Heat Extension Kits
Heat Extension Kits play a critical role in protecting valve automation components from extreme temperatures. Commonly used in steam and high-temperature process applications, these kits create physical separation between the valve body and actuator, reducing heat transfer and shielding sensitive components like electric or pneumatic actuators, solenoids, and limit switch boxes. This added space ensures consistent performance, even in demanding thermal conditions.
Manufactured from robust materials such as stainless steel and carbon steel, Heat Extension Kits are tailored to specific valve and actuator types, maintaining precise alignment and torque transmission. Whether you’re installing them on butterfly valves, ball valves, or globe valves, these kits help extend the lifespan of your equipment, reduce unplanned downtime, and support safe, reliable system operation.
Ideal for use in industries such as power generation, petrochemical, food processing, and pharmaceutical sectors, Heat Extension Kits are essential for systems exposed to elevated temperatures. Available in various configurations to suit mounting interfaces, they are easy to install and built for long-term durability in harsh environments.
Key features of these components include:
Thermal Protection
Effectively reduces heat transfer from high-temperature valves to sensitive automation components. This safeguards actuators, switchboxes, and accessories from thermal damage and performance degradation.
Robust Construction
Manufactured from durable materials like stainless or carbon steel for maximum strength and longevity. Designed to perform in harsh environments with high thermal stress.
Precision Fit
Engineered to maintain perfect alignment between valve and actuator. Ensures smooth torque transmission and compatibility with ISO and custom mounting patterns.
Why Heat Extension Kits are critical for Protecting Actuators?
When valves are exposed to hot media such as steam, condensate, or high-temperature gases, the extreme heat can quickly transfer up through the mounting interface and into the actuator, leading to premature failure, degraded performance, or even total breakdown.
Heat Extension Kits create a vital thermal barrier by elevating the actuator above the heat source—physically separating the actuator from the valve body and media path. As a general rule of thumb, for every 10 cm of vertical elevation, you can reduce the heat exposure by up to 100°C. This dramatic temperature drop plays a crucial role in extending actuator lifespan, maintaining internal electronics, seal integrity, and actuator torque output.
In applications involving steam lines or thermal oil, this simple yet highly effective spacing solution is essential for ensuring long-term reliability, reducing downtime, and avoiding expensive actuator replacements.
FAQ's:
1. How does a heat extension kit protect my actuator?
It creates a vertical gap between the valve and actuator, reducing direct heat transfer from the valve body. This separation helps maintain a safe operating temperature for the actuator.
2. What industries commonly use heat extension kits?
They're widely used in steam systems, power plants, chemical processing, oil & gas, and food production—anywhere valves are exposed to elevated temperatures.
3. Can I customise the height of a heat extension kit?
Yes, many manufacturers offer custom height options depending on your required temperature drop or space constraints.
4. Do heat extension kits affect valve control accuracy?
No, as long as the kit is properly aligned and installed, there’s no impact on the actuator’s control accuracy or torque delivery.
5. What temperature drop can I expect with a heat extension kit?
Roughly 100°C for every 10 cm of vertical separation, depending on airflow, ambient conditions, and insulation.
6. Are heat extension kits compatible with limit switch boxes and solenoids?
Yes, they help protect all mounted automation accessories, not just the actuator, by distancing them from the heat source.
7. Do I need a different bracket or mounting kit when using a heat extension?
Most heat extension kits include compatible mounting interfaces, but always confirm dimensions to ensure a proper fit with your actuator and valve.
8. Are heat extension kits only for metal-seated valves?
No, they can be used with both metal- and soft-seated valves, as long as the valve handles hot media that could affect automation equipment.
9. How do I install a heat extension kit?
Installation is typically straightforward—mount the kit between the valve and actuator using the provided bolts, ensuring shaft alignment and torque transfer.
10. Can I use a heat extension kit with gear-operated valves?
Yes, if your actuator includes a gearbox, the kit can still be installed between the valve and actuator stack, provided mounting compatibility.
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