Introduction
What is an actuator valve? This is a very important question for many industrial applications. Actuator valves are used to control fluid flow in many different sectors, including water treatment and oil and gas production. The purpose of this article is to summarise the types of actuator valves, their functions, and key considerations for selection and maintenance so you can choose and maintain the actuator valve best suited to your specific application or project.
In many control systems, actuator valves are used to automate the process of regulating flow. This article goes into more depth to determine the actuator valve working principle, types of actuators, and its role in fluid control in industrial process containment.
What Is an Actuator Valve? Definition and Overview
An actuator valve is a mechanical device that combines a valve for controlling fluid flow with an actuator to provide the force to operate the valve. The valve position is adjusted by a control system, which provides signals to the actuator that converts received signals into mechanical motion to achieve the desired position of the valve.
The actuator valve serves to control the flow of liquids or gases within a system with precision and, oftentimes, without any hands on control. In many industrial processes, where consistent and accurate flow control is required, this automation is critical. Actuator valves are versatile, capable of handling many kinds of substances including water, oil, chemicals and gases.
Understanding what is an actuated valve involves recognizing its two main components: the actuator and the valve itself. The actuator supplies the motive force to position the valve according to the control system’s requirements while the valve exercises physical control of the flow. For a more detailed examination of the components that make up an actuated valve, please see the following section on key components.
Key Components of an Actuator Valve
Knowledge of the parts of an actuator valve will enlighten you on how it works. The main elements include:
Valve: The core component that directly controls fluid flow is this. It is a valve body and a valve stem.
Actuator: It gives that force to move the valve. Its power may be by compressed air, hydraulic fluid or electric motor.
Positioner: This device makes sure that the valve goes to the exact position that the control system needs it to.
Control system: With input from sensors or manual control, this provides control for the actuator to signal sends based on information from these sensors or manual controls.
Spring return mechanism: Many actuator valves have this safety feature wherein the valve goes back to a predetermined position should power be lost.
Together these components allow for precise control of fluid flow in a wide variety of applications from small solenoid valves to large industrial valves used in water treatment plants.
How Does an Actuator Valve Work?
The actuator valve working principle is a complex process that combines the mechanical and control systems. The operation starts at its core when the control system sends a signal to the actuator, telling it what the required valve position is. To generate the mechanical motion, the actuator then interprets this signal, whether pneumatically, hydraulically or electrically, and then converts it to precise mechanical motion.
Next, this motion is transduced to the valve stem which then modifies the internal components of a valve. The stem moves, changing the valve to change the flow rate of substance that passes through. Over this process, a control called a positioner is tracking and adjusting the valve position as necessary so that the flow remains very accurately at its prescribed value.
The precise control of fluid flow is indispensable in many industrial applications, and this intricate interplay of components makes it possible. Actuator valves are necessary on complex systems where flow regulation is important because the capacity to react quickly and precisely to changing conditions allows for quick and accurate response to changing conditions.
In addition, many actuator valves have additional safety features to increase their reliability. For example, spring return actuators featured an automatic closing of the valve in the case of loss of power, supplying additional protection for critical situations. The presence of this fail safe mechanism also reinforces the widespread usage of actuator valves in industrial processes especially in modern times, as the system has been designed to be able to respond appropriately with any unforeseen circumstance.
Types of Actuator Valves: Rotary vs. Linear Actuators
When discussing types of valve actuators, it’s essential to categorize them based on two primary dimensions: the motion type and driving mechanism.
In terms of motion type, actuators can be classified into two main categories: rotary and linear. Rotary actuators turn a shaft in a 90 degree or 180 degree motion. These are usually used with ball valves, butterfly valves and plug valves. For applications requiring quick operation and high flow rates, rotary actuators are often chosen. In contrast, linear actuators move in a straight line to control the valve. They are commonly put to use with globe valves and gate valves. When there is high pressure, linear actuators excel at precise control.
When considering the driving mechanism, actuators can be divided into three main types:
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Pneumatic actuators: These use compressed air to move.
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Hydraulic actuators: Movement for them is based in fluid pressure.
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Electric actuators: Powered by an electric motor, these convert electrical energy into mechanical motion.
It’s worth mentioning, however, that these classifications are not mutually exclusive. In fact, the motion type and driving mechanism can be combined to form different actuator configurations. As an example, you could have a pneumatic rotary actuator or an electric linear actuator tailored for purpose.
The type of actuator chosen is often industry and application specific. In this case,pneumatic actuators are preferred inside potentially explosive atmosphere of oil and gas facilities for its built in safety. Due to their suitability for remote locations where electrical power is easily available, electric actuators are commonly used in water treatment plants and power generating facilities. In applications where lots of force output is needed, like heavy industrial processes and high energy valve operations, the hydraulic actuator is chosen.
As with everything, understanding these different types of actuators and how to combine them together will help select the right valve actuator for the right application and ultimately get the optimal performance and efficiency from a system in any number of industrial places.
Here’s a concise summary of actuator valve types, categorized by motion type and driving mechanism:
| Classification | Type | Description | Common Applications |
| Motion Type | Rotary | Turns shaft 90° or 180° | Ball valves, butterfly valves, plug valves |
| Linear | Moves in straight line | Globe valves, gate valves | |
| Driving Mechanism | Pneumatic | Uses compressed air | Explosive environments, oil and gas industry |
| Hydraulic | Uses fluid pressure | High force applications, heavy industry | |
| Electric | Uses electric motor | Remote locations, water treatment, power generation |
Note: These classifications can be combined (e.g., pneumatic rotary actuator, electric linear actuator) to suit specific application needs.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Actuation Methods
Different actuation methods have unique benefits and limitations, and are therefore suitable for different applications. Selection of the most appropriate type of valve actuator for a given system depends on understanding these characteristics.
Pneumatic actuators are known for their rapid operation and low cost. Explosive environments are their forte, which makes them a favorite in the oil and gas industry. But they do need a stable air supply and may get into trouble in extremely cold conditions.
Hydraulic actuators are unique in that they can provide high force and precise positioning without continuous power input. For heavy duty applications these attributes are suited. However, they are more expensive to install, and they may leak hydraulic fluid, and their potential to do so creates environmental and safety concerns.
Precise control and seamless integration with complex control systems are provided by electric actuators. They are suitable for remote locations and are used in different industries. But they tend to run slower than their pneumatic or hydraulic counterparts and may require special enclosures in explosive environments.
Simple and reliable, manual actuators require human intervention. They are therefore unsuitable for frequent or remote application, but may be used if valves are only used infrequently or as emergency backups.
Solenoid valves are fast operating and reliable and are easily automated. Although they are often restricted to lesser valve size applications, they may not be applicable in those applications which call for modulating control.
The type of actuator selected depends on the medium pressure, specified requirements, actuation speed of the actuator, and environmental conditions. The most appropriate actuation method needs to be evaluated in terms of the specific needs of each project.
Here’s a summarized comparison of the advantages and disadvantages for each actuation method:
| Actuator Type | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Pneumatic | Fast, suitable for explosive environments, cost-effective | Requires reliable air supply, issues in cold environments |
| Hydraulic | High force, precise, maintains position | Expensive, potential for fluid leaks |
| Electric | Precise control, integrated with complex systems, remote operation | Slower, special enclosures for explosive environments |
| Manual | Simple, reliable, no external power needed | Requires human intervention, not for frequent/remote use |
| Solenoid | Fast, reliable, easily automated | Limited to small sizes, not for modulating control |
How to Choose the Right Actuator Valve for Your System
The decision of which actuator valve to select for your system is a critical selection process that will affect your operational efficiency and reliability greatly. When choosing an actuator valve, there are four key factors to consider:
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Valve Type and Application: Certain actuator type requires different valve types such as a ball, butterfly, or gate valves. Of course, the specific application requirements need to be considered, which means the flow rate, pressure and temperature of the medium. It will help to decide which valve and actuator combination is most suitable.
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Power Source and Environmental Factors: The choice between pneumatic, hydraulic or electric actuators can be greatly influenced by the available power source. Furthermore, you should think about environmental factors which expose the product to high temperatures, corrosive substances or potentially submerged. In some cases, these conditions may require special materials or enclosures.
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Control Requirements: Assess whether your system can be managed with simple on/off control or a precise level of modulation. There are processes that need quick valve operation and there are processes that need smooth gradual changes. Your actuator selection will be guided by the speed of actuation and level of control precision required.
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Safety and Maintenance Considerations: Determine whether safety features like a fail safe option like a spring return actuator are needed. Also think about how often you can access the valve for maintenance. It is particularly important for valves in remote or hard to reach locations.
If you evaluate these factors carefully and consult with experts or valve manufacturer there won’t be any room for mistakes in selecting the correct actuator valve for the specific requirements.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting Tips for Actuator Valves
It is an important requirement to sustain the function and the performance of actuator valves. Here are four key maintenance and troubleshooting tips:
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Regular Inspection and Lubrication: Take time to perform visual checks often as a way of identifying problems before they start. It is particularly important to pay attention to mechanical elements, notably lubrication of mechanical components and particularly in pneumatic and hydraulic actuators. For electric actuators, it is recommended to examine and provide torque to the electrical connections. Cleansing and oiling the valve stem regularly is recommended in order to avoid problems.
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Calibration and Leak Detection: Control positioners must be monitored on a routine basis and when necessary, calibrated in order to maintain positioners in correct position. This is important in order to have a good control of the fluid flow rate. Also, do not forget about the leaks. For the pneumonic system, check for the hissing sounds that could be a result of leaks. For hydraulic systems, you can find fluid in or near the actuator. This is because if the leaks are identified and fixed early then there will be no severe damages.
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Component-Specific Checks: For spring return actuators, it is recommended to inspect the spring to confirm that it is capable of executing the fail-safe function during spring. Also, in electric actuators, check the motor and gearbox for any problem of wear or strange noise. With regard to pneumatic and hydraulic actuators, it is recommended that seals and gaskets be checked for wear.
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Documentation and Professional Consultation: Document any and all repairs or other forms of maintenance, together with problems met along the way. This documentation can also be used in identifying trends and estimate possible challenges. When troubleshooting, start with the basics: check power sources, air hydraulic or pneumatic supply, hydraulic lines and control signals. In case of problems, one should not hesitate to seek professional help, this is particularly so in regard to complicated control systems or unique actuator types.
If you regularly perform maintenance on your actuator valves, and follow these troubleshooting guidelines, you will be able to use the valves for a longer time, get the best out of them and reduce the time you spend on repairs which can prove costly to your operations.
Why Choose Vincer Valve for Your Actuator Valve Needs
Vincer Valve was founded in 2010 in Dongguan, China, and has grown to be an international provider of industrial automation products. Vincer Valve has successfully completed more than 800 projects and has more than 650 happy customers, which proves the company’s effectiveness. This keeps us in a position to offer services to sectors like water treatment and new energy, for instance. Vincer has adopted technology as a key driver of innovation, with over 30 certificates and patents to prove that our actuator valves are of the highest quality.
For the best and most efficient and innovative actuator valve, Vincer Valve is here to provide you with what you need. Please contact us to learn how our products can help improve your system’s capabilities.
To learn more about Vincer Valve’s cutting-edge actuator valve technology, watch the showroom video below: