Guide to Choosing Gear Actuators for Rotary and Linear Valves
If you’re trying to outfit your industrial business with the right equipment, it takes an understanding of the most critical parts.
Industrial valves make up a $65 billion market today. There are several different types of valves that large operations use daily. In addition to finding and using the right valves, you also need high-quality gear actuators that can make a remarkable difference.
These tips will help you out whenever you need gear actuators for linear or rotary valves.
What Are Rotary Valves?
When you’re exploring different types of valves, rotary valves are among the most useful and essential. A rotary valve is a device that regulates how materials, liquids, fuel, and other substances flow. These valves are commonly used in air conveyor systems to keep airtight connections.
They have a few different parts that make them operate, including rotors, rotor bearings, driving force, and an airtight seal.
What Are Linear Valves?
A linear valve is a type of control valve that has multiple turns and a sliding stem. It allows you to open and close the position and you will get greater accuracy from these valves in general.
These valves are also typically more costly and come in a variety of design options.
How Can You Find the Right Gear Actuators?
Now that you understand a little bit about the two main types of valves, you should also understand the gear actuators that accompany them. It’ll take a little bit of homework to get the right fit, but once you do, your valve actuators will provide you with impeccable service that offers optimal output and control.
These actuators are responsible for controlling energy and converting it into motion that powers your valves. Here are some points that’ll help you find the right actuators.
Understand Linear and Rotary Actuators
Just as there are rotary and linear valves, the same applies to actuators. Linear valves, as the name suggests, convert energy into the creation of linear motion. This applies to hydraulic, electric, pneumatic, and other types of energy.
It can propel force forward or backward, and in any other direction along a linear plane.
Rotary actuators are a bit different, in that they move in circles. This is the type of actuator that you need to create energy that will move in rotational motions.
In many situations, these actuators can be used in conjunction with the other, so take the time to pick and choose which are best for your setup.
Consider the Energy Source
Next, it’s critically important that you consider the fuel source for your actuator. Since they are useful to a variety of energy sources, figure out which you’d like to deploy and what it means for your industrial setup.
If you go with electric actuators, you’re getting access to a fuel source that is plentiful and often energy-efficient. However, electrical actuators are also more subject to overheating, so you need to be careful and monitor them throughout the course of operating them.
Hydraulic actuators are also a viable option. You can use this actuator to generate mechanical force and can count on fluid motion. These actuators require you to monitor the temperature and pressure during operation.
Thermal actuators are of the linear variety and use this motion to help with widely fluctuating temperature variations. One of the major benefits of this energy source is that it will keep you up and running even during power outages.
Assess Your System Requirements
When choosing a gear actuator, make sure that you also consider the type of system that you run and its general needs. Some of these needs consider things like:
- The operating speed
- Temperature and pressure settings
- The types of materials and connections
Consider how often your valves are in use and how much power you use when your system is running. Use these variables as you explore the actuator specifications. From here, you can make the right pick so that it is an enhancement to your industrial system.
Learn About Brands and Manufacturers
No matter what kind of gear actuator you need, the performance that you get from it will boil down to the quality of the company that produces it. Take the time to look into different brands and study the track record of the manufacturer.
When you shop around, pay careful attention to the prices of these parts and compare them with competitors. You can also protect your actuators by attaching a warranty to them. Many companies will add a warranty to the part at the time of purchase. Having this warranty will help you get repair and maintenance work on these actuators and the valves attached to them.
Having the right products is always useful whether you need valve automation or other services. The better you take care of these actuators, the better performance you will get long term.
Choose the Best Actuators for Your Valves
Whether you mostly use linear or rotary valves, make sure that you use some discretion when shopping around. Now that you know more about these parts, their importance, and how they operate, you can start to find the right performance. In the meantime, take the time to also shop with the best professionals in the business.
Anything Flows is an industry-leading company that provides valves, gearboxes, instruments, and other types of equipment to help your most extensive operations. Take the time to contact us online or give us a call at (832)987-3494.