VAAS can provide their knife gate valves with virtually any kind of automated operation required. A majority of these requirements call for pneumatic actuation and VAAS manufactures double -acting pneumatic actuators in-house.

The VAAS pneumatic cylinder actuator features a non-corroding cylinder tube made of Fibre Reinforced Plastic. The cylinder insides are coated with a special lubricant and lubricated air supply is not essential for their smooth operation.

Being light weight, these actuators can be mounted in any orientation with minimum external support requirements. The tubes are tested to 300 psi and are held between endcaps by high strength steel tie-rods.

Another unique feature is the in-the-field Interchangeability with all VAAS knife gate valves with handwheel operators. The change can be made with common tools without the need for any additional parts. This makes retro-fitting manual valves to pneumatic operation at a later date very simple.

Although not required for knife gate valves, these actuators can also be provided with end-of-stroke cushioning, if required.