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.
Actuated ball and butterfly valves are required for a diverse range of applications. These can vary widely in specification from simple, compact and light spring return pneumatic actuators on quarter turn ball valves for vent sealing on road transport vessels, to more complex pneumatic systems with several control interlock stages incorporating pilot operated manual reset valves, pressure sensing relays, pneumatic temperature switches, solenoid valves and associated air preparation equipment for a potentially hazardous environment application where ATEX certification, corrosion resistance and system reliability were essential .
Italian company F.lli Scapin Snc has developed a brand-new and unique set of portable actuators for controlling valves, penstocks and sluice gates. These actuators, built with light alloys and mounting last-generation engines and components, are battery- or engine-operated.
SIPOS Aktorik will confirm its actuation support for the Asian market with booths at Valve World Expo and Power-Gen Asia.
Retrofitting plants to improve energy efficiency, enhance output and reliability, decrease emissions and extend lifespan is a major Asian power industry automation trend supported by SIPOS.
BERNARD CONTROLS, a specialist in electric actuation and control technologies, brings you effective support at each stage of your project.
The French sales team, headed by Mr Sébastien Grateloup, is available on the whole French territory to determine the most appropriate technology according to your application.
Metso’s new line of Neles globe control valves launched last year, which targeted the Asia Pacific, Chinese and Indian petrochemical, refining and oil & gas industries in its first phase, will be launched globally in 2014.
The new globe control product line builds and expands on technology and service capabilities acquired when Metso purchased the South Korean company Valstone Control in 2012.
SIPOS Aktorik will supply electric actuators to Jabal Omar development for a district-cooling scheme. The major residential and commercial centre located close to the Grand Holy masjid in Makkah (Mecca) will accommodate 40,000 people.
Bernard Controls, electric actuation specialist, is now a Gazprom-approved supplier and enters the restricted vendor list of this Russian key player in the world Oil & Gas industry. The STX-SQX Electric Actuators models produced by Bernard Controls successfully passed the test to be in accordance with the Gazprom standard.
Val-Matic have been recently been extolling the virtues of their American-BFV Butterly Valve. They state that thousands of field installations throughout the world have demonstrated the strong, reliable, and proven dependability of the product in recent months.
Features such as standard epoxy interior, continuous uninterrupted seating, and the Tri-Loc™ seat retention system allows for field adjustment/replacement without the need for special tools or epoxies.
Rotork Valvekits, the specialist valve mounting kit company in the Rotork group of flow control businesses, is now the official stockist and distributor for the industry-leading Pneumatrol Namur range of solenoid valves.
The Pneumatrol range, formerly known as RGS Davis, has a long history and excellent reputation for providing pneumatic solenoid valve solutions within hazardous and non-hazardous environments.
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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BERNARD CONTROLS, a specialist in electric actuation and control technologies, brings you effective support at each stage of your project.
The French sales team, headed by Mr Sébastien Grateloup, is available on the whole French territory to determine the most appropriate technology according to your application.