Across the energy generation, transmission and distribution sector, equipment reliability is fundamental to operational safety and network resilience. Every component within a critical process must perform as expected throughout its operational life, including the electric actuators responsible for automating valve movement.
Testing is an essential part of actuator specification, manufacture and commissioning. Electric actuators are often installed on valves controlling cooling water, feedwater, steam, fuel, lubrication systems and other essential process media. Failure of a single actuator can affect plant availability, increase maintenance costs and, in some applications, contribute to unplanned outages. Robust testing helps minimise these risks by verifying that actuators meet their specified performance before entering service.
Testing takes place throughout the product lifecycle. During manufacture, actuators undergo functional testing to confirm correct mechanical and electrical operation, while quality assurance processes verify performance against design specifications. Depending on the application, testing may also include environmental performance, enclosure protection, torque accuracy and operational endurance to demonstrate suitability for demanding industrial environments. Detailed testing and quality assurance are central to AUMA's manufacturing processes.
Testing does not end when equipment leaves the factory. During project commissioning, actuators are configured, calibrated and tested as part of the complete valve assembly to ensure accurate operation within the wider plant control system. Correct commissioning confirms that valve travel, torque settings, control signals and feedback functions all perform as intended before an asset becomes operational.
As power infrastructure becomes increasingly digitalised, testing also plays an important role in validating communication between intelligent electric actuators and plant automation systems. Successful integration with Distributed Control Systems (DCS), SCADA platforms and other industrial networks ensures that operators receive accurate valve position, status and diagnostic information throughout the asset's operational life.
Routine inspection and periodic functional testing remain equally important during operation. Planned maintenance programmes allow engineers to identify wear, verify performance and address developing issues before they affect plant availability. This condition-based approach supports improved reliability while helping operators maximise the service life of both valves and actuators.
For asset owners, consultants and EPC contractors, testing should be viewed as more than a compliance exercise. It provides confidence that critical valve automation will perform reliably when required, supports long-term asset management and contributes to the safe, efficient operation of energy infrastructure.