rotork Skilmatic SI 3, Instructions For Safe Use, Installation, Basic Setup And Maintenance

SI manual – Section: Maintenance and Troubleshooting

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9.  Maintenance and 

Troubleshooting

9.1  General Maintenance

Every Rotork actuator has been fully 

tested before dispatch to give years of 

trouble-free operation providing it is 

installed, sealed and commissioned in 

accordance with the instructions given 

in this publication.

The SI actuator’s non-intrusive 

enclosure provides complete protection 

for the actuator components. Covers 

should not be removed for routine 

inspection as this may be detrimental 

to the future reliability of the actuator. 

The enclosure contains no user 

serviceable components.

All electrical power supplies to the 

actuator must be isolated before any 

maintenance or inspection is carried out.

Electrical supplies must be isolated 

before actuator covers are removed

If the motorised valve is rarely 

operated, a routine operating schedule 

should be set up, which may include 

partial stroking the actuator at regular 

intervals.

Routine maintenance should include 

the following:

•   Check actuator valve fixing bolts for 

tightness.

•   Ensure valve stems and drive nuts 

are clean and properly lubricated.

•   Check the control module enclosure 

for external damage, loose or 

missing fasteners.

•  All external fasteners must be 

tightened to 40 Nm (30 lbf.ft)

•   Ensure there is not an excessive 

build-up of dust or contaminant on 

the actuator.

•   Check for any loss of hydraulic fluid. 

This can be done by removing the 

hydraulic fluid fill plug when the 

electrical power is removed from 

the actuator. The fluid level should 

be within 50 mm (2”) of the fluid fill 

plug sealing face of the tank. If it is 

necessary to top up hydraulic fluid 

ensure that the correct type of fluid 

is used. See actuator name plate. 

It may be necessary to remove the 

actuator from the valve to carry  

this out.

•   If the fluid level is low, visually 

inspect the actuator and tighten 

any hydraulic fittings that may be 

leaking.

•   Check the operating speeds in both 

the open and closed directions by 

conducting a full-stroke test.

•   Fully open the actuator and turn 

the red local control knob to stop. 

Leave the actuator for 30 minutes 

and check that the actuator has not 

drifted off the open limit.

Routine maintenance should include 

the following after five years of service:

•   The hydraulic fluid and filter should 

be replaced (Refer to Weights and 

Measures, section 11, for the volume 

of fluid required).

•   The actuator seals should be 

replaced.