In cramped installation spaces, pneumatic actuators have demonstrated advantages compared to electric actuators |
Apart from end-position sensing and monitoring the compressed air supply, it doesn’t need to be monitored and checked. It follows the “fit and forget” principle.
Durable technology
Pneumatic actuators have proven to be shock-proof and durable and are also resistant to continuous loads and remain maintenance-free over their entire service life. There is no need for oil changes or additional lubrication.
Pneumatic actuators only require electricity for the control and generation of compressed air; the movement itself is triggered by the compressed air. Whereas electric actuators require gearboxes, which are responsible for most of the power losses as well as electrical heat losses, pneumatic actuators act directly on the shut-off device. They only require a piston and drive shaft to convert the “linear” compressed air force into a swivel motion.
Since pneumatic actuators are overload-proof and a higher actuation force can be achieved very simply by increasing the pressure, it is often possible to use smaller sizes with a lower weight than would be the case for electric actuators. Provided the tubing has zero leakage and the units are precisely dimensioned, the resulting solutions are energy-efficient.
Small sizes were also advantageous for the Langenau water treatment plant.The low costs mean that it is even worthwhile automating manual process valves at a later date. Specifically when compared to electric drive technology, the consistent use of decentralised automation concepts with valve terminals provides significant cost benefits - in the case of the Langenau water treatment plant, this meant savings of 10%. Some projects have even seen savings of more than 50%.
Craig Correia is head of process automation at pneumatic and electrical automation technology company, Festo.
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