— Industries — Chemical
Reliable electronic control for chemical processing
The KVA38 valve actuator delivers exceptional positional control and reliability for general-purpose process control across chemical operations.
— Why chemical plants switch
Precision that holds up under continuous operation
The Kinitics Valve Actuator (KVA38) stands out as an exceptional choice for process control operations in the chemical industry, thanks to its outstanding positional control and reliability. Certified to operate in hazardous locations, the KVA38 reduces risk while improving safety and efficiency in chemical flow control.
“The KVA38 actuator sets a new standard in valve automation. Its precision, reliability, and low maintenance make it ideal for the chemical industry.”
— Dean Pick, Kinitics Automation
— What it takes
Built around what continuous chemical processing actually needs
The KVA38 uses electricity and a novel drivetrain to power valves — no compressed air, no gearbox, no motor housing to maintain.
- Precise, repeatable positioning — accurate control of chemical processes.
- Consistent performance — unaffected by load variations.
- Minimal maintenance — less downtime, lower operating cost.
- Zero deadband — no hunting or oscillation, so valves and downstream equipment last longer.
- Continuous duty rating — no limit on starts, built for demanding process environments.
- Rugged industrial design — built for harsh chemical-plant environments.
- Fail-safe spring return — reliable valve closure on power or signal loss.
— Key differentiators
What actually changes on the plant floor
Maintenance reduction
A streamlined mechanical design cuts maintenance frequency and cost, and reduces the production losses that come with unplanned downtime.
Safety and reliability
A spring-biased mechanism guarantees fail-safe operation on power or signal loss, keeping operations continuous where precision and dependability matter most.
Infrastructure simplicity
No compressors, no air lines, no pressurized supporting infrastructure — simpler installation and lower upfront cost than pneumatic systems.
— Comparison
How the KVA38 stacks up
KVA38 vs pneumatics
Less infrastructure, more responsiveness
The KVA38 consumes less power and improves reliability by eliminating compressors and pressurized lines entirely. High-precision motion also means more responsive control, operating as a standalone unit.
KVA38 vs electric motors
A known position, every time
Unlike electric motors, the KVA38 returns to a known position using a mechanical spring. It also tracks continuous motion at a 100% duty cycle, for seamless, uninterrupted operation.
— Specifications
KVA38 at a glance
24VDC / 120VAC
Available in either operating voltage
1/2"–2" NPS
Compatible with standard globe valves
100% duty cycle
Continuous operation, no rest required
Built-in positioner
With integrated position feedback
−40 to 50°C [−40 to 122°F]
Rated operating range
Class I Zone 1
Hazardous location rating
— The full lineup
One shape memory alloy platform, three products
KVA38
Valve actuator
Zero-deadband, constant motion replaces methane-venting pneumatic controllers for reliable valve control in process applications.
KLA
Linear actuator
Up to 650 N of push or pull force from a high force-to-size ratio design. One moving part — the rod — means minimal maintenance and near-silent operation.
KPP
Piston pumps
Rated to 100 bar (1450 psi). Add a linear sensor for displacement and flow control, or a pressure sensor for direct pressure control.
Ready to talk through your application?
Send us your valve specs and we’ll help you size the right KVA38 configuration for your process.