What is a pneumatic actuator?

A pneumatic actuator mainly consists of a piston or a diaphragm which develops the motive power. Pneumatic actuators are reliant on the presence of some form of pressurised gas or compressed air entering a chamber where pressure is built up. Once this exceeds the required pressure levels in contrast to the atmospheric pressure outside of the chamber, it creates a controlled kinetic movement of a piston or gear which can be directed in either a straight or circular mechanical motion.

Type of pneumatic actuators

The actuator and regulating mechanism of pneumatic actuator are a unified whole, and the actuators include diaphragm, cylinders, scotch yoke and rack and pinion type.

Pneumatic Cylinders Actuator: The stroke is long and it's suitable for applications requiring large thrusts.

Pneumatic Diaphragm Actuator: The stroke is small and can only drive the valve stem directly.

Scotch Yoke Pneumatic Actuator: It has the characteristics of large torque, small space, torque curve more in line with the torque curve of the valve, but it is not very beautiful. It's commonly used in large torque valves.

Pneumatic Rack and Pinion Actuator: The structure is simple, stable and safe. It is widely used in power plants, chemical industries, oil refineries and other production processes with high safety requirements.

Applications of pneumatic actuators

Pneumatic actuators are well suited to a wide variety of applications, serving across many different industry fields. Some applications include:

Combustible automobile engines;

Air compressors;

Packaging & machinery production;

Railway application;

Aviation.

 Zhejiang Dongchen Valve Technology Co., LTD.