I know what a valve is, but I would like to know what an actuator does?
Actuator is acting part of the device, it control the valve open or close, how to open or close, when to open and close and the acting time.
It opens and closes the valve without manually doing it. They may be as simple as a solenoid opening to refill the ice maker tray or proportioning control valves with the ability to change the flow by tiny increments to achieve a desirable result.
The valve is connected to a piston so when it is open the piston is pushed out providing a force or motion at the other end. Usually when the valve is closed a spring will return the piston to the initial position or there may be another valve at the other end to push the piston back. High pressure air or some sort of fluid is used to supplied through the valve.
Valve actuators are part of a motor driven valve, the part that drives it. Generally it is an electric, hydraulic or pneumatic motor. The valve may be on/off, or regulated by a feedback servo system to open or close controlled amounts. The type of valve comes into it too, as some valves are more or less on or off, and others allow fine control without excessive force. Usually the valve and actuator are a package. Valves with actuators are useful for remote control and automatic control of processes. Some valves may need an actuator so they can be operated safely because of the hazards around them. Large valves may need an actuator because they need too much power to operate manually in a reasonable time.
Use solenoids or mod valves. Use my profile to email me. Mod valves are for variable solenoids are for open shut. Email and tell me more about what you need to sense or what application.
