What is a Motor Actuator Valve?
A motor actuator valve, or motorized valve with an actuator, is a valve that opens and closes without human intervention thanks to a motorized power source. Motor actuator valves direct the flow of fluids and air in a wide range of applications, including aircraft and aerospace systems. This includes landing gear, engine control, fluid transfer, landing gear, and others.
A motorized valve with an actuator is considered an automated system, since the valve can be controlled by an input signal rather than a human operator.
Components of Motor Actuator Valves
There are three primary components of a motor actuator valve: the valve body, the actuator, and the actuator motor.
Valve Body
The valve body is the main component of a motor actuator valve. The valve body directs the flow of media within an aircraft system or aerospace fluid transfer assembly. The media differs depending on the application, but common media in aerospace contexts include water, hydraulic fluid, air, and combustible fuels. Motorized valve bodies are usually metal or plastic, depending on fluid exposures and other variables of the motor actuator valve’s service environment.
Actuator
The actuator converts power from the motor into mechanical motion, controlling the motorized valve.
Motor
The actuator motor powers the actuator. Usually, the motor and the actuator are connected by a gear or belt for power transfer.
Types & Applications of Actuator Valves Used in Aerospace
Motor actuators and motor actuator valves are among the most important components of any aircraft platform. Actuators trigger a wide range of essential aerospace functions, from simple valves to autopilot and landing gear operations. Motorized valves with actuators are extremely versatile, with multiple varieties found throughout many aircraft platforms.
Pneumatic Actuator Valve
A pneumatic actuator valve uses compressed air as a power source. Common applications for pneumatic actuator valves include high-cycle and rapid-cycle functions. Pneumatic actuation is an excellent choice for hazardous or explosive environments since there is no sparking. Pneumatic actuator valves are also well suited to high-temperature environments when paired with high-temperature seals.
Many pneumatic actuators use spring-return technology to move the valve into a “fail-safe” position if power or pneumatic pressure is lost for any reason, a desirable safety benefit for the aerospace industry.
Electric Actuator Valve
Electric actuator valves offer high flow precision for virtually any media used in aerospace applications, including nitrous oxide and combustible fuels. Electric actuators ensure extremely accurate positioning of valves and dampers, resulting in tight control of media flow. In addition to being highly dependable, electric actuator valves are smooth and quiet, which can be valuable in certain applications.
Many electric actuator valves offer a fail-in-place or “lock-up” feature. This means the valve freezes in place if the system loses power. Additionally, some electric actuator valves are fail-safe, like pneumatic actuator valves, though it should be noted that these are more expensive. Some companies may decide between fail-in-place and fail-safe electric actuators based on their budget and the application in question.
Hydraulic Actuator Valve
Hydraulic actuator valves are used to control the flow of water, air, fuel, hydraulic fluid, and other media that may be used in aerospace applications. Hydraulic actuator valves tend to be durable and powerful, making them a desirable option for high-force applications. Hydraulic actuator valves are also highly customizable, offering a wide range of configurations for different aerospace applications and aircraft systems.
Thermal Actuator Valve
Thermal actuator valves are controlled by a thermal actuator, which triggers mechanical motion, such as piston extension, in response to changes in temperature. Thermal actuator valves are highly precise and extremely accurate, a valuable asset in aerospace, where precision is often mission-critical. Thermal actuator valves provide constant modulation thanks to instant reactions to even minor changes in temperature, making them an excellent option for systems that require strict temperature control, such as fuel and oil temperature management and cabin environmental systems.
Choose NMG Aerospace for Your Actuator Valve Needs
NMG Aerospace has years of experience designing and manufacturing motor actuator valves for aerospace applications, ranging from simple tasks to complex operations. Many top aircraft manufacturers turn to NMG for expert guidance during the motor-operated actuator valve and actuator design process and trust us to supply quality motor actuator valves for mission-critical assemblies.
In addition to our extensive actuator expertise, NMG has spent years developing a rigorous in-house quality assurance process, with checks at regular intervals throughout design and manufacturing. Every member of our team undergoes intensive continuous improvement training, so we can work together to deliver high-quality products every time.
Request a quote on a motor actuator valve project.
0 Comments