Hydraulic Actuators 101 | What is it, Types & Comparison

Author: Shirley

Oct. 28, 2024

Hydraulic Actuators 101 | What is it, Types & Comparison

What Is a Hydraulic Actuator?

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Hydraulic actuators are cylindrical tube and piston assemblies that utilize hydraulic power to generate linear, rotary, or oscillatory motion. This movement, in turn, is used to operate various mechanical tools and systems, such as balers, cranes, excavators, loaders, and presses. Compared to pneumatic or electrical actuators, these devices offer several advantages with regard to power, versatility, and affordability.

The following article provides an overview of hydraulic actuators, outlining the types available, comparison to pneumatic and electric actuators, and the new technology available at Maverick.

Types of Hydraulic Actuators

All hydraulic actuators rely on the principle of fluid compression to operate. However, they can be classified into single-acting or double-acting units. Single-action units apply pressure to only one side of the piston. As a result, a spring or gravity is required to provide the piston with a return stroke. These are sometimes called displacement cylinders. Double-acting units apply pressure on both sides of the piston. The difference in pressure between the two sides determines to which side the piston moves.

Some of the other classifications of hydraulic actuators include:

  • Linear actuators: These actuators are used where linear motion is required.
  • Rotary actuators: These actuators are used where rotary motion is required.
  • Telescopic actuators: These actuators are used for applications requiring long strokes but small retracted cylinder lengths.

There are also several design and construction options available for the various actuator components. For example:

  • The barrel can be made from a variety of materials (e.g., aluminum, cast iron, low-carbon mild steel, or stainless steel) with different finishes.
  • The end caps can be welded on or fitted with threaded, tie rod, or flanged connections.
  • The piston can be constructed from aluminum, brass, bronze, cast iron, or steel.
  • The piston rod can be made to 4:3, 7:6, or 2:1 ratios.
  • The cylinder cushioning can be installed at either or both sides of the cylinder.

 

Hydraulic vs. Pneumatic vs. Electrical Actuators

Actuators are available in three broad categories: hydraulic actuators, pneumatic actuators, and electrical actuators. As indicated above, hydraulic actuators rely on the pressurization of hydraulic fluid to function. Similarly, pneumatic actuators utilize pneumatic pressure, while electric actuators employ electrical power to drive the cylinder and piston assembly.

Compared to the other two types of actuators, hydraulic actuators offer a number of advantages. They generate greater force (up to 25 times greater) and offer higher horsepower-to-weight ratios than pneumatic actuators. They have broader versatility and lower purchasing costs than electric actuators.

 

New Innovations in Hydraulic Cushioning Technology

One of the key components of a hydraulic actuator is the cushioning. It decreases the velocity of the piston as it approached the end cap, reducing the amount of stress placed on the cylinder components and the amount of vibrations transmitted to the rest of the system.

A new method of implementing hydraulic cushioning within the cylinder involves building it into the piston. As the piston approached the end of its stroke, a ring around its front edges forms a seal to close the port and stop the flow of oil, slowing the speed of the cylinder. A small orifice in the face of the piston allows for the controlled escape of the remaining hydraulic fluid trapped behind the piston until the end of the stroke. A larger path in the piston allows for full flow of the hydraulic fluid in a single direction as the piston makes its return stroke.

Some of the benefits of using this cushioning technology include:

  • Smaller cylinder footprint compared to the conventional, externally mounted cushioning technology
  • Faster actuation since the cylinder moves at normal speeds during the start of a stroke
  • Smaller risk of operators overriding it as it cannot be seen

 

Contact the Hydraulic Cylinder Experts at Maverick Today

At Maverick Machine & Hydraulics, we specialize in hydraulic cylinders and products. If you need powerful hydraulic actuators with the latest cushioning technology, we&#;re here to help, providing cutting-edge solutions for your hydraulic cylinder manufacturing needs. To find out more about our products or discuss your application requirements with one of our experts, contact us today.

Positioner for a Control Valve: 6 Things You Should Know

1. What is the Purpose of a postioner in a control valve?

A positioner for a control valve is used to adjust a valve&#;s position based on a desired set point for a process variable, whether it be pressure, temperature, or flow.

Below, we&#;ll talk about why you might want to use them, how the three main types of positioners work, and the options that Kimray provides.

2. How does a positioner work?

Producers typically install valve positioners on the yolk or top casing of a pneumatic actuator for linear control valves. On rotary control valves, the valve positioner is installed in line with the valve and actuator stems on top of the actuator or on the side of the actuator. Installation depends on what type of actuator one uses.

Affixing the positioner to the actuators allows the positioner to measure the stem travel (linear valves) or degree of rotation (rotary valves). This also changes the position of the valve as required based on the input signal from the instrument controller.

For more Hydraulic Positioner Traderinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

When the process variable differs from the desired set point, the instrument controller sends an electrical or pneumatic signal to the positioner. This varies its pneumatic output to the actuator to move the valve open or closed accordingly. This occurs until the process variable reaches the desired set point.

3. How many types of positioners are there?

There are 3 primary types of positioners:

  • Pneumatic Valve Positioner
  • Electro-Pneumatic (EP) Valve Positioner
  • Digital Valve Positioner

4. What is a Pneumatic Valve Positioner?

A Pneumatic Valve Positioner receives a pneumatic signal (typically 3-15 or 6-30 psi) from a controller. It then supplies the valve actuator with the correct air pressure to provide an accurate valve stem or shaft position proportional to the pneumatic input signal.

5. What is an eP Positioner?

An Electro-Pneumatic Positioner, sometimes abbreviated "EP Positioner," receives an electric signal (typically 4-20mA or 0-10 VDC) from a controller. It then sends a corresponding pneumatic signal to a pneumatic valve actuator.

EP Valve Positioners may also be referred to as &#;analog positioners.&#; This is because the electrical input to the positioner is an analog signal.

Since many processing units use electronics with a 4-20 mA DC signal to modulate control valves, the positioner must convert the electronic current signal into a pneumatic pressure signal.

This is also known as an I/P positioner or transducer, such as Kimray&#;s YAK2.

 

6. What is a Digital Valve Positioner?

A Digital Valve Positioner also receives an electric signal from a controller (typically 4-20mA, HART, PROFIBUS, or Foundation Fieldbus), but it&#;s digital as opposed to analog. It then sends a corresponding pneumatic signal to a pneumatic valve actuator.

It also differs from an EP Positioner because it uses a microprocessor to convert the control signal and perform the position control rather than a mechanical beam, cam and flapper assembly found in an EP.

This electrical input allows more advanced capabilities for the user. These digital &#;smart positioners&#; also collect data to automatically alert users about valve performance, diagnostics and maintenance.

Siemens PS2

The Siemens PS2 is one example of a digital valve positioner. The PS2 can remotely monitor and control any pneumatic valve. We offer it with many different communication protocols and enclosure options to meet customer needs.

The PS2 may be operated manually or electronically. It&#;s simple to program, with only three buttons and a two-line display and it can be calibrated in minutes.

The PS2 also features low air consumption compared to the industry average and only use air when required so you'll quickly reduce costs incurred by air generation, maintenance and material.

Electric Valve Controller

One Kimray-designed solution that combines the positioning capabilities we&#;ve talked about in this video and more is the Electric Valve Controller.

The Electric Valve Controller is a compact, easy-to-use, versatile solution for oil and gas automation, including remote monitoring and control of your production.

You can use the Electric Valve Controller for back pressure control, suction control, pressure differential or hi-low gap control all through a simple 3-button interface.

For further information about how a control valve positioner can improve your operation, contact your local Kimray store or authorized distributor.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Remote Control Welding Positioner Manufacturing.

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