T-T Flow Supply equipment for nuclear decommissioning
Hunterston B Power Station in Scotland, commissioned in 1976, ends its run after 297.4TWh of zero-carbon electricity generation.
Thomson adds controllability to its electric actuators
Thomson Industries enhances Electrak® LL actuators with advanced controllability, CAN bus integration, higher speeds, and absolute position feedback.
Warren enhances ARIA Series actuators
Warren Controls' ARIA Series actuated globe valves deliver precise calibration and exceptional resolution for steam-fired water heaters.
Warren Controls and JA Moody collaborate
Warren Controls appoints JA Moody as Exclusive MRO Military Distributor, managing all US Government bids and sales, enhancing service and support.
Mogas awarded a contract to support TC2C new technology
Mogas Industries secures multimillion-dollar contract for S-Oil Shaheen Project, supplying severe service valves for TC2C technology commercialization.
AVA Launches New 1000-2000Nm Torque Electric Actuators
AV Actuators launches a series of 1000 to 2000Nm torque actuators with integrtated pressure, temperature and flow sensors
Survitec unveils containment device
Survitec has launched their Gauntlet, a device that will reduce the risk associated with catastrophic valve actuator failure.
Bosch Rexroth and Petrolvalves sign MoU
Bosch Rexroth and PetrolValve signed a Memorandum of Understanding to reduce cost of ownership on CCS and H2 transport systems.
AUMA actuators add Scottish Water framework
AUMA deploys a framework to service, maintain and replace actuators, and build a knowlegde base, for for Scottish Water
Smart control valve for minimal flow rates
Schubert & Salzer have extended their portfolio with low-flow valve type 7042, with top-mounted positioner type 8049
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.
