Xcel Energy uses a Power Wrench portable actuator
Xcel Energy, a large energy company in the USA, selected the Sofis Power Wrench portable actuator as a tool to combat fatigue in manual valve operations.
AUMA Poland celebrated its 25th anniversary
AUMA Poland celebrated its 25th anniversary. The development of a one-man business to the market leader in actuator technology is an impressive achievement.
AUMA actuators awarded new gas industry standard
National Gas has approved AUMA Actuators explosion proof range of high-performance electric actuators with the Gas Industry Standard VA2/2020 certification
Limitorque actuators at the western treatment plant
Limitorque actuators have been operating in the plant for over 50 years on various projects and various stages of expansion projects including Tainter gates.
Rotork acquires Hanbay, Inc.
Rotork Plc, the global provider of mission-critical intelligent flow control solutions, has acquired Hanbay, Inc.
Asahi/America expands Series 19 actuation line
Asahi/America recently expanded its Series 19 electric actuation line to include, multiturn unit capable of operating on diaphragm and gate valves up to 4”.
BERKINE NORD BYPASS MLE Project
Paladon Systems has been announced that has completed a batch of Pneumatic Spring to Close Actuators. They will be part of BERKINE NORD BYPASS MLE Project.
ARIS Stellantriebe collaborates with KINETROL
ARIS Stellantriebe has expanded its worldwide sales organisation along side an experienced partner at its side, the English actuator expert, KINETROL.
KSB launches new pneumatic quarter-turn actuators
KSB launches new pneumatic quarter-turn actuators
Watertight AUMA actuators
Watertight AUMA actuators
Actuation
The primary devices that carry out actuation are called actuators. These can be categorized as:
- Mechanical Actuators: Convert rotary motion to linear motion or vice versa, often using gears, rails, or screws.
- Electric Actuators: Utilize electric motors to generate motion, controlled by varying voltage, current, or electromagnetic fields.
- Hydraulic Actuators: Use the pressure of a liquid (usually oil) to induce motion, often to generate high forces in heavy machinery.
- Pneumatic Actuators: Operate using compressed air or gas to create motion, often found in industrial automation setups.
- Thermal or Magnetic Actuators: Leverage thermal expansion or magnetic fields to generate motion, usually in micro or nano-scale applications.
2. Control Systems
These systems are essential in regulating the functioning of actuators, often utilizing feedback loops to maintain precision and efficiency. They may include:
- Manual Controls: Simple interfaces like levers or switches to control actuators.
- Automatic Controls: Utilize sensors and microcontrollers to automatically control the actuation process.
- Software Interfaces: Complex control setups involving software platforms integrated with hardware components to enable sophisticated control strategies.
3. Power Sources
Different actuation systems require different power sources, which could range from electrical batteries, hydraulic pumps, or pneumatic compressors.
Applications
Actuation finds its application in various fields:
- Robotics: In the control of robotic arms, legs, or other appendages.
- Aerospace: Utilized in the functioning of various components like flaps, landing gear, and engines.
- Automotive: In control systems like power steering, braking systems, and throttle control.
- Industrial Machinery: In machines used for manufacturing, packaging, and other industrial processes.
- Healthcare: In devices like prosthetics and other healthcare equipment.
- Consumer Electronics: In gadgets and appliances, for functions like zooming in cameras or adjusting settings.
Future Trends
With advancements in technology, actuation systems are expected to become more sophisticated, incorporating features like:
- Internet of Things (IoT): Integration with IoT for smarter and more connected control systems.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): Incorporating AI for predictive maintenance and automated control strategies.
- Miniaturization: Development of smaller and more compact actuators for use in micro and nano-scale applications.
Conclusion
Actuation is a dynamic and evolving field, playing a critical role in modern technology and industry. It encompasses a wide range of components, systems, and techniques that convert energy into physical motion, finding applications in a variety of sectors and continually evolving to incorporate new advancements and innovations.