Home Improvement Information

Getting the Power to Control


One of the advantages of using machines to control processes for you is that you can harness tremendous amounts of power and energy which humans do not possess.

By a flick of a switch, huge sliding flood gates can move to allow large quantities of water to flow out of a dam. With just a slight twist on a handle, supertankers weighing hundreds of thousands of tons are able to turn because of the corresponding rotation of huge rudders.

Similarly, processes operating valves can be remotely operated to control flow, temperatures, pressures and so on.

All these final control elements - flood gates, rudder, valves - must be operated by actuators. The function of the actuator is to move to control elements in the processes.

In order to move the actuator, there must be a medium for transmitting the required power or action. All the actuators are mechanical in nature. The common means of transmitting the power are: pneumatic (air), hydraulic (fluid), and electrical (motors).

The actuators must be designed to work for that medium. There are several advantages and disadvantages for choosing a particular medium. For example, pneumatic actuators are particularly useful when the atmosphere contains flammable gases. By using pneumatic actuators, there is very little chance that a spark can be generated to cause a fire. However using air for actuating may be more expensive to install and to maintain.

Using electrical motors to drive gearing may be an excellent choice when cost is a consideration. Electrical wires can be laid more easily and electrical systems are relatively clean.

Use of hydraulics may be excellent where power and simplicity is important.

Most of the actuators operate in a linear (straight line) manner. Hydraulic rams, and pneumatic diaphragms work in this manner. There are also some that are constructed to operate in a rotary manner.

Electrical motors normally operate in a rotary manner. However if a linear motion is needed, this can be obtained by means of spur gears, rack and pinion arrangements, crank and other means.

Actuators can provide the power to move final control elements, but do they know when to stop?

A good control system will provide the sensing and feedback loop to tell the actuator when to stop its actions.

Well folks, be in control!

"Tap the Traditional Effective Information Source!" Magazines contain more information for you. Use them to as your tools! "Obtain QUALITY INFORMATION through these time-tested media!"

Many years of working experience in Marine, Facilities, Construction has given the author material for writing e-books and articles related to engineering, and management. Subscribe to facworld ezine More information at Marine Engineer and M & E Engineer


MORE RESOURCES:

OnTheRedCarpet.com

Former Home Improvement Child Star Nailed With DUI, Drug Charges
E! Online
Erstwhile Home Improvement kid Taran Noah Smith has been charged with driving under the influence and possessing concentrated cannabis stemming from his Feb. 1 arrest ina Los Angeles suburb, E! News has learned. According to Denny Wei, ...
'Home Improvement' Kid Charged with DUI and Hash PossessionTMZ.com
Home Improvement's Taran Noah Smith Charged With Possession…And DUI!PerezHilton.com
Taran Noah Smith of 'Home Improvement' charged with DUI, drug possessionOnTheRedCarpet.com
Contactmusic.com
all 8 news articles »


2012 Milwaukee/NARI Home Improvement Show
OnMilwaukee.com
The 50th annual Milwaukee/NARI Home Improvement Show is an opportunity for Milwaukee/NARI members to demonstrate 50 years worth of ideas for your home. More than 700 booth spaces will feature providers of thousands of home improvement products and ...
NARI Spring Home Improvement Show This WeekendWISN Milwaukee

all 2 news articles »


Tackling Home Improvement Jobs? Read These Tips First!
Brunei News, Brunei Headlines from Brunei fm
Although it can be overwhelming at times, many home improvement projects can be accomplished by the average do-it-yourself homeowner. If you want to increase the value of your property or just make it more livable here are some great suggestions.



FEMA Thanks Home Improvement Stores
WBGH
FEMA is thanking local home improvement stores for their assistance in educating the public following September's flooding. Wednesday, FEMA representatives visited the Lowe's on Upper Front Street and presented the employees with a plaque and letter of ...



Hot Topics: Wolf hunting |Dishonest doctors |Ancient lake |NARI Home ...
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
And some have decided that if they're not going anywhere, they're going to improve where they are, said Wayne Abendschein, chairman of this year's Milwaukee/NARI Home Improvement Show. "People are completing that basement remodel, that kitchen remodel ...
Milwaukee/NARI 50th Home Improvement ShowJournal Times

all 2 news articles »


Hot trends for spring home improvement projects
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Whether you're remodeling to stay put, or putting your home on the market, consider home improvement and design trends as you plan your renovation projects. Need a color boost? Fresh color recommendations from the Pantone Color Institute include ...

and more »


Home Front: news from the home improvement community
Naples Daily News
Jean Crowley, of Jean Crowley Interiors, and Leslie Hall and will show you how to refresh homes with color. Hall will discuss installation possibilities and Crowley will have the latest designer fabrics on display at a seminar at 1:30 pm Feb.



FEMA Thanks Home Improvement Stores for Support
FOX 40 News WICZ TV
FEMA traveled around Broome County on Wednesday thanking home improvement stores for their hard work following the flood. A certificate of appreciation was given to three store managers that hosted community education and outreach events to help with ...
FEMA Thanks Home Improvement Stores for Valuable HelpWBGH

all 2 news articles »


DIY home improvement classes offered at RLC
Benton Evening News
Rend Lake College Community and Corporate Education is offering three home improvement courses to show students how to do the basics themselves and save money. Weatherization will be held 9 am to 12 pm Saturday, February 11. Students will learn how to ...

and more »


BBC News

Home improvement firm staff in Plymouth face job losses
BBC News
More than 50 staff at a home improvement company call centre in Plymouth are facing losing their jobs. Everest Ltd said it was consulting with staff on the possibility of 51 jobs going if it closes its St Andrew's Court office.

and more »

Google News

home | site map
© 2006