Pneumatic Valve Actuators

More About Pneumatic Valve Actuators

Pneumatic actuators are used to provide mechanical motion using compressed air. They consist of a piston, cylinder, and valves (or ports) and can convert applied energy into linear or rotary motion. They can either be single acting (spring) and double-acting, depending on the number of inlet ports that control the piston’s movement. Pneumatic actuators have diverse applications, including combustible engines, air compressors, railways, manufacturing, and aviation. 

Types of Pneumatic Actuators:

• Rotary Actuators - the most basic type of pneumatic actuator, which uses standard rotational motion using compressed air. 
• Tie-Rod Actuators - use high-strength threaded rods to support the cylinder barrel as pressure is delivered to the system to move the piston.
• Gripper Actuators - finger-like objects that offer parallel or angular motion to transport objects.
• Vacuum Actuators - attached components are delivered using compressed air into a usable vacuum, which can be used to provide suction.
• Rodless Actuators - pistons are moved using a rack and pinion system instead of physical rods.

Pneumatic Actuator Important Considerations:

• Actuation Features - the type of actuation action will also determine the failure mode in case of loss of hydraulic pressure.
• Output Torque - the amount of rotational force applied to both electric and fluid actuators
• Maximum Holding Force - the quality of linear actuators that describes the thrust
• Maximum Speed - highest rotational speed delivered by powered actuators
• Enclosure Protection Rating - NEMA or IEC-rated enclosures