Types of Actuators and The Right One for Your Application
An actuator is a mechanical device that converts energy into linear or rotary motion and is commonly used to turn valves. There are seven types of actuators, covered in detail in this article: manual, manual geared, electric, pneumatic, hydraulic, solenoid, or spring. Each actuator type finds specific use depending on the application. This article gives the reader an overview of major actuator types and functionality. Manual Actuators Manual actuators enable movement by utilizing gears, wheels, or levers. They are hand-operated and straightforward to use. Manual actuators are ideal for the following conditions: unrestricted, low damper/valve quantity, reasonable operator input requirements, safe environment, and infrequent use. In toxic, remote, and classified environments, a different type of actuator is recommended due to accessibility concerns. Also, specific process requirements may require quicker operations than physically possible via a manual actuator.