Motorized ball valve with an AUMA GS part-turn gearbox and SA multi-turn modular universal electric actuator.

The AUMA SA series represents the cornerstone of AUMA's product portfolio, embodying decades of engineering excellence in the field of multi-turn electric valve actuation. Designed for the most demanding industrial applications, these actuators are renowned for their exceptional robustness, unwavering reliability, and superior performance in critical environments such as water and wastewater treatment, power generation (including nuclear), oil and gas pipelines, chemical and petrochemical plants, and marine services. The SA series is engineered to operate valves like gate valves, globe valves, and sluices, providing the high torque output necessary for reliable shut-off and control in high-pressure systems.

The fundamental design principle of the AUMA SA actuator is modularity and strength. Housed in a durable, corrosion-protected enclosure typically rated to IP66 or IP68, the actuator is built to withstand harsh conditions, including exposure to moisture, dust, extreme temperatures, and corrosive atmospheres. This robust construction ensures longevity and minimizes maintenance requirements, even in the most challenging settings. The heart of the actuator is its powerful, maintenance-free asynchronous motor, specifically designed for high starting torque and intermittent duty cycles, which is essential for starting valves from a seated position under full line pressure.

1. Gearbox: AUMA manufactures its own worm gearboxes, a critical factor in the actuator's performance and durability. These precision-engineered gears are designed for high efficiency and low wear, translating the high-speed, low-torque output of the electric motor into the low-speed, high-torque force required to operate a multi-turn valve. The gearbox is inherently self-locking, providing a failsafe mechanical brake that prevents the valve from being driven open by reverse thrust from the line media.

2. Integrated Controls: A defining feature of the SA series is the option to integrate control units directly into the actuator housing (forming a compact AC/AC-SC or AC/AC-SR package). This includes:

   • SA Control Unit: Provides basic functions like local control via a handwheel and local indication of the valve position.

   • SAC Control Unit: Adds advanced features such as infrared setting and diagnostics, local pushbutton control, and a clear, backlit LCD display for viewing valve position, torque values, and configuration settings.

   • SAR Control Unit: Incorporates a sophisticated electronic module for modulating control, allowing the actuator to receive a standard 4-20 mA control signal from a PLC or DCS to position the valve precisely anywhere between 0-100% open, making it ideal for flow control applications.

3. Torque and Limit Switching: The actuator is equipped with a highly reliable mechanical torque sensing system that immediately cuts power to the motor upon reaching a pre-set torque value, protecting both the valve and the actuator from damage due to overloading. Mechanically adjustable limit switches accurately define the open and closed positions of the valve, ensuring repeatable operation.

4. Safety and Compatibility: AUMA SA actuators are designed with operational safety as a priority. They are available with a range of certifications for use in potentially explosive atmospheres (ATEX, IECEx) and for safety-critical applications in nuclear power plants. They support all major fieldbus protocols (e.g., PROFIBUS DP, MODBUS, Foundation Fieldbus) through plug-in modules, ensuring seamless integration into modern digital control systems.

5. Category	Details
   General Description	The AUMA SA series is a robust, reliable multi-turn electric actuator designed for heavy-duty valve automation in critical industries. It is widely used for operating gate, globe, and sluice valves in high-pressure systems.
   Key Applications	Water & wastewater treatment, power generation (including nuclear), oil & gas pipelines, chemical & petrochemical plants, marine services.
   Design Philosophy	Built on modularity and strength; housed in corrosion-protected enclosure (IP66/IP68); engineered for harsh conditions (dust, moisture, corrosive atmospheres, extreme temperatures).
   Motor	Maintenance-free asynchronous motor; high starting torque; suited for intermittent duty cycles; enables valve operation under full line pressure.
   Gearbox	Precision-engineered worm gearboxes manufactured by AUMA; converts motor output to high torque; high efficiency, low wear, and self-locking (prevents backdrive by media pressure).
   Integrated Controls (Options)	- SA Control Unit: Basic local control (handwheel, valve position indication). - SAC Control Unit: Adds infrared setting, diagnostics, pushbutton control, backlit LCD display (valve pos

The AUMA SA series offers significant advantages to operators and engineers. Its modular design allows for extensive customization to meet exact application requirements. The combination of robust mechanical construction and intelligent electronics results in high operational availability and a long service life, significantly reducing the total cost of ownership. Features like local and remote control options, comprehensive diagnostic capabilities, and exceptional thrust and torque ratings (from a few Nm to over 30,000 Nm) make it a versatile and indispensable component for automating critical isolation and control valves in infrastructure and industry worldwide. In summary, the AUMA SA multi-turn actuator is not just a device but a benchmark for quality, safety, and performance in valve automation.