A new linear actuator by Festo

The new linear actuator from Festo with integrated displacement encoder has been presented by Festo. Water, dust, dirt particles and aggressive media often represent considerable challenges for linear actuators in process automation. Many components may not appear to have any immediate impairment of performance, but strengths and weaknesses soon become apparent in long-term operation. The new DFPI-NB3 from Festo demonstrates the performance which a pneumatic linear actuator is capable of, even under the harshest environmental conditions.
Designed in accordance with ISO 15552 and equipped with an integrated displacement encoder and optimised piston rod guide, is thought for the chemical and mining industries, energy producers, machine and plant builders, water treatment companies and companies handling bulk goods have in the DFPI-NB3 a top performer with a long service life. The possible proposed uses are swivel motions to control ventilation, flue gas and furnace pressure control valves, hot gas valves and drum slide valves, and for regulating flow rates and filling levels. It is equally suitable for adjusting the pitch of turbine and rotor blades. In the area of linear actuated process valves, the DFPI-NB3 can also be used to optimise the motion of shut-off and dosing valves, sluice gates and pinch and dart valves.
The actuators used in most process automation applications still require external attachments in order to implement closed-loop control. This often means increased maintenance costs and reduced component service life. Externally mounted displacement encoders require frequent re-adjustment. In addition, the moving components are prone to increased wear due to corrosion and dirt particles: with its integrated displacement encoder, the DFPI-NB3 avoids these drawbacks.
The upcoming models that are planned for 2016 and that will round off the linear actuator series DFPI-NB3, will also feature position controllers integrated into
the actuator housings. In addition to being extremely robust, the linear actuator DFPI-NB3 also stands out because of its compact dimensions, which mean that it requires little installation space.