A piston linear pneumatic actuator is a pneumatic drive device specifically designed for linear-stroke valves such as gate valves, globe valves, and diaphragm valves. It features a piston-type transmission mechanism that uses clean compressed air to drive the piston in a linear reciprocating motion, directly delivering stable thrust to achieve reliable valve opening, closing, and throttling. Compared with diaphragm-type actuators, piston-type actuators offer higher load capacity, superior fatigue resistance, and a longer service life, making them well suited for demanding industrial applications.
Working Principle of Piston Linear Pneumatic Actuators
A piston linear pneumatic actuator uses compressed air to drive a piston in a linear reciprocating motion, generating stable thrust for valve opening, closing, and control. It is available in double-acting and single-acting configurations to meet different industrial and fail-safe requirements. Filtered and regulated air is precisely distributed through a solenoid valve or valve positioner, controlling the actuator chamber pressure and driving the piston and valve stem to achieve accurate valve operation.
Double-Acting Operation: Both sides of the cylinder are supplied with control air, with no return spring. Alternating air pressure drives the piston in both directions, providing high and consistent output thrust for smooth valve opening and closing. In the event of air supply failure, the actuator can hold the valve in its current position.
Single-Acting Operation: One side of the cylinder is air-driven while the other contains a return spring. When compressed air is supplied, the piston moves against the spring force to operate the valve. If the air supply or control system fails, the spring automatically returns the piston and moves the valve to its preset fail-safe position, available as Fail Open (FO) or Fail Close (FC) configurations.
A pneumatic actuator converts the energy of compressed air into mechanical motion, enabling the valve to open, close, or continuously modulate its position for reliable and automated valve control. For pneumatic actuator selection and procurement, please contact our technical team and provide the relevant operating parameters so that we can recommend the most suitable actuator model for your application. （Unit: mm）
| Size | Part No | ΦA | φC | φD | E | nxF | φG | H | J | K | ΦL | M | R | T | Y | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13D | XLX-Z13-D | 90 | 55 | 185 | 3 | M8*4 | F07 | 100 | 65 | 80 | 25 | 30 | M22*1.5 | 35 | G1/4″ | |
| 16D | XLX-Z16-D | 125 | 70 | 220 | 3 | M10*4 | F10 | 115 | 65 | 80 | 25 | 30 | M22*1.5 | 35 | G1/4″ | |
| 20D | XLX-Z20-D | 125 | 70 | 265 | 3 | M10*4 | F10 | 120 | 70 | 80 | 30 | 35 | M24*1.5 | 35 | G3/8″ | |
| 25D | XLX-Z25-D | 150 | 85 | 325 | 4 | M12*4 | F12 | 140 | 70 | 80 | 30 | 35 | M27*1.5 | 35 | G3/8″ | |
| 30D | XLX-Z30-D | 150 | 100 | 375 | 4 | M12*4 | F12 | 145 | 70 | 100 | 35 | 40 | M32*2 | 55 | G3/8″ | |
| 35D | XLX-Z35-D | 150、175 | 100 | 430 | 5 | M12*4、M16*4 | F12/F14 | 155 | 70 | 100 | 40 | 45 | M36*2 | 55 | G3/8″ | |
| 40D | XLX-Z40-D | 175、210 | 130 | 485 | 5 | M16*4、M20*4 | F14/F16 | 170 | 75 | 100 | 45 | 50 | M42*2 | 55 | G3/8″ | |
| 45D | XLX-Z45-D | 210 | 130 | 535 | 5 | M16*4、M20*4 | F14/F16 | 170 | 75 | 100 | 55 | 60 | M52*2 | 65 | G3/8″ | |
| 50D | XLX-Z50-D | 300 | 200 | 605 | 5 | M16*8 | F25 | 180 | 75 | 100 | 60 | 65 | M58*2 | 65 | G1/2″ | |
| 55D | XLX-Z55-D | 300 | 200 | 655 | 5 | M16*8 | F25 | 180 | 85 | 120 | 60 | 65 | M58*2 | 65 | G1/2″ | |
| 60D | XLX-Z60-D | 300、350 | 200 | 705 | 5 | M16*8、M20*8 | F25/F30 | 190 | 85 | 120 | 70 | 75 | M68*2 | 80 | G1/2″ | |
| 65D | XLX-Z65-D | 300、350 | 200 | 760 | 5 | M16*8、M20*8 | F25/F30 | 190 | 70 | 120 | 70 | 75 | M68*2 | 80 | G1/2″ | |
| 70D | XLX-Z70-D | 350 | 200 | 810 | 5 | M20*8 | F30 | 190 | 70 | 120 | 75 | 85 | M68*2 | 80 | G1/2″ | |
| 80D | XLX-Z80-D | 415 | 230 | 915 | 5 | M30*8 | F35 | 200 | 75 | 140 | 80 | 85 | M68*2 | 80 | G3/4″ | |
| 90D | XLX-Z90-D | 415 | 230 | 1020 | 5 | M30*8 | F35 | 200 | 75 | 140 | 80 | 85 | M68*2 | 80 | G3/4″ | |
| 45D2 | XLX-Z45-D2 | 300 | 200 | 535 | 5 | M16*8 | F25 | 230 | 75 | 100 | 55 | 60 | M52*2 | 65 | G3/8″ | |
| 50D2 | XLX-Z50-D2 | 350 | 230 | 605 | 5 | M20*8 | F30 | 240 | 75 | 100 | 60 | 65 | M58*2 | 65 | G1/2″ | |
| 55D2 | XLX-Z55-D2 | 350 | 230 | 655 | 5 | M20*8 | F30 | 240 | 85 | 120 | 60 | 65 | M58*2 | 65 | G1/2″ | |
| 60D2 | XLX-Z60-D2 | 350 | 230 | 705 | 5 | M20*8 | F30 | 250 | 85 | 120 | 70 | 75 | M68*2 | 80 | G1/2″ | |
| 65D2 | XLX-Z65-D2 | 350 | 230 | 760 | 5 | M20*8 | F30 | 250 | 120 | 70 | 75 | M68*2 | 80 | G1/2″ | ||
| 70D2 | XLX-Z70-D2 | 415 | 230 | 810 | 5 | M30*8 | F35 | 260 | 120 | 75 | 85 | M78*2 | 80 | G1/2″ | ||
| 80D2 | XLX-Z80-D2 | 350、415 | 260 | 915 | 5 | M30*8、M36*8 | F35/F40 | 320 | 140 | 80 | 85 | M78*2 | 80 | G3/4″ | ||
| 90D2 | XLX-Z90-D2 | 350、415 | 260 | 1020 | 5 | M30*8、M36*8 | F35/F40 | 350 | 140 | 80 | 85 | M78*2 | 80 | G3/4″ |
Key Features of Piston Linear Pneumatic Actuators
High Thrust and Load Capacity：The piston-driven design provides high output thrust and supports higher air pressures than diaphragm actuators. It is ideal for large-size, high-pressure-drop linear-stroke valves, delivering smooth and stable operation.
Wide Operating Range and Material Options：With an operating temperature range of -40°C to +180°C, the actuator is suitable for demanding industrial environments. WCB carbon steel, SS304, and SS316L stainless steel options provide excellent corrosion and weather resistance for water, oil & gas, and chemical applications.
Flexible Fail-Safe Configurations：Available in double-acting, single-acting fail-close, and single-acting fail-open configurations. Depending on the application, the actuator can hold the valve position or automatically return it to a preset safe position in the event of air or power failure.
Precise and Fast Valve Control：The linear piston mechanism provides accurate positioning and fast response. Combined with a valve positioner or solenoid valve, it supports reliable on/off operation and precise valve modulation for flow, pressure, and level control.
Durable and Long Service Life：The robust piston construction offers excellent wear, fatigue, and impact resistance for frequent operation. Compared with diaphragm actuators, it reduces the risk of diaphragm aging or rupture, resulting in lower maintenance requirements and a longer service life.
