Valve actuators adjust valves using an external power source. Types include electric, pneumatic, electro-hydraulic, hydraulic, and manual. They are used in industrial and home applications. Fail-safe methods are incorporated for hazardous environments.
Valve actuators are devices that attach to valves. The actuators, driven by an external power source, adjust the valves to the desired position. Basic valve actuator types include electric, pneumatic, electro-hydraulic, hydraulic, and manual. The actuators are used for the automation of industrial valves found in manufacturing plants, wastewater treatment plants, refineries and power plants.
There are many types of valve actuators used in plants. Electric actuators work using a single-phase, three-phase or DC motor. When the motor receives a signal, it drives a gear that places the valve in the desired position. Pneumatic actuators, electro-hydraulic actuators and hydraulic actuators convert air or fluid pressure into linear or rotary motion. These types of actuators allow for valve positioning from remote locations and are ideal for hazardous environments.
Manual valve actuators work by using a handwheel or lever to operate a set of gears to position the valve. Manual valve actuators do not require an external power source. They operate by hand in non-hazardous environments.
Valve actuators incorporate emergency fail-safe methods. In the event of a power failure or loss of the command signal, the actuators open or close. Valve actuators are designed to certain specifications for use in combustible or explosive atmospheres, such as in mining, oil and gas exploration, refineries, and pipelines. For these types of atmospheres, the actuator is enclosed in an explosion proof enclosure. This special housing prevents ignition sparks, which could ignite combustible mixtures, from leaving the housing.
Automakers incorporate valve actuators into the automobiles they produce. The actuators actuate the choke systems on the carburettors to assist the engine when starting from cold. Different types of actuators found in automobiles include solenoids, starter motors, and vacuum valve actuators.
Valve actuators provide a valuable service in many aspects of daily life. A common electronic actuation valve found in the home is the solenoid valve in an automatic dishwasher. Other examples of actuating valves found in the home are kitchen and bathroom faucets, toilets, and water faucets, which are examples of manual actuating valves.
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