What is a pneumatic actuator?
A pneumatic actuator is a device that sits at the top of a control valve to open and shut it. Pneumatic actuators transform the energy of compressed air or gas into mechanical motion that governs one or more final control components. They are employed as a type of automated control to eliminate the need for obligatory human engagement with a system’s internal mechanics, which is especially useful for automatic modulation and emergency shutdowns. Depending on the design of the device, the motion of a pneumatic actuator valve might be linear or rotational.
Actuator and the ball valves
Although actuators and ball valves are distinct components, they are frequently used in tandem. As a result, getting them as a bundle to assure conformance is more convenient. When you combine an actuator and a ball valve, you get an automated ball valve that can be operated remotely. A connecting interface connects the actuator with the ball valve. The connecting interface consists of a shaft, or stem, that connects the valve ball to the actuator, and a flange that secures the actuator to the valve. Different ball valves and actuators, on the other hand, can be interchanged as long as it complies with the same standard. Pneumatic actuated valve’s ball employs a rotating ball with a bore to regulate the flow of a medium, liquid, or gas. A pneumatic actuator capable of twisting the rotating ball controls it. A ball valve is one of the most prevalent types of valves owing to its ease of use, dependability, extended service life, and wide range of application applications.
Actuators and control valves are used by oil and gas producers to regulate operations ranging from back pressure adjustment to pressure reduction to liquid level management. For automation and/or remote control, ball valves can be paired with a pneumatic air actuated valve or an electric actuator (electric ball valves). Depending on the application, using a pneumatic actuator rather than an electric actuator may be more advantageous than the other.
Air actuated valves are universal in nature as they can be placed with different valves based on the requirements such as Steel, PVC, Flanged ball, Wafer butterfly, and butterfly valve and it is also competent in the 2/3/4 ways and in different configurations too.
Pneumatic actuated valve’s maintenance
Pneumatic components and systems are often low-maintenance. Preventive maintenance includes regular inspections with modest changes, which will extend the operational life of most pneumatic controls. When the pneumatic actuated valve in use, cannot satisfy the operational requirements, or after a long period of operation, it must be properly maintained and repaired in order to prevent accidents.
- Installation care: Prior to the installation of the Pneumatic Actuated Ball Valvewipe the valve body of metal scraps and other clutter with clean water.
- Seal Lubrication:
Seals are often the components that wear out the fastest. For the following circumstances, a seal wears out early or is damaged:
- Insufficient lubrication
- careless installation
- defective slide surface
- impurities
If valve or cylinder seals need to be replaced, lubricate them as well as the component sliding surfaces with silicone or paraffin grease.
- Compressed air leak: It is critical to keep an eye out for compressed air leaks. Any leakage may cause components to malfunction. For leaks, depending on the kind of connection, you can use gaskets or a suitable Loctite compound. When employing an adhesive compound to repair a leak, maintain the circuit depressurized until the compound has fully cured.
- Oil mist lubricators: Check that the oil mist lubricators are properly calibrated and filled. Excessive lubricant applied to compressed air is unnecessary and, in certain cases, harmful.
Reason for Choosing a pneumatic or electric valve
The following aspects have to be scrutinized before going for the pneumatic or electric actuated valves.
- Rotation speed: Time in which the ball moves a turn of 90 degrees.
- Life span: The period for the system to be fully functional and operational.
- Energy Consumption: The energy to support the actuator to rotate.
- Cost: The expenditure incurred on the particular type will definitely interfere with your budgeting.
- Hazardous: The behavior of the valves in case of system failure and in different weather conditions is also an important factor to look upon.
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