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Today, industrial facility owner-operators must do more with fewer resources. Automated valve actuation is one solution that can help you to increase productivity.<\/p>\n
A growing number of facility managers and owner-operators are finding that valve automation is a worthwhile investment. The feature helps them to overcome challenges that are common in mass production<\/a>.<\/p>\n An automation valve encompasses the latest technologies for valve actuation. It enables operators to take advantage of features such as electrically powered valves and remote monitoring.<\/p>\n Valve automation decreases the cost of ownership while increasing efficiency and operator safety. It also makes it easier for organizations to remain and environmental compliance.<\/p>\n To learn more about valve automation and how it works, keep reading.<\/p>\n A valve actuator is a device used to facilitate valve automation. You might power an actuator valve with electricity, compressed air, or pressurized oil. There are two primary kinds of valve actuators<\/a> \u2013 rotary and linear.<\/p>\n The actuator that works well for your application may vary depending on various factors, including available power sources in the operating environment.<\/p>\n The valve type that you choose will also vary depending on the operational functions and characteristics that you need. For example, you may need a failsafe for your application.<\/p>\n When choosing an automated valve, there are also minute details that can make a big difference. For example, you may need an automated valve with a specific cycle of life. The cycle life is the short amount of time that the valve remains active.<\/p>\n In rarer instances, you may need a valve with a specific duty cycle. The duty cycle is the number of charges and discharges that the valve can provide until it ceases to function.<\/p>\n The speed of actuation may also contribute to your valve selection. You might also need an automated valve that you can override manually.<\/p>\n More than likely, you\u2019re familiar with a manually actuated ball valve<\/a>. You might open or close the valve using a lever, wheel, or gear.<\/p>\n A manual valve is not automated. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a convenient, cost-effective choice for many applications.<\/p>\n However, a manual valve is limited. For example, you cannot shut a manual valve down immediately in the event of an emergency.<\/p>\n An electric actuator is one type of automated valve. Managers and operators commonly deploy this kind of valve in industrial settings. They choose this type of valve because it\u2019s reliable.<\/p>\n An electric actuator can open or close a large valve in a small amount of time. You can operate one, for instance, using a single or three-phase electrical motor. The motor will then turn the combination of gears and spurs required to open and close the valve.<\/p>\n However, electricity is not readily available for every application. In this instance, you might make use of a pneumatic or hydraulic valve actuator. This kind of actuator works well for straightforward applications.<\/p>\n Some hydraulic actuators may only deliver a few inch-pounds of torque. Others, however, may provide well over one million inch-pounds of torque.<\/p>\n Many pneumatic and hydraulic actuators use a cylinder to support the motion for the quarter turns of the valve. In an emergency, this kind of valve is easy to shut off using an opposing spring placement.<\/p>\n Other pneumatic and hydraulic actuators use a multi-turn system. They work similarly to quarter-turn automation valves. However, the cylinder must turn multiple times to open and close the valve.<\/p>\n As its name implies, you\u2019d operate a manual ball valve manually. It\u2019s a cost-effective and functional option for many applications.<\/p>\n However, some valves are so large that they would prove impossible to operate manually. In other instances, you may need an actuator valve that you can use in a remote location or a dangerous environment. These kinds of applications or ideally suited for valve automation.<\/p>\n You might power a pneumatic valve using air or another gas. A pneumatic valve requires minimal maintenance and works well in extreme temperatures.<\/p>\n However, a hydraulic actuator can produce a greater amount of force compared to a pneumatic device. In some instances, you can use the fluid from your process to operate the actuator.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, an electric actuator is ideal for precision applications. With electric actuation, you can adjust electrical energy to manipulate the torque of the valve. An electric actuator valve is also quiet, energy-efficient, and non-toxic.<\/p>\nWhat Is Valve Automation?<\/h2>\n
Understanding Actuator Types<\/h3>\n
The Case for Valve Automation<\/h2>\n
Choosing an Actuator Valve<\/h3>\n