Print this page An Engineer’s Primer on Actuators
Michael J. Hamill, P.E.
Course Outline
This course explains how four different types of actuators are used to meet different applications engineers encounter in industrial, manufacturing and municipal plants. It explains key facts about how each type of actuator works, and the vital accessories required for successful use of two types of actuators. The course has many diagrams and pictures which help the reader by showing how different actuators and their accessories perform a variety of functions. It also provides readers with key maintenance tips.
This course includes
a multiple choice quiz at the end,
Learning Objective
This course will:
- Provide key details on important actuated devices;
- Detail the advantages and disadvantages of four types of actuators;
- Explain which types of actuators are either a good fit, or the only fit, for certain types of applications;
- Explain different types of electric motor actuators;
- Explain different types of pneumatic actuators;
- Explain the roles of key pieces of equipment in pneumatic systems;
- Explain different types of pneumatic actuators;
- Explain the roles of key pieces of equipment in hydraulic systems;
- Show the reader how solenoid valves are used in pneumatic and hydraulic systems;
- Explain how actuators interface with control systems and controllers.
Intended Audience
This course is intended for Professional Engineers.
Benefit to Attendees
This course provides engineers with the key facts they need to know about different types of actuators.
Course Introduction
Four different types of actuators are widely used in real-world applications. This course provides readers with important points about each of the four types. It stops short of providing the sorts of detailed information that is only needed by product design or applications engineers.
Course Content
The course content is in a PDF file:
An Engineer’s Primer on Actuators
Please click on the above underlined hypertext to view, download or print the document for your study. Because of the large file size, we recommend that you first save the file to your computer by right clicking the mouse and choosing "Save Target As ...", and then open the file in Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you still experience any difficulty in downloading or opening this file, you may need to close some applications or reboot your computer to free up some memory.
You may need
to download Acrobat Reader to view and print the document.Course Summary
This course provides the essential facts about solenoid valves, electric motor actuators, and pneumatic & hydraulic actuators
References
For additional technical information related to this subject, please visit the following websites or web pages:
Instrument Engineers' Handbook, Process Measurement and Analysis, 4th Edition (2003)
ISA Standard S75.05.01, Control Valve Terminology
ANSI Y32.10, Fluid Power Graphic Symbols
Control Valve Handbook, Fourth Edition (2005) Emerson Process Management/ Fisher Controls
Hydraulics and Pneumatics, 3rd Edition: A technician's and engineer's guide (2011) Author: Andrew Parr. Publisher: Butterworth-Heinemann
Industrial Hydraulic Technology, 2nd Edition. Publisher: Parker-Hannafin Corp.
Quiz
Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.
DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.
