ATI Products

Since 1995, ATI Actuators is proud to have helped hundreds of companies in dozens of sectors with their pneumatic and hydraulic actuator needs. We provide customized solutions for a range of different applications. Here are a few of the most common sectors we work with.

Oil and Gas – The needs of the oil and gas industry are wide, but the most common underlying factor is durability and safety. At ATI, our team works directly with numerous companies in this sector to provide lasting and reliable pneumatic and hydraulic actuators. Our custom solutions are ideal for well sites of all magnitudes, and we strive to ensure each customer gets a personalized solution for their individual application.

Power – Another industry where safety is of top concern is the power sector. ATI is proud to have helped companies in the nuclear, solar, conventional, and combined cycle power application sectors with a wide range of pneumatic and hydraulic actuator needs.

Chemical – Just like no two chemicals are alike, no companies in this industry have the same needs. That’s why our ATI team offers customized solutions to each of our clients. Whether you need a pneumatic or hydraulic valve actuator or something different, our team is ready and waiting to assist you. Plus, our durable and quality equipment is designed to withstand even the harshest of conditions.

Pulp and Paper – The needs of the pulp and paper industry are often quite different than in other types of businesses. For example, the use of bleaches, chemicals, and other liquid ingredients often requires a different level of durability. ATI is happy to work with firms in this sector to find the right pneumatic and hydraulic valve actuator to suit their needs.

Mining – Safety and environmental protection are paramount in the mining industry. Likewise, the need for durable equipment that works under extreme underground conditions is important. Thankfully, our ATI team understands this and offers a variety of pneumatic and hydraulic valve actuators to help you get the job done right.

Water – From treatment facilities to desalination projects, there are a variety of reasons why a company in the water industry would need quality pneumatic and hydraulic actuators. Our ATI team understands the need for durable equipment, which is why we are happy to help those in this sector by finding the most ideal solution for their particular application.

However, there are plenty of other industries with the need for pneumatic and hydraulic valve actuators. We’ve proudly spent over the last two decades assisting companies in other industries than those listed above. If you aren’t sure whether we can help with your particular site, factory, or project, please get in touch.

And if you work with pipelines, in refineries and other large industrial systems, then you have probably experienced problems at some point. This can cost you both time and money, particularly when it comes to the industries such a oil, gas, power, chemical, pulp and paper, mining and water. Valve actuators play a critical role in these industries, ensuring that valves open and close, throughout pipelines and refineries, at exactly that right time. At ATI, our goal is to meet the needs of our customers and clients to the best of our ability. This includes providing high-quality valve actuators that will outperform all others on the market.

What is a Valve Actuator?

A valve actuator is a tool that controls the opening and closing of valves. When a valve is “actuated” it opens and closes. A valve actuator works with two separate parts. One is the valve body while the other is the valve pilot.

In some cases, people operate an industrial valve at a refinery by hand using a mechanism that is attached to the stem of the valve. In other cases, valves may be operated using various forms of power.

Some valve actuators can only move the valve between an open and closed position. Other valve actuators might have an intermediate position that sits between completely open or closed positions.

Types of Valves with its Method of Control

There are several types of valve actuators in the oil and gas industry. Some of the most common types of valve actuators include:

Manual Actuator: A manual valve actuator uses wheels, gears, or levers that act on the valve stem to move it.

Pneumatic Actuator: A pneumatic valve actuator operates by using changes in air pressure that open or close the valve.

Hydraulic Actuator: A hydraulic valve actuator uses fluid, converting its power into motion that acts on the valve.

Electric Actuator: An electric valve actuator uses an electric motor, generating torque that moves the valve, powering certain functions at the refinery.

Spring Actuator: A spring valve actuator is a pneumatic actuator that utilizes the force of a spring to open or close the valve.

What’s the Difference Between Pneumatic, Hydraulic, and Electrical Actuators?

Of the valve actuators mentioned above, pneumatic, hydraulic, and electrical actuators are among the most common when it comes to industrial uses. They do have a few notable differences between them.

Pneumatic Valve Actuator: A pneumatic valve actuator is powered using changes in pressure. Typically, a pneumatic valve actuator is preferred for either linear or quarter-turn valves. In this method, air pressure is applied to a piston that generates a force that acts on the valve stem. Compressed gas is usually applied, generating the force required to operate a pneumatic valve actuator.

Hydraulic Valve Actuator: A hydraulic valve actuator operates in a similar manner to a pneumatic valve; however, a hydraulic actuator generates its pressure with fluid instead of gas. They are also common with linear and quarter-turn valves. Hydraulic pressure can be generated using a pressure pump.

Electric Valve Actuator: An electric valve actuator uses an electric motor to generate the required torque to operate a valve. Electricity must be available at all times. This source of power is not always available nor economical to establish.

How to Select the Proper Actuator?

There are a few major components that everyone should think about when looking for a valve actuator in the oil and gas industry. Some of the most important factors include:

Compatibility: Think about the available power sources. For example, electricity is required for an electric valve actuator. Pneumatic actuators will generally operate with pressures between 40 and 120 PSI.

Temperature: Some valve actuators will degrade under certain conditions. Most valve actuators will work well in temperatures ranging from -40 to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the elastomer seal rating. Electric valve actuators may work well at lower temperatures while some pneumatic valve actuators will better at higher temperatures. Sometimes, the operating or process temperatures will dictate the choice of actuator.

Hazards: In toxic environments, due to safety requirements, pneumatic actuators are more popular as the risk of explosion is eliminated. Electric valve actuators must meet specific requirements to guard against the risk of explosion, particularly in the energy sector.

Uses of Valve Actuators

A valve actuator can be used to carry out a variety of tasks. For example:

• Valve actuators are common in industrial applications in switches, pumps, and pipelines
• Valve actuators can be designed to respond in emergency situations to shut off certain functions
• Valve actuators can create motion in certain situations, powering various functions throughout the refinery
• Valve actuators are also found in manufacturing plants, controlling the production of certain objects

“To choose the right system for an application, actuator systems must be carefully analyzed.”

A Critical Role in the Industrial Setting

Valve actuators play a critical role in the structure, function and safety of pipelines, refineries, chemical plants throughout the oil and gas industry. They control efficiency, productivity, and safety. Therefore, rely on valve actuators from our trained professionals and experience the difference!

At ATI, we have an unparalleled 25 years of experience working with all different types of valve actuators throughout multiple industrial sectors. We would be happy to leverage this experience to help you. But don’t just take our word world for it, take a look at what our customers have to say!

ATI has been supportive when we have had questions and their product has worked well for us. If the application came up again where we had the choice of using the ATI actuators, I would recommend getting them.
– Client testimonial

Frequently Asked Questions

Why consider ATI?

Answer: At ATI, we make sure that all of our actuators have been designed to meet our high standards. We make sure that our actuators will stand the test of time, providing reliable, durable, consistent functions for years to come.

Do you provide customized solutions?

Answer: Yes! We provide customized automation solutions to customers who have unique, intricate and extreme performance requirements. If you would like to learn more about our customized solutions, please fill out our form and explain your requirements.

Are their scheduling constraints or deadlines that need to be considered?

Answer: We know that everyone has a busy schedule. That is why we are upfront with all of our customers, providing a detailed, accurate timeline to the best of our abilities. If you are in a time crunch or have specific deadlines that you need to meet, please let us know as early as possible. Then, we will let you know if we can meet your goals. We are transparent with all of our clients.

Want to learn more? Our ATI team is ready to help you find the right pneumatic and hydraulic actuator or another equipment piece for your business. Please contact us today to learn more.