AUMA adds explosion-proof PROFOX-X actuators to proven range

The PROFOX range offers an exceptional cost-benefit ratio combined, with high-performance features, and is engineered with precision in Germany to endure the toughest conditions. PROFOX is designed for applications requiring fast, precise positioning in water treatment, combined heat and power plants, process industries, and shipbuilding. Its compact, modular design means that installations with space constraints can benefit from its capabilities without compromise.

Paul Hopkins, managing director, AUMA Actuators explains: “Built-in intelligence delivers smart functionality that makes the PROFOX range equally adept at handling both simple 'open-close' operations, and more challenging modulating tasks. With adjustable motor speed, PROFOX ensures rapid, yet controlled, valve positioning, eliminating overrun and extending valve life. The inclusion of soft start and soft stop functionalities further contributes to longevity by reducing mechanical stress during operation.”

PROFOX actuators also stand out for low operating costs. High mechanical efficiency and low standby consumption translate to reduced energy demands, reducing its carbon footprint, a crucial factor as industries increasingly focus on sustainability and energy conservation. Innovative diagnostics embedded within the actuators enable seamless integration with Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) environments. This level of smart connectivity supports predictive maintenance and aligns with digital ecosystems like AUMA’s CORALINK, empowering engineers with real-time data logging and advanced analytics.

Flexibility is another cornerstone of AUMA's PROFOX. Designed to work with a range of valve types, including gate, butterfly, ball, and globe valves, the range is available in multi-turn versions (delivering torques of 10–100 Nm) and part-turn versions (with outputs of 32–600 Nm). This versatility is supported by a modular design that facilitates flexible configuration and rapid delivery, ensuring that engineering teams can quickly deploy solutions tailored to their specific process requirements.

Ease of use is a consistent theme throughout the PROFOX product line. Engineers and technicians benefit from straightforward installation and commissioning processes. Whether using the integrated push buttons or an intuitive mobile app, users can quickly bring actuators online. The FOX-EYE indicator, coupled with a visible position display on the actuator housing, provides clear status feedback—even from a distance—making system monitoring both efficient and user-friendly.

Hopkins continues: “Recognising the diverse environments in which modern industrial systems operate, AUMA has also developed the PROFOX-X series. These actuators extend the benefits of PROFOX into potentially explosive atmospheres, meeting ATEX and IECEx certifications for gas group IIC T4, including hydrogen. AUMA ensures that even the most demanding, safety-critical applications do not compromise on performance or reliability by offering multi-turn, part-turn, and linear actuators in these configurations.”

The future of process automation increasingly demands solutions that are robust and efficient, as well as adaptable to evolving technological standards. PROFOX actuators, featuring support for Fieldbus and Industrial Ethernet communication protocols, provide engineers with the flexibility to integrate with existing host systems and prepare for future advances. High-quality construction, wide operational temperature range (from -30 to +70 °C), and exceptional corrosion protection align with the highest international standards and underscore reliability in even the harshest industrial conditions.

As process and control engineers continue to push the boundaries of industrial automation, embracing innovations like the PROFOX actuator range represents a strategic investment in both performance and longevity. By marrying advanced control features with intelligent diagnostics and streamlined integration capabilities, AUMA’s PROFOX range meets today’s challenges and paves the way for the future of process automation.

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