Valves are a key component of any process control system in almost any industry. They are used to regulate the flow of liquids, gases, and other materials, making it possible to control the production process, quality, safety, and cost of a product. Valves are an integral part of process control, and their proper operation is essential to the performance and reliability of the entire system.
Because of their importance, valves need to be actuated accurately and reliably in order to meet the systems requirements. Actuating a valve involves opening and closing it by providing a force or control signal to it. This can be done manually with an operator turning a handwheel or through automated actuation, with an automated system providing the force or signal to the valve. Automated actuation has several advantages over manual actuation, including faster response time, improved accuracy, and reduced manual effort.
Valve actuation systems can be categorized in a few different ways based on the type of actuation they use. The most common type of valve actuation system is pneumatically actuated, where a pressurized air source is used to provide the force or control signal to actuate the valve. Other valve actuation systems include mechanically and electrically actuated systems.
Mechanically actuated systems use mechanical components, such as gears, levers, and cams, to provide the force to actuate the valve. These systems are relatively simple and relatively inexpensive, but they are not as accurate or as reliable as other types of actuation systems.
Electrically actuated systems use electrical components, such as solenoids and motors, to provide the force or control signal to actuate the valve. These systems are more accurate and reliable than mechanically actuated systems, but they are also more complex and expensive.
Valve actuation systems can also be categorized by the type of control they use. The control type is determined by the type of signal or force used to actuate the valve. Some actuation systems use open loop control where a single or simple control signal is sent to the valve, resulting in it opening or closing. Other systems may use closed loop control where a more complex control system is used to monitor and adjust the valve position over time.
No matter what type of valve actuation system is being used, the right drive system must be in place to operate it effectively. A valve drive system is designed to provide the power to actuate the valve and make sure that it is opened and closed quickly and accurately.
Valve drive systems are designed to convert the control signal or force into an appropriate level of power to actuate the valve. For example, an electric valve drive system will convert a low-level electrical control signal into enough torque to open or close the valve. Similarly, the right pneumatic valve drive system will convert a pressurized air signal into the torque needed to actuate the valve.
Valve drive systems come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and power levels to meet the needs of different types of valves and process control requirements. For example, some valve actuation systems require a low-power drive system, while others require a high-power drive system. Valve drive systems are also designed to accommodate different types of control signals.
There are many considerations for choosing the right valve drive system for a particular application. These include the type of valve, the control system being used, the size and shape of the valve, and the power requirements. The right valve drive system must have the right amount of power and torque to make sure the valve opens and closes quickly and accurately.
In summary, valves are an essential component of any process control system, and they need to be actuated accurately and reliably in order to meet the systems requirements. The right drive system must be in place in order to provide the power required to actuate the valve quickly and accurately. There are many different types of drive systems available, and the right system must be chosen based on the specific application requirements.
