What Is an Actuator and What Does an Actuator Do?

If you’ve ever wondered what an actuator is or what actuators do, this guide will help you understand their crucial role in the process industry. Actuators are mechanical or electromechanical devices that convert compressed air pressure, electric current, or hydraulic fluid into motion — enabling automation in fluid-control systems.

Actuators move, open, close, or modulate valves and other mechanisms to regulate the flow of liquids and gases. They are widely used in distilleries, dairies, breweries, food & beverage processing, pharmaceuticals, bioenergy facilities, data centres, and marine systems.

At BM Engineering Supplies, we stock a wide selection of actuators for every industrial application.

How Does an Actuator Work?

Understanding how an actuator works starts with how it converts power into motion. Depending on the source — electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic — actuators generate movement through a piston, motor, or gearing mechanism.

At their simplest, actuators move a valve fully open or fully closed. In more advanced systems with feedback or control heads, actuators interpret positioning signals to move valves to precise intermediate positions. This is critical in pharmaceutical, brewing, and bioenergy production environments.

The Main Types of Actuators

There are several types of actuators available, designed for different industrial needs. Here are the four most common:

1. Fluid-Power Quarter-Turn Actuators

These pneumatic or hydraulic actuators are reliable and simple, ideal where electric power is not available. Popular in food & beverage production and distilleries, they convert linear motion into 90° rotary motion to operate ball valves and butterfly valves.

🛒 Explore our pneumatic actuators for hygienic and outdoor process control.

2. Fluid-Power Multi-Turn Actuators

When multi-turn motion is required — for example, in globe or gate valves — these actuators provide high torque and consistent performance. They are used in chemical plants, bioenergy facilities, and distilleries. Multi-turn actuators can be powered pneumatically, hydraulically, or electrically, depending on availability.

3. Electric Multi-Turn Actuators

Electric multi-turn actuators integrate motor, controls, and feedback in a sealed housing, providing reliable performance. They are ideal for pharmaceutical and data centre environments where precision and monitoring are essential.

🛒 View our electric actuator range for advanced automation solutions.

4. Electric Quarter-Turn Actuators

These compact actuators generate 90° motion with relatively low power consumption. Many models include battery backup for failsafe operation, suitable for food, beverage, and marine systems that demand continuous reliability.

Featured Product – Bürkert Type 2050 Pneumatic Rotary Actuator

The Bürkert Type 2050 is a high-performance pneumatic rotary actuator. Available as single-acting or double-acting, it converts linear piston movement into 90° rotary motion. Ideal for ball and flap valve applications.

• Compatible with position feedback or control heads
• ISO 5211 and DIN 3337 flange compatibility
• Durable for heavy-duty environments
• Optical position indicator for visual feedback
• NAMUR-compliant pilot valve connection
• Ideal for food, beverage, and pharmaceutical sectors

🛒 View the full Bürkert actuator range

Applications Across the Process Industry

• Distilleries: precise valve control for spirit production
• Dairy & Food Processing: hygienic operation for clean-in-place systems
• Pharmaceutical: sterile and automated fluid control
• Brewing & Beverage: efficient process flow and bottling automation
• Renewables (Bioenergy): optimised control of biomass and biogas flow
• Marine & Shipping: corrosion-resistant designs for offshore use
• Data Centres: automation of water cooling and environmental control systems

Order Actuators from BM Engineering Supplies

Whether upgrading or building new systems, BM Engineering Supplies offers dependable pneumatic and electric actuators from leading brands such as Bürkert and Inoxpa. We serve the UK process industry with expert advice and reliable delivery.

🛒 Browse our full actuator range
📞 Contact us for expert advice

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