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.
Pipelines carrying products including natural gas from Asian countries traverse Turkey en-route for export to other final destinations or as a source of energy for domestic consumption.
Compressor stations along the route are designed to preserve the pressure level in the networks and transfer the gas for local area consumption.
AUMA’s Solution approach to actuation helped secure an order for over 500 electric actuators at the Ledvice coal-fired power plant in the Czech Republic.
The company’s actuators, controls and gearboxes have been delivered to a new state-of-the-art 660MW block that is expected to commence operations in 2016.
Colorado based Pipestone Equiment, an established supplier of municipal and industrial water products, reports the significant role played by SIPOS Aktorik‘s actuators in its porfolio.
The company, which provides support from product selection through to commissioning, highlights the SIPOS PROFITRON electric actuator as a valuable addition to its range.
The HART communication protocol has been added to the SIPOS 5 range of electric actuators. Adoption of HART (Highway Addressable Remote Transducer) technology extends SIPOS Aktorik’s digital capability for industrial valve applications.
AUMA’s success establishing long term collaboration with project consultants was a key factor in the company securing a contract to supply actuation technology for valve control processes at the Káraný Water Works in the Czech Republic.
Rotork Fairchild has launched a low-pressure regulator that is designed to handle challenging duties in applications such as leak detection systems, tank blanketing, air and gas sampling systems, analytical equipment, soil sampling systems and test stands.
The Fluid Control Division in Europe has introduced its new General Catalogue for Industrial Solenoid Valves for Fluid Control.
The complete range of industrial solenoid valves includes 2 and 3 way valves for dry or lubricated air, neutral gases, water, steam, with anti water hammer function, valves for hydraulic oil, high corrosion resistant Stainless Steel valves, oil burner valves, fast switching valves, 3 and 5 way pneumatic distributors for actuation control with pipe mounting, sub-base or Namur interface and electro-pneumatic pressure regulators.
KazTransOil, the dominant oil transporter for Kazakhstan, has selected AUMA’s modular electric actuators for valve automation at an oil metering skid incorporated into the Almaty terminal.
Responsible for 80% of all oil distributed in Kazakhstan, KazTransOil operates a vast pipeline network totaling over 6,000 km.
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 Fairchild, a member of the Rotork Instruments Division, announces the introduction of the all-new Model 11 low pressure regulator.