Affordable Zero-Emission Fail-Safe Electric Dump Valve Actuator

Lead Proponent

Linear Motion Technologies (LMT) Canada

Project Background

The objective of this project was to design, fabricate, shop test and field test a zero-emission, affordable, and fail-safe electric dump valve actuator (EDVA) to replace existing pneumatic valves. In the oil and gas sector in Canada, pneumatic devices account for approximately 20% of methane emissions and are used to provide process control over flow rate, pressure, and temperature. They work by varying the size of the flow passage way.

The EDVA design is simpler, requires fewer parts and reduced hardware and installation costs compared to standard devices by using low-cost modular. The EDVA will reduce electricity demand with its low power actuator.

Results

The project successfully achieved its objective by completing the prototype design and testing of an electric dump valve actuator (EDVA) that could replace existing pneumatic devices.

The project had four separate achievements:
(1) development and testing of the demonstration prototype unit
(2) bench testing of the 1” bench testing unit
(3) field testing of the 1” field testing unit
(4) field testing of the 2” FTU EDVA

These EDVA units could feasibly replace a large percentage of pneumatic devices allowing for a more efficient and affordable alternative for new installations. The lower cost will support uptake of the technology among Canadian operators.