Introducing actuators
An actuator is a device or component that produces an action or motion. It can be referred to as a mover because it moves to control a system. It usually requires a control signal from a controller and an energy source, which can be electric, pneumatic (air), or hydraulic (liquid). When it receives a control signal, it converts its own energy (electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic) to a form of energy or motion that can perform the required action.
One major application of an actuator in industry is the opening and closing of valves.
Manually operated valves use hand-wheels, manual gearboxes, knobs, and so on as their actuators for operation. The hand-wheel or knob can be turned clockwise or counterclockwise by humans to open or close the valve.
In situations where manual actuation of a valve to open or close it is not realistic, such as remote locations or on very large valves, a pneumatic, electric, or hydraulic actuator is required.
The actuator (pneumatic, electric...