What is a common cause of a valve actuator failing to close properly?

A common cause of a valve actuator failing to close properly is worn seals. The seals in a valve actuator are crucial for maintaining the pressure and preventing leaks. When these seals degrade due to age, wear, or exposure to harsh conditions, they can lead to decreased sealing effectiveness, causing the actuator to struggle to maintain proper closure. This condition can result in the valve not fully shutting, which can create operational inefficiencies or safety hazards in a process.

While other factors, such as low supply voltage, a faulty positioner, or improper calibration, can also impact actuator performance, it is the wear of the seals that directly affects the mechanical sealing capability, making this a leading cause of closure issues.