The history of pneumatic actuators

October 20, 2021
4:39 pm
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There is no certainty as to who invented hydraulic systems. However, it is possible to trace the contributions of some important scientists who studied and implemented these systems in their research or production, such as Blaise Pascal, Joseph Bramah, Leonardo da Vinci and Galileo Galilei.

Modernity constituted a fundamental period for hydraulics to develop and have a great scope in industry. Although ancient hydraulic systems existed in many cultures, the word “hydraulics” has its roots in the Greek language. They developed water systems, water power, irrigation systems, canals and aqueducts.

THE EFFECTS OF TEMPERATURE ON PIPE FLOW AND DETERMINING FLOW RATE

Isaac Newton studied the properties of fluids and Gotthilf Ludwig Hagen conducted experiments to find the effects of temperature on pipe flow. Gotthilf worked with Newton’s studies. His experiments consisted of injecting sawdust into a fluid to see the motion.

While, in France, Jean Léonard Marie Poiseuille also investigated flow. His work consisted of the flow of blood through the body. The research led to equations on laminar flow in pipes and, along with Hagen’s, was used to develop the Hagen-Poiseuille equation, which states that the flow rate depends on the viscosity of the fluid, the length of the pipe and the pressure difference between the ends.

THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ROTARY ENGINE AND HYDRAULIC ACCUMULATOR

In 1838, William George Armstrong, considered the grandfather of modern water power, experimented with hydraulics and developed a rotary engine. During that time his invention went unnoticed. He later discovered what became known as the Armstrong effect, or the creation of an electric charge from high-pressure steam escaping from a boiler. He also designed a hydraulically driven crane with a reciprocating ram. Armstrong modified an existing crane to use a city’s water supply as a power source, so he began manufacturing cranes using this method. Armstrong was instrumental in hydraulics to allow much higher pressures and created a system where hydraulic power moved between widely spaced hydraulic devices.

THE INTRODUCTION AND REGULATIONS OF HYDRAULIC MINING

When the California gold rush came to the United States in the 1840s, hydraulic mining developed from Roman “mucking” methods. This type of mining works through high water pressure that looks like cannons to excavate rocks. The machines can be 16 to 18 feet long. By removing rocks and sediment, workers could access much more gold.

Environmental damage was evident; miners placed excavated soil in streams, blocked and polluted waterways that supplied nearby towns. So the process had to be legally regulated.

THE EVOLUTION OF FLUIDS USED FOR HYDRAULICS

As more research was done on fluids, it was discovered that water was not the right material for hydraulic pumps and motors. Oil was considered a better alternative for hydraulic applications because it is non-corrosive, lubricates hydraulic press components, withstands higher loads, does not evaporate and remains cooler under high pressure hydraulic forces.<

With the evolution of fluid energy studies and its use in hydraulic presses, new materials, applications, mounting configurations and internal designs emerged.

THE PRESENT OF ACTUATORS

Over the last century, hydraulics has encompassed multiple sectors, such as hydraulic cylinders in cranes, aircraft control surfaces, landing gear, ships and large vessels, offshore drilling and mining equipment, and various types of machinery. It is even applied in power generation and hydroelectric power.

A hydraulic system can provide up to 10 times the power of an electric motor, making it ideal for heavy pushing, pulling and lifting applications, thus making it safer to work on or near hydraulic equipment.

What began with the initial discovery of fluid power by Blaise Pascal and Joseph Bramah designing the first hydraulic press has evolved into technologically advanced “smart” hydraulic cylinders that can be controlled by a computer, intelligent positioners with diverse communication protocols.

PNEUMATIC ACTUATORS

Pneumatic actuators not only benefit valve manufacturers, they are also convenient for users in industry. These devices provide the opportunity to increase production. They are famous for their fast-acting performance at an economical cost with little labor in less time. Therefore, producers can manufacture and sell their products at minimum cost so that customers can also get good products at low prices with the same quality.

Pneumatic actuators and other pneumatic devices play a very important role in modern industries. Before the invention of modern pneumatic actuators, valve industries depended on manually operated valves and hydraulic valves. The latter had some limitations. They required more maintenance compared to other machines and slow work with some vibrations. Hydraulic valves or valves operated by manual handle can never be suitable for the hazardous or high temperature environment, as the fluid inside the hydraulic system may leak and cause fire. Because of this, the valve industry could not expand as much at that time.

PNEUMATIC ACTUATOR REVOLUTION

In 1871, Samuel Ingersoll invented the first modern pneumatic drill; then Detroit king Charles Brady patented the pneumatic hammer on January 28, 1894. The 19th century was the era of revolution for pneumatic equipment. By the beginning of the 20th century, pneumatic components were already being used in jet engines.

At the end of the 1960s the first digitally controlled pneumatic devices entered the market. These were cost-effective, less labor-intensive and performed fast-acting movements. At that time, pneumatic actuators were introduced to the valve industry.

Pneumatic actuators were a revolution in the valve industry. The most common Scotch Yoke type pneumatic rotary actuator is widely used in the valve industry. These actuators are available in single acting and double acting working principles. There are pneumatic actuators for linear valves: diaphragm, globe, gate, knife, pinch. For this type of valves, the most common design is with 2 chambers. Some other designs are cylinder type.

For all actuator applications or special specifications, please contact our technical department free of charge.

SOURCE OF INFORMATION

(2019). The History of Hydraulics. Hard Chrome Specialist.
(s.f.) What is a Hydraulic Actuator?. Inst Tools.