What Is a Valve Actuator?

A valve actuator is a device that is mounted on a valve and provides the motive power to actually operate the valve and bring it to the desired position.

Types of Valve Actuators

The four basic types of valve actuators are manual, hydraulic, electric and pneumatic. The difference between the different actuators depends on the source of power used to operate the actuator.

Manual Valve Actuators

Manual valve actuators need no external power source. Rather, these are powered through the use of a handwheel or lever to drive a series of gears. A technician typically powers manual valve actuators.

Hydraulic Valve Actuators

Hydraulic valve actuators generate the power to operate valves by converting fluid pressure supply into linear or rotary motion. These can be found in nuclear power plants and dams, as they use large amounts of water to create electricity.

Electric Valve Actuators

Electric valve actuators use a single or three-phase alternating current or direct current motor to power gears in order to generate and regulate the desired flow levels.

Pneumatic Valve Actuators

Pneumatic valve actuators regulate valve positions by deriving power from air pressure, which they convert into rotary or linear motion.

References

• GlobalSpec: About Valve Actuators