How Does an Electric Actuator Work

In this age of automation and smart technology, the electric actuator has become a vital tool for many industries seeking to optimize their processes for improved productivity, cost-effectiveness, and safety.

The company is the world’s best electric actuator definition supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

Electric actuators come in different sizes and types, each designed for specific applications and requirements. Electric actuators are an essential component of modern control systems, from small and compact units for residential and commercial applications to large and robust ones for heavy-duty industrial use.

Whether you need to control the flow of fluids, gases, or even solids, electric actuators can help you achieve the desired level of accuracy and efficiency. This blog teaches you all you need to know about the working principle of an electric actuator including answers to the question ‘how does an electric linear actuator work’.

What is an Electric Actuator？

Electrical actuators are devices that convert electrical energy into a mechanical force or kinetic energy, capable of causing movements in a part of an appliance. They are typically used to control the movement of valves, pumps, gates, dampers, and other types of equipment or machinery.

Components of Electric Actuator

Electric actuators have several components that combine to convert electrical energy into mechanical motion. The specific components of an electric actuator may vary depending on the type and application of the actuator, but here are some of the common components found in most electric actuated valves by different valves manufacturers:

1. Motor: This is the primary component that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. The motor can be an AC or DC motor, and it can be configured to provide rotational or linear motion.
2. Gearbox: In some electric actuators, a gearbox amplifies the output torque or changes the direction of motion. The gearbox consists of a set of gears that mesh with each other to increase or decrease the rotational speed or torque.
3. Control unit: The control unit is responsible for managing the electrical signal that controls the motor. It can be a simple switch or a more complex electronic controller that can adjust the actuator’s speed, direction, and position.
4. Mounting bracket: This component attaches the actuator to the mechanism or structure it is designed to move. The mounting bracket can be customized to fit specific applications.
5. Actuator body: This is the outer casing that contains all the components of the electric actuator. It protects and supports the internal components and may include features such as seals or covers to protect the actuator from environmental factors.

How Does an Electric Actuator Work

To answer the question ‘how do electric linear actuators work’, we will compare it to the muscles of the human body. Muscles allow energy to be converted into motions of the arm, legs or other parts of the body where the energy is geared towards.

How do electric actuators work – The working principle of electric actuated valves is based on converting electrical energy into mechanical motion. Electrical actuators are used to control the movement of various mechanisms in a wide range of applications.

There are several types of electrical actuators, but the most common ones work based on the principles of electromagnetism or piezoelectricity.

1. Electromagnetic actuators consist of a wire coil wrapped around a magnetic core. When an electrical current is passed through the coil, it creates a magnetic field that interacts with the magnetic core, causing it to move. The amount and direction of the movement depend on the polarity and strength of the magnetic field, as well as the physical characteristics of the actuator.
2. Piezoelectric actuators use a material, such as quartz or ceramic, that generates an electric charge when it is subjected to mechanical stress. When a voltage is applied to the material, it causes it to expand or contract, generating mechanical motion. The amount and direction of the motion depend on the polarity and magnitude of the applied voltage, as well as the physical characteristics of the actuator.

In both types of electrical actuators, the motion generated can be used to control the movement of a mechanism. This is achieved by connecting the actuator to the mechanism using a mechanical linkage or coupling, which allows the motion of the actuator to be transmitted to the mechanism.

What Electric Actuator can Work for

Electrical actuators can work for a wide range of applications, including industrial ball valve, where precise and reliable mechanical motion control is required. Some of the common applications of electrical actuators are:

1. Industrial automation: Electrical actuators are used in various industrial machines and processes, such as conveyor systems, packaging machines, and assembly lines, to control the movement of components and products.
2. Aerospace and defense: Electrical actuators are used in aircraft and spacecraft systems, such as landing gear, flaps, and control surfaces, to provide precise and reliable control of motion.
3. Automotive: Electrical actuators are used in various automotive systems, such as power windows, door locks, and seats, to provide comfortable and convenient control of motion.
4. Robotics: Electrical actuators are used in various robotic systems, such as robot arms and grippers, to provide precise and flexible control of motion.
5. Medical devices: Electrical actuators, such as surgical robots and prosthetic limbs, are used in various medical devices to provide precise and reliable motion control.
6. Consumer products: Electrical actuators are used in various consumer products, such as home appliances, toys, and electronics, to provide convenient and user-friendly motion control.

How to Choose Electric Actuator for Valve

Choosing an electric actuator from an industrial valves manufacturer depends on several factors, including the type and size of the valve, the operating conditions, and the control requirements. 

1. Valve type and size: The electric actuator should be compatible with the type and size of the valve. For example, ball valves, butterfly valves, and globe valves may require different actuators, and the valve size may affect the actuator’s torque and speed requirements.
2. Operating conditions: The operating conditions of the valve, such as the pressure, temperature, and media, should be considered when selecting an electric actuator. The actuator should be able to withstand the environmental factors and provide reliable performance under varying conditions.
3. Torque and speed requirements: The valve’s torque and speed requirements depend on the valve’s size, type, and operating conditions. The electric actuator should be able to provide sufficient torque and speed to operate the valve efficiently and reliably.
4. Control requirements: The control requirements of the valve, such as the type of control signal and the desired control accuracy, should be considered when selecting an electric actuator. The actuator should be compatible with the control system and be able to provide precise and responsive control of the valve.
5. Mounting and installation: The electric actuator should be easy to mount and install on the valve and be compatible with the valve’s mounting configuration. The actuator should also be easy to wire and connect to the control system.
6. Maintenance and support: The electric actuator should be easy to maintain and repair, and sufficient support should be available from the manufacturer or supplier. The actuator should also have a reliable warranty and after-sales support.

Dombor, Take Your Valve Business to the Next Level

Overall, it is recommended to consult with a qualified supplier to ensure that the selected actuator meets the specific needs of the valve and the application.

Dombor is a well-established China valve manufacturer that has been designing high-quality electric actuators for years. With a strong focus on innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction, Dombor has become the industry’s leading supplier of electric actuators.

At Dombor, we understand that selecting the right electric actuator for your application can be a daunting task, especially if you are not familiar with the technical aspects of the product. That’s why we offer consultation services to help you make an informed decision about the type and requirements of the electric actuator you need to purchase.

We take pride in providing high-quality products that are reliable, efficient, and durable. All our electric actuators are manufactured using the latest technology and are rigorously tested to ensure they meet the highest industry standards. We also offer excellent after-sales support to ensure our customers’ satisfaction with their purchases.

If you are looking for a reliable and trustworthy supplier of electric actuators, or you need more answers to ‘how does an electric actuator work’ look no further than Dombor. Contact us today to get a free quote and experience the quality of our products and services.

What is An Electrical Actuator and How Does it Work?

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit how do electric actuators work.

What is an actuator? Actuators are a common part of industrial mechanics and everyday life. To put it simply, an actuator is a device that makes a component move or operate tasks.

There are two types of actuators: linear and rotary. For mechanics that require a forward-backward movement, a linear actuator moves in this direction on a straightforward plane. For an operation that involves circular motion, a rotary valve is used (as with a butterfly valve).

Actuators can have manual functionality (operated by a handwheel) that happens alongside the energy-powered automatic operation. To power the actuators, there are three types of energy sources: electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic.

3 Types of Actuators

Electrical: Components are connected to an electrical power source.
Hydraulic: Parts move with the energy of liquid force.
Pneumatic: Compressed air provides the energy source.

So what is an electric actuator? Among actuators, electrical is the most common type. Because of the rise of automation in technology, there’s been an increase in applications for electric actuators.

The Main Components of an Electric Actuator

An actuator is designed according to the job it needs to do. The voltage needs vary depending on the motor requirements.

Single-Phase Motor Voltage VAC Range:

• 115
• 24
• 12
• 24
• 208
• 230

Three-Phase Motor VAC Range:

• 230
• 480

Knowing the actuator components is the way to know how each type of electric actuator works.

Linear Operations

This operation is straightforward and works as a DC motor would. This process is about moving the object for a specific length along the linear plane, then with equal length for the return motion.

Positive to positive with negative to negative connections advance the shaft forward and then the opposite electrical connections bring the shaft back to its original position.

Electric motors spin, but when powering an actuator the motor moves a lead screw along with a gear system that pushes the object forward. A limit switch is set to stop the motion at a certain point. For the backward motion, there is a second limit switch that stops it at its original position. This set length of movement is called the “stroke.” The motion is like a retractable pen, where the tip extends, and then is pulled back inside.

Rotary Operations

Some actions require a cyclical motion, as with cranking. There are a variety of different ways to produce this motion and the design is dependent on the application.

Basically, this process operates on a circular plane with a gear system producing the necessary torque to create either complete or partial circular motion. This involves either constant revolutions of a spinning shaft (like a drilling motion) or moving a defined point a certain degree of a turn (like an oscillating motion).

Hybrid Operations

Both linear and rotary come together in a hybrid called a roto-linear actuator. This process is mainly driven by the linear start and stop stroke of the shaft, but then the shaft twists as the secondary motion.

Common Applications of Electric Actuators

Generally speaking, electrical actuators automate repetitive and defined tasks, as with robotics. Actuators are used with very small motions to large scale processes.

Everyday consumer-level examples of actuator applications include automatic sliding doors, adjustable seats, or windshield wipers.

For example, the EOM Series  Actuator can be used for the following industrial purposes:

• HVAC
• Food Service
• Petrochemical
• OEM
• Fire Control
• Seawater
• Flue Gas
• Chemical

How Do I Select an Electric Actuator?

Since automation is about making complex processes more efficient and streamlined, a number of factors are involved when selecting the actuator that best fits the plan. Here are some general items to consider when evaluating the options.

• Speed: How fast does the actuator need to move? Critical speed calculations can be used to determine if the actuator is compatible with the application. Voltage plays an important part in speed demands.
• Load: What are the service life needs of the application? Demands will be different depending on the application. (Some examples of load factors: radial load capacity, support carriage moment capacity, axial load capacity, the actuator’s stiffness, positioning of the load, vertical vs. horizontal mechanics, nut & screw vs. rack-and-pinion.)
• Stroke length: Is the actuator equipped for the dimensions and space needed for the task?
• Repeatability: Is the operation of the actuator going to perform according to the budget and time constraints of the job? Is there a more efficient option?
• Duty cycle: Does the actuator have a reasonable chance of withstanding the demands of the job? Is there one that would perform better?
• Environment: Is the actuator appropriate for the industry and compliant with any applicable regulations? Is the task in question happening in a clean-room environment vs. a “dirty environment” involving contaminants and liquids?
• Budget: When planning for operation costs, there will be multiple line items. Where is this actuator in the rank of priorities when it comes to operational expenses? 

If an appropriate electric actuator isn’t found, perhaps a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator would work as an alternative for the desired result.

Actuators Make It Automatic

In summary, actuators work to make repetitive mechanical and manual tasks automatic. In this age of automation, more and more is being done by machines. Actuator engineering is one of the ways to implement automated tasks in a variety of applications both at the consumer and industrial levels.
Butterfly Valves and Controls offers a wide selection of high quality electric actuators for a variety of applications.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of electric gate valve supplier. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.