{"id":5295,"date":"2016-10-17T10:48:16","date_gmt":"2016-10-17T14:48:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/assuredautomation.com\/news-and-training\/?p=5295"},"modified":"2023-04-10T13:36:12","modified_gmt":"2023-04-10T17:36:12","slug":"pneumatic-rotary-actuators-decision-tree","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/assuredautomation.com\/news-and-training\/pneumatic-rotary-actuators-decision-tree\/","title":{"rendered":"Decision Tree on Selecting Electric or Pneumatic Rotary Actuators with Quarter Turn Valves"},"content":{"rendered":"

Valve Actuators: Selecting Electric vs Pneumatic<\/h2>\n

It is easy to get lost in the weeds when choosing between electric and pneumatic actuators for quarter turn valves.<\/p>\n

Brian Booth, Assured Automation\u2019s Vice President of Sales and Product Manager for thermal\u00a0and remote shutoffs, recommends using the simple decision tree below when choosing which actuator is best for your application.<\/p>\n

The decision tree is based on a series of six questions:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Is a Fail Safe Position Required?<\/li>\n
  2. Flammable Media or Hazardous Conditions?<\/li>\n
  3. Harsh Environment?
    \n(ex. corrosive, wet location)<\/li>\n
  4. Is Rapid Actuation Required?<\/li>\n
  5. Is a High Duty-Cycle Required?
    \n(ex. frequent valve cycling)<\/li>\n
  6. Is a High Cycle-Life Required?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    This simple decision tree makes it very easy and quick to determine which type of actuation is preferred for your particular application. By following the logic tree, you can narrow down the correct options, as well as be alerted to any additional requirements.<\/p>\n

    \"pneumatic<\/a><\/p>\n

    Pneumatic Rotary Actuators<\/h2>\n

    For many years, pneumatic actuators<\/a> dominated process plants. Pneumatic actuators are powered by compressed air and are frequently used in both isolation (on\/off), and in modulating control applications. Despite new electric actuator technologies and growing usage, the pneumatic actuator still maintains\u00a0its\u00a0 fair share in chemical processing, food and beverage,\u00a0and oil and gas facilities, due to their durability, simplicity,\u00a0speed and size.\u00a0Failure mode requirements may make pneumatic actuators preferred over electric. Electric actuators with spring-return failure position are typically much more expensive than pneumatic actuators.\u00a0Pneumatic actuators<\/span>\u00a0are easily adaptable in hazardous environments with properly rated accessories.\u00a0Most pneumatic actuators can be serviced by onsite maintenance staff due to their simple design, another advantage over electric actuators.<\/p>\n

    Electric Actuators<\/h2>\n

    Electric actuators<\/a> have been traditionally preferred for when precision control and positioning is required as well as for remote locations where instrument air is not available. Electric actuators tend to be more expensive to purchase than pneumatic actuators initially, but operating costs are less over the long term.<\/p>\n

    A more complete explanation of the decision process in choosing between pneumatic and electric actuation was published in the June\u00a02016 issue of Valve World Americas<\/em>. That article can be downloaded from \/news-and-training\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/electric-vs-pneumatic-rotary-actuators.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n

    We would love to hear your feedback on the decision tree, and how it may have helped you in designing your industrial process.<\/p>\n