Key Features
✓ Genuine Elektrogas Replacement
✓ Third Generation BH Actuator
✓ Suits Elektrogas VMH Gas Valves
✓ Electro-Hydraulic Operation
✓ DN65–DN300 Valve Compatibility
✓ Normally Closed Safety System
✓ Fail-Safe Power-Off Closure
✓ 230VAC 50/60Hz Supply
✓ 25 Watt Running Power
✓ 115 Watt Starting Power
✓ IP65 Environmental Protection
✓ Closed Position Feedback
✓ Continuous Duty Operation
✓ ISO 4400 Electrical Connection
✓ Replacement Motor Head Assembly
✓ BH7 For DN65–DN100 Valves
✓ BH98 For DN125–DN200 Valves
✓ BH912 For DN250–DN300 Valves
✓ Same Head For Standard & Biogas
✓ Suitable For Industrial Gas Trains
✓ Elektrogas Italy Manufacture
✓ Direct Replacement Assembly
Datasheets
Description
Elektrogas BH Electro-Hydraulic Actuator for VMH Gas Valves
The Elektrogas BH series is the third-generation replacement electro-hydraulic actuator for Elektrogas VMH gas safety shut-off valves from DN65 to DN300.
Manufactured by Elektrogas in Italy, the actuator provides the hydraulic power required to open the normally closed VMH valve and allows rapid spring-assisted safety closure when electrical power is removed.
Designed as a complete replacement motor head assembly, the BH series is available in three sizes — BH7, BH98 and BH912 — covering the full VMH range from 2½" DN65 through to 12" DN300. The actuator incorporates IP65 protection and closed-position feedback for reliable operation in industrial gas trains, burner systems and process heating installations.
Third-generation BH actuators have been fitted to VMH valves manufactured from week 48 of 2018 onwards. The four-digit production code on the actuator label identifies the manufacturing week and year; for example, 4818 = week 48 of 2018.
The VMH is an Elektrogas safety shut-off valve using a hydraulic actuator, designed for gas burners, boilers, industrial kilns and other gas-consuming equipment. The valve is intrinsically fail-safe: loss of electrical power causes the gas valve to close.
BH Actuator Selection
BH7
Suitable for:
✓ VMH7 – DN65 / 2½"
✓ VMH8 – DN80 / 3"
✓ VMH9 – DN100 / 4"
BH98
Suitable for:
✓ VMH93 – DN125 / 5"
✓ VMH95 – DN150 / 6"
✓ VMH98 – DN200 / 8"
BH912
Suitable for:
✓ VMH910 – DN250 / 10"
✓ VMH912 – DN300 / 12"
Electro-Hydraulic Operation
The BH actuator forms the operating mechanism of the normally closed VMH gas safety valve.
When electrical power is applied, the actuator closes its internal relief valve and starts the hydraulic pump. Pressurised oil acts against the piston, opening the valve disc against the combined force of the closing spring and gas pressure.
Once the valve reaches its fully open position, the hydraulic pump switches off and only the relief valve continues to consume power.
If electrical power is removed, the relief valve opens and the valve disc closes rapidly, interrupting the gas supply.
Electrical Specification
Supply Voltage: 230VAC 50/60Hz
Running Power: 25 Watts
Starting Power: 115 Watts
Protection: IP65
Electrical Connection: ISO 4400
Duty: Continuous
Closed Position Feedback: Included
The VMH actuator system is designed for continuous service and the manufacturer confirms IP65 protection.
Third Generation BH Actuator
The current BH is the third-generation Elektrogas VMH actuator design.
This version has been in production since week 48 of 2018. The manufacturing date can be identified from the four-digit date code printed on the actuator label.
For example:
4818 = Week 48 / 2018
VMH actuators manufactured from week 48 of 2018 onwards use the third-generation design.
Earlier-generation actuators have demonstrated a low but unacceptable failure rate in service. A typical warning sign is an actuator becoming noticeably noisier before eventual failure.
The Elektrogas maintenance information also provides a useful diagnostic indicator: with the valve open, the hydraulic pump should stop. If the pump restarts more than three times within 20 minutes under normal conditions, Elektrogas recommends replacing the actuator.
Replacing a VMH Actuator Head
Before replacing the actuator, ensure that the actuator is the cause of the fault and that an identical replacement BH head is available.
✓ Turn off electrical power
✓ Remove the electrical connector
✓ Remove the actuator base screws
✓ Carefully lift away the old actuator
✓ Retain/check the actuator O-ring
✓ Position the replacement BH head
✓ Refit and tighten the base screws
✓ Reconnect the electrical supply
✓ Perform leak and function tests
Particular attention should be paid to the O-ring positioned between the actuator and valve body during removal and reassembly. Elektrogas also specifies leak and functional testing following installation.
Does the Gas Supply Need Isolating?
For actuator-head-only replacement, Elektrogas factory advice is that shutting off the gas supply is not strictly necessary.
Removing the BH actuator does not require opening the gas-containing section of the valve, and therefore does not introduce air into the gas line or normally require the system to be purged.
However, electrical power must always be isolated before replacing the actuator, and the work should be carried out by appropriately qualified personnel in accordance with site procedures and applicable gas safety requirements.
Does the Gas Line Need Purging?
No. According to Elektrogas factory advice, replacing the BH actuator head does not introduce air into the valve gas passage, so the gas line does not require purging solely because the actuator has been replaced.
This is specifically an actuator replacement procedure and should not be confused with dismantling or internally servicing the gas valve body.
VMH-J Biogas Valve Compatibility
A separate BH actuator is not required for an Elektrogas VMH-J biogas valve.
The same BH replacement actuator is used for both the standard VMH and VMH-J biogas valve versions. The special biogas construction relates to the gas-contacting valve components rather than requiring a different hydraulic actuator.
The VMH technical documentation confirms that special valve versions are available for aggressive gases including biogas and coke oven gas.
Typical Applications
✓ Elektrogas VMH Gas Safety Valves
✓ Industrial Gas Burner Systems
✓ Gas Trains & Safety Systems
✓ Industrial Boiler Installations
✓ Furnaces & Industrial Kilns
✓ Process Heating Equipment
✓ CHP & Energy Generation
✓ Natural Gas Installations
✓ Biogas VMH-J Installations
Why Replace a Noisy VMH Actuator?
A change in operating noise can indicate deterioration within an older electro-hydraulic actuator.
The hydraulic pump normally operates while opening the valve and stops when the valve reaches its open position. Frequent pump restarting after the valve has opened can indicate an actuator problem.
Replacing an ageing first- or second-generation unit with the current third-generation BH assembly provides a straightforward means of retaining the existing VMH valve body while upgrading the actuator mechanism.
Ordering Information
Select the replacement actuator according to the VMH valve model:
BH7 → VMH7, VMH8, VMH9
BH98 → VMH93, VMH95, VMH98
BH912 → VMH910, VMH912
When ordering, check the existing VMH valve model and actuator identification label to ensure the correct replacement is selected.
Related Products & Categories
Technical Specification
Brand: Elektrogas
Model: BH
Width: 100.00 mm
Height: 100.00 mm
Depth: 312.00 mm
Weight: 6.40 kg
Body Material: Aluminium
Voltage: 110vAC, 230VAC
Function: 2/2 Failsafe Closed
Seals: FKM (Viton), NBR
Approvals:: IP65, EN161
Media: Natural Gas
Options required: Position Feedback Closed
Spares (Coils, Connectors, Seals): Actuator Head Air + Motor
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BH Actuator head generation 3 for VMH Elektrogas Gas Valve
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