Pneumatic Valve Automation
Pneumatic actuators (in valve use) are generally relatively simplistic and depend on their own ability to convert potential energy into kinetic energy. Pneumatic actuators usually consist of a cylinder or chamber in which regular air, a pressurized gas, or a mixture of the two, is contained and allowed to expand. As the gas expands, a pressure difference between the inside of the chamber and the natural atmospheric pressure causes the gas to build up energy.
Pneumatic Actuators in Valve Applications
The gas is then allowed to leave the chamber in a controlled manner so that it is directed toward a piston, gear, or some other mechanical device. The pison is then used to perform the actual work to be done. Depending on how the gas is directed toward the piston and how the actuator is designed, the piston can be driven in a straight line or in a circle.
Valve Actuation and Pneumatic Actuator Configurations
There are many ways that this device can operate. There are some that are manual, which someone has to open or close by hand, but the most common type is the actuated ball valve. This kind of valve uses an actuator, which is an outside force that causes the valve to open or close. There are a lot of different types of actuated ball valves, and what can power them. One type is a pneumatic valve. A pneumatic actuator is run by air, so it would use air power to open or close the valve.