Electric actuator VS pneumatic actuator: advantages and disadvantages of electric and pneumatic actuators for industrial valve

 

 


Industrial application shall request a large quantity of actuatuation for valves. The most common types are electic actuators and pneumatic actuators. How we select the correct one? Here we provide a list of comparison:

 


Pneumatic actuator

Electric actuator

Power source

air

Electric

Response time

Quicker

Slower

Medium of pipes

Liquid in small diameter pipe & gas

Gas in large diameter pipes & liquid

Accuracy

lower

Higher

sensibility

Lower

Higher

Maintenance

Lower

Higher

Control system

More complex with multiple accessories 

Integral

Environment factor

If air source contains the water, the driving   system will fail

Not suitable in damp environment

Safety & reliability

Higher, and also need stable air supply

Less higher, sometimes there occurs jam