METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR OPERATING AN ACTUATOR

A method of and apparatus for operating an actuator which is used to open and close valves in pipelines in order to avoid pressure surges and resonances during the closing operation in pipelines to be shut off. The closing operation of the valve is subdivided into two closing phases (S1 and S2). During the first closing phase (S1), the actuating element is moved at maximum actuating speed down to a predefinable position (P) of the actuating element, starting from the open state of the valve. From this position (P), the actuating speed of the actuating element is reduced continuously and steplessly with a predefinable gradient. Additionally when the actuating speed in the second closing phase is reduced to a predefinable constant value the method and apparatus may include a third phase during which the actuator maintains that speed value until the valve is closed.