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.
CIRCOR Energy, a global manufacturer of highly engineered valve and pipeline products, has launched a new severe service steam control valve. The Aeroflow Steam Control Valve (SCV) from Leslie Controls, a CIRCOR Energy brand, is an upgraded Aeroflow product, which is used for severe applications in power plants, chemical & petrochemical processing plants, and other major industries where steam control is essential.
Shale-Inland Holdings announced the closing of a transaction for the sale of the majority of the assets of Main Steel & Polishing, Shale-Inland Stamping & Fabricating and Metals Inc. (collectively referred to as ‘F&DS’) to an affiliate of the investment firm Peak Rock Capital.
Bifold has built on the experience and skills of its workforce to continually broaden its product range. In addition to the high quality valves and pumps, Bifold are proud to announce the launch of their solenoid operated BXS Pneumatic valve range.
Sun Hydraulics Corporation and Sturman Industries have entered into a technology license agreement related to the use of Sturman's digital valve technology.
Electric actuator manufacturer AUMA announces that a HART interface option can be ordered with immediate effect for the company’s AC .2 and ACExC .2 controls. The adoption of the popular communication protocol by AUMA strengthens the company’s position as a provider of a comFel-Proprehensive range of leading-edge actuation solutions, with supporting technologies.
Widespread adoption of SIPOS Aktorik’s actuators is reported for Emergency Inlet Control Valve (EICV) and Automatic Inlet Control Valve (AICV) commissions for reservoir applications. The latest AICV reservoir installation for the electric actuator manufacturer is at Telarah WPS in Australia, where the actuator is part of a six-stage water supply system upgrade managed by Hunter Water.
An actuator reference resource compiled for the oil and gas markets has been produced by AUMA. Drawing on a track record spanning four decades supplying explosion proof actuation technology, the 92 page compendium features comprehensive technical data, product advice and explanatory illustrations.
DREHMO GmbH, manufacturer of electric valve actuators, has been part of the AUMA Group since 2008. In a recently signed contract, DREHMO GmbH takes over the responsibility to provide CAMERON Valve Automation with electric valve actuator technology for the global O&G market.
SIPOS Aktorik has secured a prestigious power industry contract for around 1,000 electric actuators to be commissioned at a new ultra-supercritical (USC) coal-fired power plant in Opole, south-west Poland.
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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Sun Hydraulics Corporation and Sturman Industries have entered into a technology license agreement related to the use of Sturman's digital valve technology.