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.
As part of AUMA’s growing international portfolio of power industry installations, two Finnish Combined Heat and Power (CHP) commissions are reported as successfully operating with electric actuators supplied by the company.
An Open Day for customers and suppliers on 19th September celebrated the opening of the new 7,450 m² manufacturing and operation centre for Rotork UK in Leeds.
AUMA’s rapid response for actuation support was demonstrated recently when a Water Filtration Plant in New South Wales, Australia was shut down due to flood damage. In less than 24 hours after Gulgong WFP’s call for assistance, a service engineer from the electric actuator manufacturer’s local subsidiary Barron GJM Pty Ltd.
SIPOS Aktorik’s actuation technology plays a pivotal role in a two million Euro modernization program at Rakowice Water Treatment Plant (WTP) in Poland.
AUMA has announced one of its most prestigious power industry orders for its electric actuator technology to date at the Kudgi Super Thermal power plant, part of an ambitious Indian Government initiative to address the country’s energy requirements.
Via its Agent in Sweden, Erichs Armatur AB, SIPOS Aktorik has supplied uninterruptible power supply (UPS) enabled actuators to the Södra Cell Morrum paper mill to aid control of main raw water intake processes.
ControlAir, a manufacturer of precision pneumatic and electro-pneumatic control products, launched new Type-6500/6600 large flow capacity volume boosters. The Type-6500 aluminium and Type-6600 stainless steel volume boosters are designed to significantly increase the stroking speed in valve actuation system applications that require high flow capacity.
The Shan-Jing Gas Pipeline network is one of China’s key national projects, supplying natural gas from the western province of Shaanxi to the capital city of Beijing. Construction of the first pipeline began in 1992 and by the end of 2010 three pipelines, with a total length of 3000 kilometres, had been completed along the same route.
AUMA, the specialist in modular electric actuation, has been contracted to supply over 200 actuators to aid automation at a new Polish Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) power plant. Located in the industrial city of Stalowa Wola, the scheme is part of an initiative by the Polish Government designed to reduce the country’s dependency on coal for electricity generation.
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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An Open Day for customers and suppliers on 19th September celebrated the opening of the new 7,450 m² manufacturing and operation centre for Rotork UK in Leeds.