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Actuator upgrade improves pipeline performance

A Rotork Controls product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Jan 20, 2005

Rotork EH electrohydraulic modulating valve actuators have been installed on the Osbra Pipeline in Brazil, replacing hydraulic actuators installed in the 1990s when the pipeline was new.

39 Rotork EH range electrohydraulic modulating valve actuators have been installed on the Osbra Pipeline in Brazil, replacing hydraulic actuators from another manufacturer, installed in the 1990s when the pipeline was new.

Petrobras, the pipeline operator, was dissatisfied with the performance of the hydraulic actuators, which suffered from frequent problems involving corrosion, hydraulic leaks and a lack of technical support from the manufacturer.

With a total length of 955km, the Osbra pipeline is an important part of the petrochemical distribution network in Brazil, carrying multiple products (LNG, petrol, aviation fuel, kerosene and diesel) from the refineries to major consumer areas.

39 linear and quarter-turn EH actuators have been retrofitted on the pipeline from the Replan refinery in Campinas SP.

The linear actuators control flow from the pipeline to tanks at the terminals whilst the quarter-turn units are installed after the pumping stations.

The Rotork EH self-contained design offers a tested and approved alternative solution for linear and quarter-turn valve automation, for both double-acting and spring return duties.

In particular, the EH simplifies installation and commissioning by eliminating the requirement for separate hydraulic power units and associated pipework, which are incorporated in a fully enclosed integral power unit containing an electric motor, hydraulic pump and reservoir.

In addition the EH actuator provides simplified remote control and indication together with local pushbutton control.

Operating costs are further reduced by removing the expense of regular maintenance on hydraulic power plants, especially in environmentally exposed or remote areas.

The EH actuator offers a compact, self-contained solution for critical applications with the option of stay-put or failsafe ESD (emergency shut down) operation.

The actuators offer high operating torque performance with the speed and accuracy of hydraulic operation, combined with low energy consumption.

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