Understanding Valve Actuators: Types, Applications, and Choosing the Right Solution

In today’s highly automated industrial and commercial environments, actuators play a crucial role in controlling fluid flow, pressure, and direction. Whether you're working in HVAC, plumbing, or industrial automation, selecting the right valve actuators is essential for efficiency, safety, and system performance.

Electric motorized ball valve with brass body and actuator, designed for automatic fluid control in plumbing and HVAC systems.

What Is a Valve Actuator?

A valve actuator is a device that operates a valve by moving it to a desired position using mechanical force.

It replaces or supplements manual control, allowing for automated valve actuator systems that respond to remote commands or control signals.

These actuators are critical in valve control systems where precision, speed, and repeatability are required.

Types of Actuators

There are several actuator types, each with distinct advantages based on the application:

1. Electric Actuators

Electric actuators use motors to drive the valve position. Common in HVAC and plumbing,

electric valve actuators are energy-efficient, clean, and easy to integrate into control systems.They’re widely used in applications such as:

• Electric actuator for ball valve

• Actuator for remote valve control

• HVAC actuator systems

Electric actuator designed for precision and efficiency in various applications.

2. Pneumatic Actuators

Pneumatic actuators use compressed air to operate valves. They are known for their fast

response time and durability in harsh environments. Examples include:

• Pneumatic actuator for gate valve

• Actuators for process control in industrial applications

3. Hydraulic Actuators

These actuators use pressurized fluid for high-force applications. While bulkier, they excel in

heavy-duty industrial valve actuators.

4. Mechanical Actuators

Driven by gears, levers, or cams, these are often used in basic or backup systems where

simplicity is key.

5. Linear vs. Rotary Actuators

• Linear actuators move valves in a straight line—ideal for globe or gate valves.

• Rotary actuators provide angular motion—perfect for ball valve actuators or butterfly

valve actuators.

"Comprehensive Actuator Sizing Guide: Identify valve type and size, determine torque requirements, factor in operating conditions, and select the appropriate actuator type for optimal performance."

Choosing the Right Actuator for

Valves

When choosing the right actuator for valves, several factors must be considered:

• Valve type: Actuator for butterfly valve vs. electric actuator for ball valve

• Application environment: Indoor HVAC vs. industrial fluid systems

• Control method: Manual override, electric signal, pneumatic trigger

• Energy source: Electricity, air, or hydraulic fluid

• Sizing: Refer to an actuator sizing guide for precision

Applications Across Industries

From OEM valve actuator suppliers to custom actuator solutions, actuators are central in multiple industries:

• HVAC valve actuators manage heating and cooling flow in buildings

• Actuators for plumbing valves ensure precise water flow and shut-off

• Commercial valve automation helps large facilities maintain reliability

• Energy-efficient actuator systems reduce operational costs and emissions

• Industrial automation components rely on actuators for repetitive, high-volume valve

control

Benefits of Using Valve Actuators

• Remote valve control and automation

• Enhanced safety and reliability

• Improved precision in fluid control

• Lower maintenance and labor costs

• Compatibility with smart building systems and IoT

Whether you're exploring electric vs pneumatic actuators or comparing an actuator vs

manual valve, the right solution depends on your system's needs.

Partnering with a Trusted Actuator Manufacturer

Choosing a reliable actuator manufacturer USA-based ensures access to local support, fast delivery, and compliance with U.S. standards. At Enolgas USA, we specialize in brass valve actuators, ball valve actuators, and custom actuator solutions tailored for commercial valve automation and process control.

Red Enolgas actuator model FB24, designed for precise control with 24V AC/DC operation, features fail-safe functionality and a compact IP40 enclosure, suitable for reliable on/off applications.

Need Help Selecting an Actuator?

Contact us for expert guidance on actuator solutions for fluid control or explore our full range of motorized actuators for industrial, HVAC, and plumbing applications.