Champagne and Boyle reviewed the pneumatic actuator and positioner parameters that affect the control package performance. This was done through the use of a control valve package computer model to assess the dynamic performance. The attributes of spring return versus double-acting actuators were illustrated.
Pneumatic ball valves generally have a lower purchase price than electric ball valves. When used within specifications, they have a longer lifespan and may deliver the best overall value depending on your application. Pneumatic actuators are suitable for a wide variety of ambient temperatures, and are rated to operate in temperatures between -20°F and 350°F. Electric actuators can be at risk of overheating in high temperature applications and are often rated between 40°F and 150°F. However, the temperature restrictions will vary depending on the product and the company’s guidelines for rating their products.
A solenoid is an electromagnetic actuator that converts electrical energy into mechanical action. It consists of a coiled wire tightly wrapped around an iron core and a ferromagnetic plug or plunger. As an electrical current passes through the coil, a magnetic field is generated. The magnetic field lines can be imagined as a series of circles with the direction of their current axis. In the case of a current flowing through a looped coil, the circles combine, forming the magnetic field. A control valve is a control device used to manage and direct the flow of fluids by varying the size of the flow passage.
That same level of control also extends the lifespan of other parts that are continually in motion, propelled by the pneumatic force generated. If workers maintain the machine’s other components, such asfilters and lubricators, manufacturers can greatly elongate machine life, saving costs. For delicate processes, valves provide a level of control that ensures items can be crafted according to specifications. While it would be nice if we could bend just any air to our whim, pneumatics isn’t quite that simple. A solenoid actuator is a small electrical coil which uses an electromagnet to change the valve position.
Air compressors can be sized to provide supply air to an entire well location. van kitz of control devices, size of the valves and the overall volume needs will determine the size of the compressor. Determine how much pressure you need to actuator your on-site pneumatic control devices. Natural gas can carry solids with it like salt or iron that over time will corrode a valve’s internals. By using clean instrument air rather than natural gas to actuate your pneumatic devices, you will prevent this corrosion and extend the life of your controllers.