Aside from the control system itself, the most comprehensively discussed component of any process system is the valve. Whether the application is a simple open/closed manual valve, severe service flow control valve or critical isolation valve, engineers and suppliers spend hours discussing, specifying and designing valve packages that can withstand a multitude of factors for operation. One component of that package that is equally critical, yet sometimes overlooked, is the actuator.

The decision to automate a valve requires several considerations. Below are some factors, but certainly not all, that an engineer must consider when choosing an actuator:

• application
• control system scheme
• asset reliability and criticality
• cost

Read the full article here.