AUMA Actuators Limited’s state-of-the-art variable speed electric actuators offer a step-change in process control and efficiency, particularly when integrated with PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) control systems.
Precision, efficiency, and reliability are essential for optimising process and control applications. As industries embrace digital transformation and smarter automation solutions, the role of actuation technology has become increasingly critical.
Paul Hopkins, Managing Director of AUMA Actuators Limited, explains: “At AUMA the variable speed capabilities of our electric actuators provides industries with the ability to fine-tune control systems with unprecedented precision. This improves efficiency and reduces wear on equipment, ensuring greater sustainability through optimised energy use. At AUMA, we are committed to delivering innovative solutions that help our customers enhance performance, reliability, and long-term operational success.”
Paul goes on to say: “Traditionally, electric actuators operated at a fixed speed, limiting the flexibility and adaptability of flow control in critical industrial applications. AUMA’s variable speed actuators represent a significant step forward, delivering unparalleled control over valve positioning and operational efficiency. Electric actuators enhance precision, reduce mechanical stress, and minimise energy consumption whilst enabling speed adjustments during operation. That ultimately translates into lower operating costs and increased system longevity.”
One of the most compelling advantages of AUMA’s variable speed actuators is seamless integration with PID control systems. In process industries, such as water treatment, power generation, oil and gas, and chemical manufacturing, PID controllers continuously modulate actuator positions based on real-time process data. AUMA’s advanced actuators respond dynamically to PID commands, adjusting speeds to maintain optimal flow rates, pressure levels, or temperature stability.
Real-time performance adaptability ensures that fluctuations in system demand are met with precise, proportional response. This eliminates the inefficiencies associated with conventional fixed-speed actuators. AUMA’s technology provides a level of control that enhances both process stability and operational efficiency, whether regulating water flow in treatment plants or controlling steam output in power plants.
Improving Precision and Accuracy
Variable speed actuation allows for fine-tuned valve positioning, ensuring accurate flow control. This is particularly important in applications where even minor deviations can impact product quality, safety, or regulatory compliance. The ability to make micro-adjustments in real time provides operators with a new level of precision in control processes.
Reducing Mechanical Stress and Wear
Fixed-speed actuators often subject mechanical components to abrupt starts and stops, leading to premature wear and tear. AUMA’s variable speed actuators enable smooth acceleration and deceleration, significantly reducing mechanical stress. This prolongs equipment life and reduces maintenance requirements, making them a cost-effective investment over the long term.
Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
Energy efficiency is a key priority for modern industrial operations. Variable speed actuation ensures that energy is only used as needed, optimising power consumption. This reduces the overall carbon footprint and aligns with global sustainability goals, making AUMA’s actuators an environmentally responsible choice for process industries.
Enhanced System Responsiveness and Stability
In applications where rapid response to process changes is essential, variable speed actuation provides a crucial advantage. The ability to modulate actuator speed ensures smoother transitions and improved stability, preventing issues such as pressure surges, cavitation, and system imbalances that could compromise operational integrity.
Seamless Digital Integration for Industry 4.0
As industries progressively embrace digitalisation and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), AUMA’s actuators are equipped with advanced diagnostics and communication capabilities. Plant operators are able to proactively manage maintenance schedules, detect anomalies, and optimize overall system performance using integrated condition monitoring and remote diagnostics.
AUMA’s variable speed electric actuators have been successfully deployed across a range of industries, demonstrating measurable improvements in efficiency, reliability, and control precision. In the water industry, AUMA variable speed actuators have been instrumental in mitigating water hammer effects, preventing pipeline damage, and ensuring smooth flow regulation.
Similarly, in power generation, AUMA actuators play a vital role in steam and gas flow control, ensuring stable energy production and compliance with stringent regulatory requirements. In the oil and gas sector, the ability to handle varying operational conditions makes AUMA actuators indispensable for refining and distribution processes.
As industries continue to evolve, the demand for smarter, more adaptive control solutions will only increase. AUMA Actuators Limited’s commitment to innovation ensures that its variable speed electric actuators remain at the cutting edge of process control technology.
Paul Hopkins concludes: “In an era where efficiency and reliability are non-negotiable, embracing variable speed actuation is not just an upgrade; it’s a strategic imperative. AUMA provides industries with a future-proof solution that drives operational excellence by offering superior precision, reduced mechanical wear, enhanced energy efficiency, and seamless digital integration. With AUMA’s technology, industries can achieve unparalleled control, sustainability, and cost efficiency, positioning themselves for long-term success in an increasingly competitive global market.”