General concept of valve actuators

Valve actuators are mechanical or electromechanical devices that allow the movement and control of a valve to regulate the flow of fluids in industrial systems, air conditioning, water, gas, among others. Its main function is to automate the opening, closing or modulation of valves to optimize processes and guarantee safety, precision and efficiency in fluid handling.

These devices can be powered by different energy sources, such as electricity, compressed air or hydraulic power, and are integrated into automatic control systems to respond to command signals or pre-established conditions. Their correct selection and maintenance is essential to ensure the operation and durability of the facilities where they are used.

Electric actuators

Electric actuators are the most common and use an electric motor to generate the movement necessary to open or close a valve. These devices allow precise control of the valve position and can be easily integrated into automation systems using analog or digital electrical signals.

There are variants of electric actuators that offer different types of movement, such as rotary or linear, depending on the type of valve to be actuated. Additionally, they often include feedback systems to report the exact position of the valve to the control system, improving operational accuracy and safety.

They are widely used in industrial, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) and process applications where automated, reliable and low-maintenance control is required.

Pneumatic actuators

Pneumatic actuators use compressed air as a power source to move the valve. They are highly valued in industrial environments due to their rapid response, considerable strength and resistance in adverse conditions, such as explosive atmospheres or the presence of dust and humidity.

This type of actuator can be piston or diaphragm type, generating linear or rotary movement. They require a compressed air supply system and control valves for their operation, which implies additional infrastructure but offers great robustness and safety.