Air actuators – two position

The Valco air actuator offers reliable, long-term performance under the most stringent conditions. Its low gas consumption and lightweight, compact construction make the air actuator suitable for aerospace flight hardware applications as well as laboratory or process applications.

When an air actuator is ordered by itself it can be specified with closemount hardware, with a standoff, or, if your valve already has a standoff, with just the standoff mounting hardware. The standard air actuator is rated for use at temperatures up to 70°C. Generally speaking, valves which will be in ovens or heated zones require a standoff assembly, which locates the air actuator out of the heated zone and supports both the valve and actuator. A high temperature model permits both valve and air actuator to be mounted within an oven (175°C maximum), but it is not recommended for use below 50°C.

Typical actuation pressure is 40-50 psig, but up to 80 psig may be used without damaging the valve or the air actuator. The ideal air pressure will switch the valve in 1/3 to 1/2 second. Bottled instrument air or nitrogen is recommended. If plant air from compressors must be used, an oil separator and water dryer are required.

Product numbers

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Standard temp actuators ( up to 70°C)
High temp actuators (50°C to 175°C)

Tech tips

Basic air actuator implementation
Automating an air actuator
High speed switching with an air actuator

Further reference

Replacement O-rings
DVI: Digital valve interface
HSSA: High speed switching accessory
MSVA: Manifold solenoid valve assembly (3-way solenoid)
PFAF: Position feedback for air actuators
Mounting hardware
   What mounting hardware do I need?
   Closemount hardware
   Standoff assembly
   Right angle drive
Other two position actuators
  Standard electric
  Microelectric

Standard temp two position air actuators

High temp two position air actuators

Tech tip: Basic air actuator implementation

The recommended method for implementing a two position air actuator is with a manifold solenoid valve assembly (MSVA), a block-mounted pair of 3-way solenoids that sends a pulse of air to switch the actuator from position to position. This is preferable to implementations which continue to supply air to the actuator after it is switched, since continuous air translates to a continuous rotational force applied to the valve. Such force can cause sideloading, leaking, and additional wear.

Tech tip: Automating an air actuator

Air actuators can be easily automated with the addition of a digital valve interface (DVI), which translate timed events from a data system into the air pulses necessary to switch the actuator.

Tech tip: High speed switching with an air actuator

When high speed switching is required, a high speed switching accessory (HSSA) can upgrade valve switching times to less than 30 ms with air or 8 ms with helium. Position feedback can be added with a PFAF.