1. What is Valve Actuator?
Valve Actuator is a device that moves the valve disc to a desired position with power source: the power can be electric, air (pneumatic), or flow (hydraulic)-which might refer to gas or oil. In terms of its function, it can be categorized into two types: linear and rotary.
2. Types of valve actuator
In terms of the types of control, the valves can be divided into two types: On-off valves which are isolating devices whose actuator is limited to open and closed positions; On the other hand, Throttling or Control devices are equipped with an actuator and positioner so the actuator can move to the required position accurately.
In terms of the power source, there can be four types, which are the following:
Manual Actuator: As its name indicates, the manual actuator of valves does not require any outside power source. The worker only needs to use a handwheel or lever to control the valve. The manual actuation is the most accurate way to control, however, it’s difficult for the worker to operate for the amount of pressure coming from within the pipes might obstruct the manual operation.
Electric Actuator: with an alternating electric current or direct electric current motor, the actuator may control the valve with desired torque level. The electric actuator is very popular among the oil and gas industry for it’s a clean and reliable method of actuation.
Pneumatic Actuator: pneumatic or air-operated actuator is the most common type of valve control. Basically, there are two types of pneumatic actuators: the linear pneumatic actuator uses a compressor or manual pump that moves a piston throughout the pipe; on the other hand, a rotary pneumatic actuator uses an oscillating rotating motion.
Hydraulic Actuator: the hydraulic actuator works the same way pneumatic actuator does, except that the hydraulic actuator uses the oil as power source instead of the air. Compared with the pneumatic actuator, the hydraulic actuator operates more efficiently.
3. Different Types of Valves
There are various types of valves, such as gate valves, butterfly valves or check valves, etc. In terms of their actuators, they can be either manual actuators, electric actuators, or pneumatic actuators, etc.
However, some kind of valve actuator is more appropriate for certain kind of valve: for example, the linear actuator is more effective for gate valve while the rotary actuator is more effective for butterfly valve, etc.
As a professional valve manufacturer, we produce a great variety of valves and of different types of actuators.
For more information, please click: https://www.watersvalve.com/products/
