Damper Actuators

Electric, Pneumatic, and Manual Damper Actuators Engineered for Industrial Precision

Damper actuators are critical components in industrial airflow systems, responsible for positioning dampers to regulate temperature, pressure, and airflow. A damper actuator receives a signal from a control system and converts it into mechanical motion, allowing for accurate blade positioning and consistent system performance. This ability to deliver precise control is essential in applications where airflow must be carefully managed to maintain efficiency and safety.

Kelair provides a full range of damper actuators, including electric, pneumatic, and manual options, each designed for demanding industrial environments such as power generation, pollution control, and HVAC applications. From electric actuators that integrate seamlessly with digital control systems to pneumatic actuators built for high-force performance in compact spaces, every solution is engineered to meet application-specific requirements.

Unlike off-the-shelf solutions, Kelair’s actuator packages are custom-engineered and delivered as fully integrated systems. Each unit is prewired, pre-piped, calibrated, and tested prior to shipment, reducing installation time and ensuring reliable operation from day one. Whether specifying a single electric damper actuator or a complete actuator-damper assembly, Kelair delivers performance-driven solutions tailored to your system.

How Damper Actuators Convert Control Signals into Precise Airflow Regulation

Damper actuators function by converting control signals into rotational force that positions damper blades within a duct or system. When a signal is received, whether electrical or pneumatic, the actuator’s internal motor or piston assembly generates torque, which is transferred through a gear train to the output shaft. This controlled movement allows the damper to open, close, or modulate airflow with a high degree of accuracy.

There are two primary control methods used in industrial systems. A two-position actuator operates in a fully open or fully closed state, while a modulating actuator continuously adjusts blade position in response to changing system demands. This distinction is important when selecting between a pneumatic damper actuator or electric system, as modulating control is often required for applications that demand tighter airflow regulation.

Kelair offers both pneumatic damper actuators and electric options to meet a wide range of operational needs. Pneumatic systems are valued for their durability and high power-to-size ratio, while electric systems provide straightforward integration with modern control platforms. Configurations such as non spring return or spring-return actuators can be specified depending on whether a fail-safe position is required during power or signal loss.

To support installation flexibility, Kelair provides actuator-damper assemblies in multiple configurations:

Factory installed and ready to operate
Shipped unattached for field installation
Delivered directly to the job site
Fully mounted and tested custom packages

Each solution is engineered to match torque, speed and control requirements for the specific application, ensuring reliable performance in even the most demanding environments, including systems managing airflow, emissions and smoke control.

Close-up of a red painted actuator that is used on industrial dampers.

Pneumatic and electric for easy connectivity and flexibility

Pneumatic damper actuators are multipurpose positioning mechanisms used to accurately position industrial dampers in response to output signals of a pneumatic controller or electro-pneumatic transducer. They have high power to size ratios in confined spaces and flexible mounting configurations.

Electric damper actuators provide easy connectivity to digital controllers. The voltage source must be selected and typical voltages for these devices are: 24 VDC, 120 VAC or 240 VAC. All Kelair’s electric damper motor actuators are compact in size and easily installed. We will work with your specifications, or we will readily determine the best damper operator to fit your specific application. All of our damper actuating packages will come prewired, pre-piped, calibrated and fully tested.

Electric & Pneumatic Damper Actuator Specifications & Features

Electric Damper Actuator

ISO 5211 Mounting
Wormgear drive for longer life and low maximum noise level of 50db
Standard Enclosure IP-67, NEMA 4, 4X
20-Watt internal heater to minimize condensation due to temperature and humidity changes
Squirrel cage, totally enclosed motor

Pneumatic Damper Actuator

Available in double acting or spring return
ISO 5211 mounting
High cycle life with low friction bearings on all moving and sliding surfaces
Modular design utilizing the same body and end caps for both double-acting and spring-return versions.
Corrosion Resistant with PTFE coated body, polyester coated end caps and stainless-steel fasteners
Safety contained springs prevent hazards of inadvertent ejection during maintenance
Optional mounting kits to cover any application and replacement of the obsolete unit

Manual Damper Actuator Specifications & Features

Kelair Offers three types of manual damper actuators:

Lever & Quadrant:
- This type of damper actuator has a manual lever with a locking quadrant. The Lever allows for easy and precise adjustment. The locking quadrant is a threaded handle and clamp style for secure locking.
Gear Operator Handwheel:
- This actuator is composed of an industrial worm gear operator that is a quarter- turn, self-locking type. The handwheel is 12 inches and there is a 30:1 gear ratio for easy operations
Gear Operator & Chainwheel:
- This manual actuator is the same as above, but with a chain wheel & chain drop at a distance, in place of a hand wheel for remote operation. The chainwheel and chain drop at distance per customers specifications.

Want to learn more about electric vs. pneumatic actuators? Check out our overview here.

Our Products

Learn More About Our Products

Butterfly Dampers

Butterfly dampers are among Kelair’s most economical and versatile solutions, designed for both flow control and low-leakage isolation. These dampers are commonly used in duct systems handling clean air, gas or light particulate and can also be engineered for corrosive or high-temperature environments. Typical specifications include:

Sizes ranging from approximately 6″ to 144″
Temperature capability up to ~1900°F
Shutoff performance up to ~99%+ depending on seal type

Butterfly dampers are ideal for applications requiring compact design, quick actuation and consistent performance across temperature swings.

Industrial Ducting

Kelair's custom-designed industrial ductwork is used in various applications, including pneumatic conveying, air pollution control, and industrial ventilation systems.

Isolation Valves

Isolation valves provide positive shutoff in air and gas handling systems, especially in hazardous or high-temperature environments. These components are typically installed at branch points or system junctions to isolate sections for maintenance, inspection or emergency shutdown.

Compared to dampers, isolation valves are more commonly used in piping systems but often work alongside dampers to provide complete system control and redundancy.

Butterfly Valves

Butterfly valves serve as flow control elements within piping and duct systems, regulating liquids, gases or particulates. These valves are often used in conjunction with industrial dampers to fine-tune process control. Available in multiple materials and configurations, butterfly valves are suitable for both low- and high-temperature applications and provide reliable, repeatable modulation.

Louver Dampers

Louver dampers (multi-vane dampers) are designed for precise airflow modulation in large duct systems. Their multiple blade design allows for accurate control of air or gas distribution while maintaining relatively low pressure drop.

Typical specifications include:

Sizes from 14″ to 132″
Temperature capability up to ~2100°F (with refractory options)
Pressure up to 2 PSI and 4000 FPM
Shutoff up to ~99% depending on seals

Louver dampers are commonly used in power generation, fan inlet control, metal processing and air pollution control systems.

Slide Gate / Guillotine Dampers

Slide gate (guillotine) dampers are designed for complete isolation and can achieve near-zero leakage. These dampers use a sliding blade mechanism that cuts through airflow and particulates, making them ideal for abrasive or particulate-heavy environments.

Typical features include:

Sizes from 4″ to 96″
Heavy-duty construction for high-temperature and corrosive conditions
Minimal moving parts for reduced maintenance

These dampers are best suited for dust collection, mining and bulk material handling systems where isolation is critical.

Diverter & Tee Dampers

Diverter and tee dampers are used to redirect airflow between two or more outlets. These dampers are widely used in incineration systems and thermal oxidizers, where process air must be routed between operational paths or bypassed entirely.

They are available in round, square or rectangular configurations and can be designed for modulating or full shutoff service depending on the application.

Refractory Dampers

Refractory dampers are engineered for extreme heat and can withstand temperatures up to 2100°F.

These dampers are commonly used in:

Kilns and furnaces
Waste incineration systems
Thermal oxidizers

Refractory lining reduces heat loss, protects structural components and improves durability in corrosive or high-particulate environments.

Inlet Vane Dampers

Inlet vane dampers regulate airflow entering fans and blowers to optimize performance and reduce energy consumption. By controlling airflow at the inlet, these dampers can significantly reduce horsepower requirements compared to outlet control methods.

They are widely used in HVAC and industrial ventilation systems where energy efficiency and precise airflow control are priorities and can also function as zone dampers in large-scale airflow systems.

Backdraft Dampers

Backdraft dampers are designed to allow airflow in one direction while preventing reverse flow. These dampers automatically open when airflow is present and close when flow stops or reverses.

Draft dampers are commonly used in ventilation systems to:

Protect equipment
Maintain system efficiency
Prevent contamination or backflow

Stack Cap Dampers