Actuators and Final Control Elements
70-6925 137
Humidistats 
and 
Thermostats Controllers Sensors Relays Switches Actuators Valves Accessories
Engineering 
Guide
Cross 
Reference
The velocity sensor measures actual velocity and does not 
require the conversion of velocity pressure to velocity. Although 
the sensor is typically used in duct air velocity applications, it 
can accurately sense velocities as low as 100 feet per minute. 
Flow-limiting orifices inserted into the sensor sampling tube can 
measure velocity ranges up to 3,500 feet per minute.
Figure 24 shows the operation of a velocity sensor. A restrictor 
supplies compressed air to the emitter tube located in the air 
stream to be measured. When no air is flowing in the duct, the 
jet of air from the emitter tube impinges directly on the collector 
tube and maximum pressure is sensed. Air flowing in the duct 
blows the air jet downstream and reduces the pressure on the 
collector tube. As the duct air velocity increases, less and less 
of the jet enters the collector tube. The collector tube is 
connected to a pressure amplifier to produce a usable output 
pressure and provide direct or reverse action.
Fig. 24. Velocity Sensor Operation.
A controller connected to the pressure amplifier includes 
setpoints for maximum and minimum dual air velocity limits. 
This allows the air volume to be controlled between the limits by 
a thermostat or another controller.
Two models of the controller are available. One model operates 
with a one-pipe, bleed-type thermostat, and the other with a 
two-pipe thermostat. The two-pipe model also allows 
sequencing for reheat applications.
Figure 25 shows a typical application of a thermostat and 
velocity controller on a Variable Air Volume (VAV) terminal unit 
with hot water reheat. The thermostat senses a change in room 
temperature and resets the velocity setpoint of the velocity 
controller. The controller repositions the VAV damper to 
increase or decrease airflow accordingly. If a change in duct 
static pressure modifies the flow, the controller repositions the 
actuator to maintain the correct flow. The reheat valve operates 
only when the thermostat has reset the velocity setpoint down 
to minimum airflow and the thermostat calls for heating.
Fig. 25. VAV Box Velocity Controller Control System.
ACTUATORS AND FINAL CONTROL 
ELEMENTS
A pneumatic actuator and final control element such as a valve 
(Fig. 26) or damper (Fig. 27) work together to vary the flow of 
the medium passing through the valve or damper. In the 
actuator, a diaphragm and return spring move the damper push 
rod or valve stem in response to changes in branchline 
pressure.
Fig. 26. Pneumatic Actuator and Valve.
Fig. 27. Pneumatic Actuator and Damper.
M
AIR FLOW
EMITTER TUBE
GAP
COLLECTOR
TUBE
TO PRESSURE
AMPLIFIER
C2610
M
VELOCITY
SENSOR IN
DUCTWORK
VAV BOX
DAMPER
DAMPER
ACTUATOR
VELOCITY
CONTROLLER
VAV BOX
REHEAT VALVE
ROOM
THERMOSTAT
M10296
BRANCH 
LINE
SPRING
VALVE
STEM
INLET
FLOW
OUTLET 
FLOW
DIAPHRAGM
VALVE
ACTUATOR
VALVE
M10361
C2611
DAMPER
IRFLOW
PUSH
ROD
DAMPER
ACTUATOR
SPRING
PISTON
ROLLING
DIAPHRAGM
BRANCH
LINE