A valve,consists of a body and an internal closure element, which shuts off or restricts flow through the valve. To automate that valve, an actuator is added. The best way to understand valve actuation though, is to begin by exploring the valves they will drive.
There are many types of valves in the industrial field, which are categorized by type, industry, size, pressure or one of many other considerations. Which actuator is needed for automation,which depends on four basic factors: motion, force, speed and frequency of operation.
Classifying valves by first size, motion, means looking at some distinct differences in valve design: Linear valves and Part-turn valve.
The force required to move the valve through its range of motion is critical in selecting an actuator. In the case of sliding stem valves , this force would be a linear push or pull. For multi-turn or part-turn valves, a rotary force or torque is required.
The speed of operation required by a valve application defines what power is needed from the actuator.
Power is defined as work done during a specific time frame. The work done by an actuator is the force demanded by the valve multiplied by the distance over which that force has to be applied (the valve travel). If this work has to be done over one minute, for example, then the power needed would be twice as much as that needed to operate the same valve over two minutes.
The preceding valve demand criteria dictates the needed output motion, force output and power of the actuator. The required frequency of operation has a direct impact on the durability of the mechanical drive and robustness of the controller
Hugo valve is currently the manufacturer of industry valves and actuators (www.hugo-valves.com), which provide valves and pneumatic actuators for the valve automation industry and its customers, has over two decades of manufacturing, sales and marketing experience in valve automation
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