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.
SIPOS devices have proven successful in aiding cooling water top-up processes at Callide B Power Station located near Biloela, in Central Queensland, Australia. The project confirms SIPOS’ capabilities providing integrated actuation solutions to support power cooling applications.
Jacobs Vehicle Systems, the manufacturer of diesel and natural gas engine retarding systems and valve actuation mechanisms, announced a partnership with MARC of Manchester, Connecticut.
In partnership with Local 379 of the United Auto Workers Union, Jacobs began working with MARC, a not-for-profit organisation that empowers disabled members of the greater Manchester, Connecticut, community.
Pentair conducted focused educational seminars for the company’s partners of its Westlock Controls brand, part of the Actuation & Controls (A&C) platform, in the Asia-Pacific region. Over 160 channel partners and Pentair A&C sales and service members attended the two training sessions recently held in Pattaya, Thailand.
Thames Water is the UK’s largest water company, providing essential services for 15 million customers in London and the Thames Valley. The company invests heavily in new technologies and improvements to increase efficiency and meet the challenges imposed by strict environmental regulations.
BERNARD CONTROLS, global electric actuation specialist, has just moved its former printed User’s Guide into an interactive web application named GPS Actuator. As suggested by its name, the GPS function of this web application simply drives the user to the electric actuation solution fitting to his needs.
Dual Valves Australasia has recently completed the supply of 25 bar rated polyurethane-lined knife gate valves in a first for the company in Australia.
“The years of experience that DUAL Products has in using polyurethane compounds within their slurry valves allowed us to expand the range of one piece cast poly lined knife gate valves to now include a 25 Bar CWP rated version.
Val-Matic’s Ener•G Rubber Seated Ball Valve is a preferred solution for surge control and energy savings in municipal and industrial water and wastewater. The Ener•G Ball Valve’s self-flushing contoured ball design fully complies with AWWA C507.
Nearly 200 Schischek InMax actuators have been supplied to the automation specialist company Pecol SRL for installation on an offshore oil industry supply vessel under construction in an Italian shipyard.
Rotork CVA electric control valve actuation technology is helping Coca-Cola Enterprises (CCE) to increase efficiency and reduce energy costs at its Wakefield production plant.
Available in quarter-turn, rotary and linear versions, robust Rotork CMA actuators perform numerous process control valve, metering pump and damper applications.
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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Nearly 200 Schischek InMax actuators have been supplied to the automation specialist company Pecol SRL for installation on an offshore oil industry supply vessel under construction in an Italian shipyard. 
Rotork CVA electric control valve actuation technology is helping Coca-Cola Enterprises (CCE) to increase efficiency and reduce energy costs at its Wakefield production plant. 
Available in quarter-turn, rotary and linear versions, robust Rotork CMA actuators perform numerous process control valve, metering pump and damper applications.