Compact actuator

The compact spring return actuator from Actuator Technology Company (ATC) is suitable for extremely limited and critical application spaces, such as offshore topsides and sub-sea projects, where space, weight, efficiency and reliability are vital factors.

Previously, a size 900 NB class 1500 valve required a traditional Scotch Yoke spring return actuator over 14 m in length and weighing 25,000 kg. Now the same valve can be actuated using an ATC compact spring return actuator weighing 17,000 kg. This is achieved by using advanced customisation and a continuous interaction with the end user, who defines the required weight for the application.

Using its flexible design approach, ATC is able to meet the required weight, achieving a weight saving of 30%. In conjunction with the enhanced design, the actuator also achieves high efficiency (30-50% lower air/hydraulic consumption) and reliability.

With the compact actuator, pipe length can be drastically shortened, saving considerable costs when used with exotic pipe materials. The ATC actuator always fits within the face-to-face dimension of the valve, which means a significant space saving compared to traditional actuator technology, and it can be oriented vertically, horizontally, or even upside down — adding flexibility in confined-space situations.

The ATC actuator has obtained a SIL 3 certification, making it suitable for high integrity pressure protection systems (HIPPS) and emergency shutdown (ESD) valve applications. The actuator is considered to be maintenance-free because of the advanced reliability and self-lubricating design. While the valve may require maintenance periodically, the process is considerably easier because there is no structural support around the actuator to remove.