Fail Open vs Fail Closed Valve: Setting the Safe Default
Fail Open vs Fail Closed Valve: Setting the Safe Default For any valve with an actuator, one of the first […]
Actuators
Actuators
Introduction, selection and technical parameters of valve actuators including electric, pneumatic and hydraulic types.
Actuators
Solenoid Valve vs Ball Valve: When Each One Is the Right Choice
Solenoid Valve vs Ball Valve: When Each One Is the Right Choice The Short Answer: A solenoid valve is an […]
Actuators
Butterfly Valve Actuator: Types & Selection
Quick Answer A butterfly valve actuator must match the valve’s operating torque (breakaway, running, and seating) with a safety margin, […]
Actuators
Pneumatic Valve Actuator: How It Works & Sizing Guide
Quick Answer A pneumatic valve actuator converts compressed air into rotary (quarter-turn) or linear motion to operate a valve. It […]
Actuators
Valve Positioners: How They Work & Which to Choose
Quick Answer A valve positioner compares the control signal (4-20mA or 3-15 psi) with the valve stem position and adjusts […]
Actuators
Motorized Ball Valve: How It Works & Selection Guide
Quick Answer A motorized ball valve combines a ball valve with an electric actuator for automated on/off or modulating control. […]
Actuators
Quarter-Turn vs. Linear Actuators: Matching the Valve
Quick Answer: Quarter-Turn vs. Linear Valve Actuators Match the actuator to the valve’s stroke: quarter-turn actuators (pneumatic rack-and-pinion, scotch-yoke, electric […]
Actuators
Hydraulic vs. Pneumatic Valve Actuators: Which to Choose
Quick Answer: Hydraulic vs. Pneumatic Valve Actuators Choose a pneumatic actuator when you need fast, simple, low-cost on/off or modulating […]
Actuators
Fail-Safe Position: Air-to-Open vs. Air-to-Close Explained
The Short Answer The fail-safe position is what the valve does when instrument air (or power) is lost — and […]
Actuators
Actuator Sizing: Understanding Torque and Thrust Requirements
The Short Answer An actuator must provide enough torque (quarter-turn) or thrust (linear) to operate the valve under the worst-case […]
Actuators
Electric vs. Pneumatic Actuators: How to Choose
The Short Answer Choose a pneumatic actuator when you need fast, simple, reliable quarter-turn operation with a fail-safe position on […]