SPECIALIZED DESIGNS FOR
PIPELINE VALVE
ACTUATION
Anumber of specialized designs
of valve actuators have been
developed over the years to cope
with specific valve control demands
that are found in the pipeline industry. Examples include gas-over-oil,
high-pressure gas and electro-hydraulic actuators, as well as specialized hydraulic actuators
designed for subsea valves.
While the fundamental principles
of design for these actuators are
well established, rapidly advancing
technologies, increasing demands
for reliability, reduced maintenance
and automation from end-user
industries continue to present manufacturers with new challenges. In
addition, the expansion of oil and
gas production into increasingly
remote and previously unreachable
areas, combined with the growth of
strategic pipeline distribution networks across remote and inhospitable landscapes, places further
pressure on the manufacturer to
provide rugged and reliable valve
actuation solutions.
EXPANSION OF OIL AND GAS PRODUCTION
INTO REMOTE AND INHOSPITABLE AREAS
OF THE WORLD CHALLENGES ACTUATOR
MANUFACTURERS TO PRODUCE RUGGED,
RELIABLE AND OFTEN SPECIALIZED
PRODUCTS TO MEET THE PIPELINE
INDUSTRY’S NEEDS. BY MARK CLARK
Testing for Reliability
in the Extreme
The importance of testing cannot be
over emphasized, not only to prove
the long-term performance and reliability of products, but also to gain
specific approvals from end-user
markets without which it would be
difficult or even impossible to bid on
projects.
Some major equipment manufacturers’ testing policies are designed
to reassure the customer that the
quality of its product range is first
class through the achievement of
internationally recognized quality
