BTO (Breakaway Torque)
The torque required to unseat a valve from its fully closed position - the highest torque the actuator must produce. BTO is the critical parameter for actuator sizing. Typically 1.5–2x the running torque for ball valves in clean service.
What is BTO (Breakaway Torque)?
The torque required to unseat a valve from its fully closed position - the highest torque the actuator must produce. BTO is the critical parameter for actuator sizing
Vajra Industrial Solutions is an engineering-driven industrial valve manufacturer and supplier. Concepts such as bto (breakaway torque) inform how we select, manufacture, and document valves for industrial service.
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What is a BTO (Breakaway Torque)?
The torque required to unseat a valve from its fully closed position - the highest torque the actuator must produce. BTO is the critical parameter for actuator sizing. Typically 1.5–2x the running torque for ball valves in clean service.
How is a BTO (Breakaway Torque) sized for a valve?
Actuator sizing requires the valve's breakaway torque (BTO), running torque (RTO), and end-to-close torque (ETO) at the maximum differential pressure and operating temperature. The actuator output torque at minimum supply pressure must exceed the valve BTO by a safety factor (typically 1.25x minimum). For pneumatic actuators, the supply pressure range, fail-safe direction (spring return FC or FO), and speed requirements must also be specified.
When is a BTO (Breakaway Torque) required versus manual operation?
Automation is required when: (1) the valve is in a remote or hazardous location, (2) rapid opening/closing is needed for emergency shutdown (ESD), (3) the valve must respond to a control signal (4–20 mA, HART, or fieldbus), (4) the operating torque is too high for manual operation, or (5) the valve is part of a Safety Instrumented System (SIS) requiring SIL certification. Contact Vajra Industrial Solutions for fully automated valve packages including actuator, limit switch, solenoid, and positioner.
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