Jordan Sliding Gate Control Valve with Siemens SIPART PS2 | Complete Assembly Explained
Control valves are often discussed as individual components, but the unit installed in a process line is usually a complete assembly. The valve body, actuator, positioner, air regulator, tubing, and feedback mechanism all work together to regulate flow.
The assembly shown here combines a Jordan Valve sliding gate control valve with a pneumatic diaphragm actuator and a Siemens SIPART PS2 electropneumatic positioner.
All photographs in this article show the actual unit in our inventory rather than manufacturer catalogue images.
Watch the actual unit on our YouTube channel.
What Does This Assembly Do?
In an automated process, a controller sends an electrical command—commonly a 4–20 mA signal—to the valve positioner. The positioner compares that command with the valve’s actual position and adjusts the pneumatic pressure supplied to the actuator.
The actuator then moves the valve stem and sliding gate trim. By changing the opening inside the valve, the assembly regulates the flow of steam, water, air, gas, oil, or another compatible process medium.
This closed-loop arrangement allows the valve to respond more accurately than a simple air-operated actuator without position feedback.
How the Sliding Gate Design Works
A Jordan sliding gate valve uses two closely matched plates with openings in them. One plate remains stationary while the other moves across it. As the openings move into or out of alignment, the available flow area changes.
This design creates a relatively short valve stroke and a straight-through flow path. Jordan identifies reduced turbulence, quick response, accurate regulation, interchangeable flow coefficients, and compact construction among the design’s benefits. Jordan Valve
The short movement required by the sliding gate also helps explain why a comparatively compact actuator can provide precise control.
Looking at the Valve Body
The casting on this unit is marked CF8M, a cast stainless-steel designation commonly associated with corrosion-resistant valve bodies. The body also has flanged process connections and protective covers installed over the openings.
Before placing any surplus control valve into service, the buyer should verify:
- Valve size and flange specification
- Body and trim materials
- Seat configuration and flow coefficient
- Actuator action and spring range
- Process pressure and temperature requirements
- Compatibility with the intended process medium
The photographs are useful for identification, but final selection should always be based on the complete nameplate data and the application requirements.
The Pneumatic Diaphragm Actuator
The large black housing above the valve is the pneumatic diaphragm actuator. Instrument air acts against the diaphragm, while internal springs provide the opposing force.
Changing the air pressure moves the actuator stem and therefore changes the valve position. The label on this actuator indicates a maximum pressure of 20 psi / 1.4 bar.
The actuator and valve should be treated as a matched assembly. Stroke length, spring range, fail action, available thrust, and valve trim must all be compatible.
Why the Siemens SIPART PS2 Is Important
Mounted beside the actuator is a Siemens SIPART PS2, model:
6DR5013-0FN00-0AA9
The nameplate identifies it as an intelligent electropneumatic positioner with a 4–20 mA input. Siemens describes the SIPART PS2 family as digital valve positioners for linear and part-turn pneumatic actuators, with automatic commissioning, local configuration, control functions, and diagnostic capabilities.
Its job is not simply to turn the air supply on and off. It continuously adjusts pneumatic output so the valve stem follows the requested position as closely as possible.
In practical terms, the positioner helps compensate for factors such as:
- Actuator spring force
- Packing friction
- Mechanical hysteresis
- Changes in air-supply conditions
- Differences between the command signal and actual valve position
Air Regulation and Pneumatic Connections
The assembly also includes an instrument-air filter regulator and pressure gauges.
The regulator prepares and limits the incoming compressed-air supply before it reaches the positioner. Clean, dry instrument air is important because contamination, moisture, or excessive pressure can affect pneumatic performance and shorten component life.
The stainless-steel tubing connects the positioner, actuator, and pneumatic supply. The two gauges provide a quick visual indication of pressure conditions at the positioner.
Where Is This Type of Assembly Used?
Sliding gate control valves are offered for industrial media including steam, water, oil, gas, air, and chemicals. Typical applications can include process heating, pressure control, flow regulation, utility systems, pulp and paper, power generation, HVAC, and general manufacturing. The correct application depends on the exact valve trim, materials, pressure class, temperature limits, and process conditions.
What Should a Buyer Confirm?
When replacing an existing control-valve assembly, matching only the brand is not enough. Confirm as much of the following information as possible:
- Jordan Valve model and serial number
- Valve size and flange rating
- Body and trim materials
- Seat and range information
- Required flow coefficient
- Air-to-open or air-to-close operation
- Fail position
- Actuator spring range
- Positioner input signal
- Hazardous-location approvals
- Supply-air requirements
- Available mounting space
For an emergency replacement, clear photographs of the old valve, actuator, positioner, and every nameplate can greatly reduce identification errors.
Actual Inventory at Panda Industrial Supply
The unit shown in this article is physically stocked by Panda Industrial Supply in Ontario, Canada.
We supply surplus, current-model, discontinued, and hard-to-find industrial automation and MRO components to maintenance teams, repair companies, machine builders, system integrators, and other industrial customers.
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Worldwide shipping is available.