable-torque mechanism provides high peak torque at both ends of the actuator stroke, delivering strong breakaway torque and effectively overcoming the resistance of high-differential-pressure valves. This makes it particularly suitable for demanding ball valve and butterfly valve applications.
Symmetrical Dual-Cylinder, Dual-Piston Design：The symmetrical dual-cylinder and dual-piston configuration provides balanced load distribution, high mechanical capacity and stable operation. It is well suited for large-diameter, high-pressure and heavy-duty valve applications.
Robust Transmission and Durable Construction：The high-strength transmission mechanism offers excellent wear resistance and impact resistance, while the corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy housing provides a lightweight yet durable construction. The actuator is designed for stable and reliable long-term operation in demanding industrial environments.
Adjustable Mechanical Travel Stops：Adjustable mechanical travel stops are provided at both ends of the actuator, allowing precise adjustment of the fully open and fully closed positions. This makes on-site commissioning, valve positioning and routine maintenance quick and convenient.
