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.
Emerson Process Management has been awarded a multi-million dollar order from State Nuclear Power Engineering Corporation (SNPEC) for critical Fisher control valves to be used in Westinghouse AP1000 pressurized water reactors at both the Sanmen 2 and Haiyang 2 nuclear power plants in China.
A £190 million improvement project is underway at the Thames Water Beckton sewage treatment site that will enable it to treat up to 60% more sewage and fully treat increased flows during heavy rainfall.
Assured Automation's "Valve + Actuator" VA series operating life has been tested to over one million cycles. The series combines a pneumatic actuator and a fast on-off control valves into one body to eliminate packing glands, actuators and mounting kits.
Chemline elastomer seated butterfly valves have been improved. The new Type 57 replaces Type 56 up to 14 in and the Type 57 body, disc and seat have been redesigned to offer better flow characteristics and lower torques.
Exlar’s linear actuators meet ATEX requirements for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. The line has been expanded to include the EL100 explosion-proof linear actuators, rated for Class I, Div 1, Groups B, C, D and T3 hazardous environments.
Over 250 delegates participated in the 2010 District Cooling Summit in Doha, Qatar and attended SIPOS Aktorik’s presentation on actuation solutions for district cooling.
Rotork IQ intelligent electric valve actuators with Rotork Pakscan two-wire digital control systems are widely used throughout Spanish solar energy plants, including those at the La Dehesa and La Florida installations in the state of Badajoz.
GF Piping Systems has expanded its Type 567 butterfly valve line in larger diameter sizes. The distinctive double eccentric off-center designed wafer style butterfly valves are now available in 14” to 24” sizes.
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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Valve automation specialist Automated Valve & Controls (AVC) has doubled the size of its facility and relocated to Market Street in Houston, Texas. 
Assured Automation's "Valve + Actuator" VA series operating life has been tested to over one million cycles. The series combines a pneumatic actuator and a fast on-off control valves into one body to eliminate packing glands, actuators and mounting kits. 
Chemline elastomer seated butterfly valves have been improved. The new Type 57 replaces Type 56 up to 14 in and the Type 57 body, disc and seat have been redesigned to offer better flow characteristics and lower torques. 
Over 250 delegates participated in the 2010 District Cooling Summit in Doha, Qatar and attended SIPOS Aktorik’s presentation on actuation solutions for district cooling. 
Rotork IQ intelligent electric valve actuators with Rotork Pakscan two-wire digital control systems are widely used throughout Spanish solar energy plants, including those at the La Dehesa and La Florida installations in the state of Badajoz. 
GF Piping Systems has expanded its Type 567 butterfly valve line in larger diameter sizes. The distinctive double eccentric off-center designed wafer style butterfly valves are now available in 14” to 24” sizes.