Fluidflo is a market leading provider of electric actuator solutions, playing a crucial role in many industries. Electric actuators provide automated control over a wide range of valve types. including butterfly valves, ball valves, gate valves and globe valves. The ability to precisely control fluid flow is particularly important in industries such as water treatment, power generation, oil and gas. Electric actuators eliminate the need for manual operation, offering advantages in terms of efficiency, accuracy, and remote-control capabilities.
Maxtorque offers the Basic and Smart range of electric actuators with torque specifications ranging from 10 Nm to 400 Nm. A compact and durable design, with PC+PET plastic or aluminium housing options, a variety of functions and features, such as On Off, Failsafe, Hi-Speed and Modulating.
The J & J series of actuators is a globally trusted manufacturer of electric actuators, launching a new J4C series as part of its continued development program of actuators. J4C uses the patent pending universal voltage supply 24-240V as part of an auto voltage sensing system within the actuators. This smart electric actuator has a brushless motor and bluetooth capabilities.
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Maxtorque Multi-turn Series Electric Actuators
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Maxtorque Smart Series Electric Actuators
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Maxtorque Basic Series Electric Actuators
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Maxtorque OM Series Electric Actuators
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J&J 4C Series Electric Actuators
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What Is An Electric Actuator?
An electric actuator is a device that uses electrical current to make something move or operate. They make a repetitive mechanical and manual task automatic, and are vital components in the automation process, enabling movement, positioning and control of various mechanical parts and systems. An electric actuator can make something move in a straight line or a circular motion. When it moves in a straight line back and forth it is called linear. This linear movement allows for both push and pull movements. This movement allows linear actuators to lift, drop, slide, adjust, tilt, push or pull objects. A circular motion is called rotary. An electric rotary actuator can operate in either clockwise or counter-clockwise directions depending on the input signals. This rotational movement allows for rotary actuators to power heavy machinery by turning over and providing constant tension for mixing, dumping, and screw clamping.
How Does An Electric Actuator Work?
Electric actuators use an electric motor to drive a gearing system, which increases rotational force (measured in Newton metres, Nm). They can operate within a 90-degree range, known as "part-turn actuators," suitable for ball or butterfly valves. Alternatively, they may rotate continuously, known as "multi-turn actuators." These are often paired with gearboxes to convert rotation into linear motion, ideal for applications like opening and closing knife gate valves or clamping tools to hold objects in place.
Benefits Of Electric Actuators
- Simple design: One of the biggest advantages of an electric actuator is the simple and straightforward design. Electric actuators have a motor, series of gears, and a lead screw with a driving nut that pushes a rod shaft in and out. The simplicity of the design makes electric actuators compatible with many different types of machines.
- Easy integration: Electric actuators can be integrated into other systems easily. When you program the commands to the controllers that manage the facility’s machines it is less complicated than with other actuator types.
- Precision levels: Electric actuators have a higher level of precision and control than other actuators. Using the controller, the operator can fully control the piston position and applied force.
- Safety and convenience: Electric actuators are the safest type of actuator. They usually have limit switches that are designed to send a signal to the drive to stop the motion when it reaches full extension and retraction. Limit switches help prevent the machine from overshooting its intended position after it reaches its limit. Electric actuators have built in torque protection to protect the motor from overheating and or damaging the machine.
- Cost effective: With fewer moving parts than other actuators, electric actuators are a cost effective solution. Less parts mean the electric actuator requires less cost on maintenance, and uses less power which leads to savings.
- Sustainable: Electric actuators have the benefit of longevity. The components are designed to withstand stress and last for many years, making them a more sustainable option for the environment.
- Fast assembly time: Because there are no hoses or pumps, electric actuators are quicker to set up. To install an electric actuator only takes some simple wiring skills.
- Quiet motor: Electric actuators are typically quieter than other types of actuators. That is because they have a simple design that allows them to perform tasks with minimum noise. The average sound for an electric actuator is 65 decibels which is very quiet.
- Low maintenance: With fewer components and a simple design, electric actuators are virtually maintenance free. The few parts an electric actuator has are easy to maintain and service. If repairs are needed, they are usually straightforward.
- Eco-friendly: Using only electricity, electric actuators are clean and don’t produce any byproducts during use, making them an environmentally-friendly alternative.
What Industries Use Electric Actuators?
Electric actuators are used in any industry or field that requires precision movement in both rotational and linear motion. They are used in multiple industry sectors like electronics assembly, automotive, machinery tools, mining, and plumbing. We use electric actuators in our life every day, from using electric windows in the car, to walking through the automatic sliding doors at the supermarket.
Electric actuators also have the ability to control water flow which is why industries like water treatment plants, power, gas, and irrigation use them. An essential part of the water industry, electric actuators perform flow control duties to operate the valve in modulating mode. The actuator precisely controls the flow of water to adjust the amount passing through the valve into or out of a treatment plant.
How To Select An Electric Actuator
To select the right type of electric actuator for your application, you need to think about a variety of factors. The right actuator will be the one that is strong enough, fast enough and able to fit into the space allotted. When selecting an electric actuator, consider these factors.
- Determine the size of the actuator: There are several factors to consider when sizing an actuator for an application. The general rule of thumb is; When the load force (Nm) is calculated, apply a factor of safety i.e. 1.3 x 1.5 x the maximum load to select the size of an actuator. Always refer to the manufacturer's specification or consult your design engineering department or your local actuator supplier first.
- Understand the kind of movement needed: Work out if the actuator needs a rotary or linear movement. The kind of actuator you choose will depend on the mechanical movement your industry requires.
- Understand the operating environment: Think about whether the actuator will be outside or inside. If outside, will it be a humid or dusty environment as humidity can pose problems with electric actuators. If the actuator will be outside, it is advisable to choose one that has a high protection rating from environmental conditions. To find this, refer to the IP rating chart.
- Determine available installation space: Identify the installation space for the actuator. Determine if there are any spatial restrictions as certain actuators are more suited for limited areas.
- Determine the mounting style: Before the final decision on the actuator, determine how and where it will be mounted. Electric actuators can be directly mounted to valves or require specially designed adaptors commonly known as mounting kits which firmly couple the actuator to the valve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there different types of electric actuators?
There are two types of electric actuators - linear and rotary.
What are the most important properties of an electric actuator?
Accuracy, precision and reliability.
Does an electric actuator need a motor?
Yes, an electric actuator requires some form or motor to generate motion.
How do you control an electric actuator?
There are two types of controls - local controls which are located directly on the actuator, and remote control systems that operate the actuator remotely.
Can electric actuators be customised to meet specific requirements?
Yes, if you have a unique application need, it is possible to design and engineer a customised electric actuator to meet your requirements.