Actuators have variable speed control
MaxJac is a new line of compact actuators from Thomson Micron (NY, USA) that deliver variable speed control for thrust applications.
Marwin valve simplifies automation
Marwin Valve introduces the 3L/T2S00 Series, a Class 150/300 3-way and 4-way valve that will lower overall costs by allowing the replacement of two or three conventional straight-line valves, eliminating excess fittings, and simplifying automation.
Actuated valve
The V Series is an air-operated, piston-actuated valve from Tescom.
Quarter-turn pinch valve
Red Valve has produced a quarter-turn pinch valve combining the operation of a quarter-turn valve with a pinch valve's features for slurries, abrasives and corrosives.
Actuated quarter-turn ball valves
Once the decision has been made to add pneumatic actuation to a quarter-turn ball valve, the next step is to integrate the valve assembly into a new or existing process control system.
Rotork actuator used in flood defence scheme
Rotork intelligent valve actuation technology is making an essential contribution to a flood defence and water level management upgrade project performed by the UK Environment Agency on the River Avon in the city of Bath.
Burkert actuation system
The AirLINE Type 8644 remote process actuation and control system from Burkert offers a combination of on/off or continuous valve functionality, electronic input and output and Fieldbus connectivity.
New Sales & Marketing Director for Rotork Valvekit
Howard Mutters has been appointed Sales and Marketing Director at Rotork Valvekits, the specialist one-stop supplier of accessories for the valve and actuation manufacturing and distribution industries.
New valves and regulators at offshore exhibition
Products being introduced by Circor Instrumentation at the Offshore Exhibition include Contromatics “Roughneck” ball valves, GO high-pressure hydraulic regulators and Hoke/Circle Seal Controls excess flow valves.
Compact limit switches offer range of actuators
The Sensing and Control business of Honeywell has added the compact SZL-VL to its family of Micro Switch limit switches.
Actuation
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.
