The automation of hydraulic processes is a crucial aspect for efficient and safe fluid management, both in industrial and civil sectors.
Motorized valves, pressure transducers, pressure switches and pressure flow switches... various systems are designed to monitor, control, and optimize flow in a hydraulic system. In general, technological integration improves efficiency, makes usage easier, and ensures more careful and sustainable water resource management while reducing energy consumption.Systems for fluid pressure control.
Controlling fluid pressure in a system is an important issue, not only in terms of efficiency but also safety. In a previous article, we delved into the characteristics and applications of pressure switches and pressure flow switches.Here is a brief reminder of how they work and how they differ.
A pressure switch is a device that detects fluid pressure and activates or deactivates an electrical circuit based on a preset value. Essentially, when the pressure exceeds or drops below this value, the pressure switch opens or closes an electrical contact. It is used in applications such as pump control, heating and air conditioning systems, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, overpressure protection, or maintaining constant pressure.
The pressure flow switch, on the other hand, detects both pressure and fluid flow, acting by combining these two parameters. Similarly, based on the established flow and pressure ranges, it activates or deactivates an electrical contact. Typical applications include cooling and irrigation systems, water treatment systems—cases where monitoring both fluid pressure and flow is evidently important.
Pressure switches and pressure flow switches have evolved significantly over the years but remain simple devices. Not surprisingly, they are often called "pressure switches" because they do not send a numeric value but simply open or close contacts. However, they represent an indispensable form of automation in hydraulic processes across various sectors.
Another type of device for pressure control is the pressure transducer. Unlike pressure switches and flow switches, transducers send an analog signal instead of a digital one. One of the most common operating methods relies on the physical deformation of the strain gauge on the transducer's membrane by the fluid. The electrical resistance, proportional to the pressure exerted, is converted into an electrical signal and standardized output, such as 4-20mA.
Pressure transducers are widely used to control inverters, as well as in cleanrooms, medical equipment, filtration technology, heating technology, and air conditioning systems.
Motorized valves: the advantages of automatic flow regulation.
When discussing hydraulic process automation, motorized valves play a leading role. Automated opening and closing, without manual intervention, are very common in ball and butterfly valves. The added value of automatic regulation becomes evident when the valve is not easily accessible, or the force required for movement is significant, such as in emergency shutoffs.Among the actuation methods, pneumatic actuation is particularly interesting. The pneumatic actuator uses compressed air as an energy carrier to open, adjust, or close the valve. It is a simple but reliable operating mechanism that offers several advantages over electric actuators. Pneumatically actuated valves are less susceptible to wear, have fewer moving parts, and require little maintenance. They are easy to install and very compact, ideal for applications with limited space. Moreover, thanks to the low inertia of compressed air, they ensure rapid movements, making them suitable for high-speed applications.
The systems we've reviewed are just some of the possibilities that technological evolution is bringing to hydraulic plant management. The perspective undoubtedly points toward increasing flow, pressure, and flow rate optimization to reduce energy consumption. Opportunities also exist in cost reduction through predictive maintenance, advanced diagnostics, and remote monitoring. IoT and AI are also set to make a difference in this field.
