Actuation refers to the process of converting energy into motion in various systems and devices. It’s a crucial component in a myriad of technologies, ranging from simple mechanisms to complex machinery.
Actuation is the mechanism of initiating and controlling movements in various systems, which could be mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, or pneumatic, among others. This concept is widely used in industries like robotics, automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing. It encompasses a wide range of components and techniques designed to convert various forms of energy into physical motion.
AUMA offers a comprehensive portfolio of compact electric actuators to control and automate valves with nominal diameters from DN 15 up to approximately DN 400 in a broad variety of process applications.
Salzgitter’s BF “B” reline has been finished within 80 days, ahead of the 85-days schedule. Paul Wurth had received an order from SZFG in August 2014 which foresaw a complex job of modifications and replacement of components for the existing BLT.
For the comprehensive retrofit requirements of the gas-fired plant section of the Klingenberg power plant in Berlin, modern AUMA actuators were installed to replace the existing actuation technology. Actuators with uniform interfaces were specified by the plant operator, Vattenfall.
The newly launched flow control valve VPCF from Festo, manufacturer of process control and factory automation solutions, regulates the flow for connected pneumatic consuming devices.
Rotork Skilmatic electrohydraulic valve actuators have been ordered for increased safety ESD (Emergency Shutdown) duties on two new oil pipelines in China.
Asahi/America, Inc., specialist in corrosion resistant thermoplastic fluid flow solutions, has recently declared the addition of the Speed Handle™ to its manual butterfly valve option offerings. Sold as a kit consisting of Asahi/America’s Plasgear™ hand wheel and attached grip, the Speed Handle™ allows for smoother and faster single-handed revolutions of the hand wheel for quicker valve actuation.
AGRU Kunststofftechnik GmbH, a global manufacturer of innovative plastic products has introduced a new generation of the AGRU pressure tapping valve (DAV). The new tapping valve helps to create re-closable branches in no time on PE pipes for potable water and gas.
IMI Critical Engineering is a global provider of flow control solutions for energy and process industries. IMI Critical is co-locating three businesses in China into a new Greater China headquarters on 1 February 2016.
Zahroof Valves Inc. recently announced the launch of its newest product, the ZVI unloader valve, a patent-pending, piston-style unloader, designed to greatly improve reliability over traditional finger style unloaders, featuring a much lower added clearance volume compared to plug style unloaders.
Jacobs Vehicle Systems®, the global manufacturer of diesel and natural gas engine retarding systems and valve actuation mechanisms has launched a compression release engine retarder for the Isuzu 6UZ1 heavy duty engine.
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.
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Rotork Skilmatic electrohydraulic valve actuators have been ordered for increased safety ESD (Emergency Shutdown) duties on two new oil pipelines in China.