What Are the Common Accessories Used with Pneumatic Actuators?

Pneumatic actuators  are extensively employed in industrial automation, valve control, and motion applications as a result of their cost-effectiveness, simplicity, and reliability.  

Pneumatic actuators are frequently coupled with a variety of accessories to guarantee optimal performance. There are many accessories will be used with pneumatic actuator to help achieve better control and quick response, like limit switch box, solenoid valve, positioner, and so on....

The functions of the most frequently encountered accessories are delineated in this article.

 1. Accessories for Pneumatic Control

Solenoid valve
Regulates the direction of ventilation and the on/off function.
Valve varieties that are frequently encountered include 3/2-way, 5/2-way, and 5/3-way valves.

Air Filter-Regulator-Lubricator (FRL Unit)
Filter: Eliminates contaminants, pollen, and moisture from compressed air.
Air pressure is adjusted to the desirable level by the regulator.
Lubricator: Optional in certain applications, this device introduces oil vapor to lubricate moving components.

 2. Mounting and Mechanical Accessories

Mounting Bracket
Attaches the actuator to machinery or valves.

Coupling
Connects the actuator to valve stems, such as in rack-and-pinion actuators.

Adapter
Change the actuator square size to connect with the valve stem, for example, if valve stem is 17*17, and when our actuator square is 22*22, we will use adapter 22*17 to help connect.

 3. Signal Accessories and Position Feedback

Limit Switch (Position Sensor)
Open/close positions are detected by magnetic or proximity sensors.

Transmitter for Positioning
Transforms actuator position into 4-20mA or 0-10V signals for PLC/DCS control.

Manual Override
Enables manual operation in the event of a power or air supply failure (e.g., handwheel or lever).
 
Limit switch box

Positioner

Manual override

4. Accessories with Special Functions

Silencer
Diminishes the commotion generated by exhaust from solenoid valves or actuators.

Rapid Coupling
Facilitates the rapid connection and disconnection of air tubing.
 

Summary of the Article

Users can improve the performance, reliability, and safety of pneumatic actuator applications by selecting the appropriate accessories.