Valve Actuators: Understanding Their Role in Automation

Valves need support from an electric system that can control them remotely. Not every time and place is reachable for manual operations, and this is where remote operations are required. Therefore, valve actuators provide the best support for an instant shut-off system, enabling the maintenance of an efficient flow rate. Whether it is about flow regulation or throttling, one must choose from the three main valve actuator types.

Electric Valve Actuators

Automation is impossible without an electrical system. In electric valve actuators, further electrical operation is required to control the valves. When it comes to remote control, electric actuators provide valve automation. This automation helps to reduce manual operations in industries. Especially when the large valves need attention, laborers can not operate those valves, especially for instant response. Therefore, electric actuators come to the rescue.

What are Electric Valve Actuators Best for? 

The water treatment process requires electric actuators for a timely response in automatic operations. Moreover, they don’t contain any liquid, like a hydraulic actuator, that could cause any leaching. Water treatment is a massive industry, and electric valves provide lots of support to the water system. Since many operations take place automatically, one must choose these actuators to ensure a timely response. 

HVAC systems are another common application where you can see these actuators working so well. They provide support in the efficient flow of gas in automatic controls. The temperature control requires automatic operations to maintain a stable environment in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Electric actuators help HVAC systems operate precisely within them. All kinds of remote operations that need fast response rely on these actuators. They demonstrate accuracy and efficiency in their operations, providing cost-effective results.

Pros and Cons

• They offer precise control in the valve system. The response time is fast enough to provide instant results. Since manual operations require a significant amount of time, cost, and resources, electric actuators are a reliable choice in this case. 

• Low-noise operations become possible through these actuators. Since they do not have any piston systems for hydraulic activities, industries get quiet operations by installing electric actuators.  

• Valve automation becomes possible through an electrical system. This electric system comes from actuators of this type. 

• However, the power loss issue is a disadvantage in this actuator type. In the event of a sudden power failure, the valve control system will shut down. It will affect the entire production badge, especially in industries where the liquid or gas flow is essential.

• It is not suitable for hazardous environments, as electricity can cause sparks and explosions. If the electric actuators react with dangerous gases in the atmosphere, there is a risk of explosion.

Pneumatic Valve Actuators

This type of actuator uses compressed air to control the valves. It is another common type used in valve automation for timely results. It accumulates air to create precise pressure for valve control. Multiple applications can be found in various industries, and some are listed below.

What are Pneumatic Valve Actuators Best for?

They are the best for chemical, oil, and gas valves. These industries rely on them because the air pressure provides instant stoppage of the valve. The control they offer is remarkable, as the air pressure maintains consistency in the liquid and gas flow. Some valves require repetitive operations for regulating flow, and this is where pneumatic valve actuators excel.

Pros and Cons

• They are safe and well-suited for hazardous environments. There is no risk of sparking since the air pressure controls the valves. They are explosion-proof actuators.

• Additionally, there are no concerns about electricity loss since they don’t require electricity. These actuators efficiently maintain support for the valves. As a result, the flow remains consistent and uninterrupted.

• When industries need actuators to control valves with high force, pneumatic actuators are very reliable. They provide high force and consistency in maintaining that force. 

• Pneumatic actuators typically result in the lowest operational costs. It makes them a cost-effective solution for many industries.  

• Also, they are suitable for repetitive operations.

Hydraulic Valve Actuators

Then the third one comes that runs on a hydraulic system. They have an oil-based hydraulic system that provides a massive force to control the valves. This is the type required for intense operations. Valve automation, along with intense control, comes from hydraulic actuators. They ensure the valves get tremendous support for frequent operations and an instant shut-off system.

What are Hydraulic Valve Actuators Best for?

In applications where a massive force is required, industries use hydraulic valve actuators. They are the most powerful ones for such applications. The pressure inside the pistons is substantial enough to provide an instant shut-off system. Since laborers can not provide such accuracy in controlling valves, automatic systems with hydraulic valve actuators work the best. 

Industrial and construction machinery need these valves the most. They are massive machines that can’t be controlled manually in liquid and gas flow. The piping system in these sectors includes countless valves that require an automatic control system for accurate results. 

Pros and Cons

They can generate high force, which is the need of industries like construction, chemical, oil, and gas. Their massive machines with valve systems can’t be controlled by the usual actuators, except the hydraulic actuators. 

To control mega valves and machines, these hydraulic actuators provide the best support. They can generate high torque to shut off and open the valve instantly. That’s why one has to install these actuators to generate mega power for mega machines.

Conclusion

Choose the kind of valve actuator that meets your requirements. Since there are three main types in the industry, they offer different advantages and disadvantages. Electric, pneumatic, and hydraulic actuators are the three main types that provide automatic valve control. Some applications require light to moderate power to control the flow, while others require immense torque for instant control. These three types offer their support in all automatic operations, leading to cost-effective, fast, and accurate results.