Versa announces leadership changes
VERSA Products Co., Inc. (VERSA), a global leader in engineering and manufacturing solenoid, pilot, and manual actuated directional control valves and related components, is...
FAIST CS pneumatic actuator with integrated solenoid valve
FAIST Control Systems has announced a new pneumatic actuator with integrated solenoid valve for use in Exhaust Gas Recirculation systems.
GF Piping Systems’ new valve automation centers
GF Piping Systems,now offers complete valve automation services and delivers integrated solutions to customers worldwide
Scallon Controls next generation digital valve controller
Scallon Controls introduces the next generation of digital valve controller: The Fisher™ FIELDVUE™ DVC7K
AUMA Profinet actuator retrofit increases plant sustainability
241 AUMA electric actuators have been installed as part of a retrofit at Stockholm’s largest combined heat and power plant, Kraftvärmeverk
New motorised actuators for final control elements
SAUTER presents the new ADM333 motorised actuators for final control elements such as air valves and butterfly valves.
GEMÜ C12A electrical position indicator
The GEMÜ C12A electrical position indicator can be fitted to GEMÜ CleanStar diaphragm valves in actuator sizes 1, 2 and 3
RuB Inc., to showcase innovative solutions at AHR Expo
RuB Inc., will be exhibiting RuB ball valves and actuators at the AHR Expo 2025.
TIGRON wins Valve Stars Award 2024
AUMA’s TIGRON has been honoured as the best actuator of the year and is the winner of 2024's Valve Stars Award in the Actuator category.
PFEIFFER turns 50
Kempen-based engineering company PFEIFFER Chemie-Armaturenbau celebrated its half-century jubilee in November 2024.
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.