Actuator upgrade at a major chemical facility in South Korea

The Application

At a prominent chemical production site in South Korea, cooling towers are a vital part of the facility's utility infrastructure, responsible for maintaining stable temperatures across various process units. These systems depend on a network of butterfly valves to manage water flow efficiently and respond to varying process demands. Given the environmental conditions around cooling tower areas such as high humidity, airborne particulates, and limited accessibility, reliable valve automation plays a critical role in operational safety and control.

The Solution: AOITEC’s ULLI Series Electric Actuator

AOITEC was engaged to provide a compact electric actuator solution capable of operating in moisture-prone environments with limited space. The ULLI Series was proposed as the optimal fit for the application, offering a robust, maintenance-friendly design suited for cooling tower valve automation.

Key features of the ULLI Series include:

• Direct-mount installation onto ISO 5211 butterfly valves, eliminating the need for additional brackets and reducing installation complexity.

• IP68-rated sealing, providing full protection against water spray, condensation, and airborne debris.

• Integrated overload protection, which automatically halts movement under excessive torque to prevent actuator or valve

ULLI with Butterfly Valve

Ulli-600 for high-torque requirements

The actuator’s ultra compact size allowed seamless installation even in constrained valve stations, while its protective features ensured long-term reliability under harsh ambient conditions.

The Outcome

Following deployment, the site benefited from improved control over cooling tower valve operations, with automation now fully managed through the central system. The new actuator setup allows for remote adjustments and real-time feedback, supporting overall efficiency and operational safety. The need for manual access to elevated valves has been significantly reduced, contributing to safer maintenance routines.

This installation reinforces the ULLI Series' value as a dependable actuator solution for challenging industrial water systems, where compact form, sealing integrity, and ease of integration are essential.