Advantages of Pneumatic Actuators
If we compare the pneumatic actuators with other actuator types such as hydraulic or electric, then it has some benefits such as: -Very Fast Cycle Time: Pneumatic actuators are faster in operation as compared to hydraulic or electric actuators. This is because the compressed air takes less time to expand and operate the mechanism compared to hydraulic or electric actuators that use liquid or electricity. It is beneficial in applications where speed is a critical factor.Low Cost: Pneumatic actuators are less expensive than hydraulic or electric actuators. They do not require pipes, hoses, wiring, or electrical motors and controls.Safe to Use: Pneumatic actuators are considered to be safer to use as compared to other actuator types as there is less risk of electrocution or injury from moving parts.Durability: Pneumatic actuators can be used in harsh environments and perform well in corrosive conditions.
Working Principle of Pneumatic Actuator
A pneumatic actuator is a device that converts compressed air pressure into mechanical force which can be used for actuating or moving a desired mechanism. The compressed air is used to push a piston inside a cylinder that has a movable rod attached to it.The compressed air is stopped at one end of the cylinder by closing the valve and opened at the other end. The pressure difference inside the cylinder is used to push the piston towards the closed end of the cylinder. The air inside the cylinder is allowed to expand and the piston is pushed towards the open end of the cylinder.As the piston is moved to either end of the cylinder, the rod attached to the piston is moved accordingly. The movement of the rod can be used to actuate a desired mechanism such as a valve or a machine.
Types of Pneumatic Actuators
The actuators can be broadly classified into two categories – single-ended and double-ended pneumatic actuators.Double-ENDED Pneumatic Actuator: A double-ended pneumatic actuator has two pistons inside a single cylinder. The two pistons are placed in opposite directions and are separated by a divider. Both pistons are operated by a single control valve. The control valve opens and closes the two ports to let in air to operate the pistons.The double-ended pneumatic actuator can be used in both rotary and linear applications. But in rotary applications, the divider in the cylinder is removed and the two pistons are connected together by a yoke.Single-ENDED Pneumatic Actuator: A single-ended pneumatic actuator has a single piston inside a cylinder. One of the ends of the cylinder is open, and the other end is closed. A control valve is used to open and close the air port to the piston.
Key Points to Remember
– The compressed air is used to push a piston inside a cylinder that has a movable rod attached to it.- The compressed air is stopped at one end of the cylinder by closing the valve and opened at the other end.- The pressure difference inside the cylinder is used to push the piston towards the closed end of the cylinder.- The air inside the cylinder is allowed to expand and the piston is pushed towards the open end of the cylinder.- As the piston is moved to either end of the cylinder, the rod attached to the piston is moved accordingly.- The movement of the rod can be used to actuate a desired mechanism such as a valve or a machine.- A double-ended pneumatic actuator has two pistons inside a single cylinder.- A single-ended pneumatic actuator has a single piston inside a cylinder.
Double-ENDED Pneumatic Actuator
– A double-ended pneumatic actuator has two pistons inside a single cylinder.- Both pistons are placed in opposite directions and are separated by a divider.- Both pistons are operated by a single control valve.- The control valve opens and closes the two ports to let in air to operate the pistons.
Single-ENDED Pneumatic Actuator
– A single-ended pneumatic actuator has a single piston inside a cylinder.- One of the ends of the cylinder is open, and the other end is closed.- A control valve is used to open and close the air port to the piston.
Conclusion
There are many different types of pneumatic actuators. Each of these has their own advantages and disadvantages, and some are more commonly used than others. It is important to know what each type does and which one would be best for the application that you are working on. Actuators are used for many things, but they are most often used to convert a compressed air supply into motion. They are used in many industries and applications, from aerospace to medical devices.