What Is A Pneumatic Actuator And How Does It Work

A pneumatic actuator, also known as a pneumatic actuating mechanism or pneumatic device, colloquially referred to as a pneumatic head, is a device used to open, close, or regulate valves by means of pneumatic pressure. It consists of two main components: the actuating mechanism and the control valve (regulating mechanism). Based on the magnitude of the control signal, it generates corresponding thrust to actuate the control valve. The control valve, as part of the pneumatic actuator, generates a certain displacement or rotation under the thrust of the actuating mechanism, directly regulating the fluid flow.

Typically, a pneumatic actuator comprises a cylinder and a pneumatic valve. The cylinder is a container containing a piston, which moves when pneumatic pressure is introduced into the cylinder, thereby controlling the mechanical device connected to it. The pneumatic valve controls the flow of gas, thus regulating the pressure inside the cylinder and the direction and speed of piston movement.

Pneumatic actuators are sometimes equipped with auxiliary devices, such as valve positioners and handwheel mechanisms. Valve positioners improve actuator performance by using feedback principles to accurately position the actuator according to control signals from the controller. Handwheel mechanisms allow direct manipulation of control valves in cases of power failure, loss of gas supply, lack of controller output, or actuator malfunction, thereby maintaining normal production operations.

Pneumatic actuators are widely used in industrial automation, such as controlling fluid flow in pipeline systems or regulating the operation of mechanical devices in manufacturing.

Pneumatic Actuator Working Principle

The working principle of a pneumatic actuator involves providing gas pressure from a pneumatic source, controlling gas flow through a control system, and ultimately converting gas pressure into mechanical force by the actuator to drive object movement. Accurate and reliable motion control can be achieved through proper control and adjustment.

The combination of a pneumatic actuator and a valve becomes a pneumatic valve. Jagon specialises in the production and sale of pneumatic valves, the production of valves to achieve zero leakage, if your project requires the use of pneumatic valves, please contact us, we have professional engineers to customise pneumatic valve solutions for you!