Current valve actuation technology (i.e. Electro-hydraulic) can be a limiting factor for the deployment of valves to some of the remote locations required in pioneering subsea territories.
The need to eliminate these restrictions is becoming more evident as the locations become even more remote and ever deeper.
Electrically operated valves allow for longer tiebacks creating opportunities to explore these locations more cost effectively, with enhanced safety and with less pollution than current technology.
To service this need we have designed and are now advanced in the qualification testing of prototype actuators which are suitable for large and small bore gate or ball valves with our Subsea Electric Actuator (SEATM).
In past years, there has been little movement towards the electric operation of valves subsea however there are now current projects exploring the use of electric actuation of subsea tree valves.
Our solution is universal and can be applied to tree and manifold valves, either linear (gate valve) or rotary (ball valve). The actuator also lends itself to Subsea Isolation Valves (SSIV) and High Integrity Pressure Protection (HIPPS) applications.
SEATM works by a linear differential drive with a fail-safe arrangement comprising a clutch between the drive wheels of the input shaft and by means of a spring for effecting a back-drive.
The Actuator is designed in such a way that allows for an ROV mechanical over-ride if intervention is required.
Using a CANBus control system linked to sensors inside the Actuator Subsea Control Module (ASCM) and electric actuator, remote condition monitoring of the actuator and valve is facilitated leading to online diagnostic coverage.
