Controlling fluid in a pipe can be a little bit tricky without using any device to make the flow evenly. The control valve actuator provides the power to move the vane, ball, or a plug. These are move-able parts that can be present in a control valve to make the operation of a pipe move properly. The actuator comes into different kinds such as the following:
Hydraulic actuators. It uses liquid pressure in moving the valve mechanism. Almost all designs of a hydraulic actuator used a piston over a diaphragm for converting fluid pressure. It can produce a huge amount of mechanical force yet used in large isolating valves. It exhibits stable positioning because of the non-compressibility of the hydraulic oil.
Pneumatic actuators. It is the most generally used method of actuation. It can deliver the required forces with enough speed of travel for the applications that occurred. It provides fail-safe responses on drive power loss. The common designs of this actuator include a diaphragm, rotary vane or piston types.
Electric actuators. It uses a gear reduction drive and electric motor to move the valve in rotational or linear travel. It can be used as On-Off applications for huge isolating valves. It is also used to provide continuous positioning control. It is widely used in the power generation industry, pharmaceutical industry, water treatment/supply plants, etc.
The motion is produced with the use of a device called actuator. The motion will be converted into signals and energy going to the system. The motion being produced can become linear or rotary. The linear actuator will produce a linear motion; it moves forward or backward. The actuator will require a source of energy and a control signal, typically the following:
- Electric current
- Hydraulic fluid pressure
- Pneumatic pressure
- Converts energy into motion
The control valve
A control valve contains two major components: the valve body and the valve actuator. The valve body provides fluid connections. The movable restrictor comprises a valve stem and valve plug that is in contact with the fluid that varies the flow. The control valve actuator is the component that physically moves the restrictor to vary the fluid flow. Three actuator types are used of control valves, here are the following:
- Spring and Diaphragm
- Solenoid
- Motor
An actuator will be playing an important role in controlling the flow of a fluid in a pipeline. So, you have to make sure that you are equipped with this device or else, the flow of a fluid in a pipeline gets disturbed.