Hydracon Co. Inc., provider of high-performance subsea valves, actuators, and switches capable of operating at depths to 10,000 ft (3,048 m), offers the latest technological advances within its family of more than 90 subsea product models, with more being introduced regularly as the offshore petroleum industry extends the capabilities of its subsea work vehicles and tools into ever-deeper water.
With a working maxim of “Deepwater Means Smaller,” Hydracon manufactures products including submersible electric switches, subsea solenoid valves, and ocean-submersible solenoid actuators.
Chief among recently introduced models is the Hydracon Model 2406-100 submersible pressure switch, used in deepwater hydraulic system applications to 10,000 ft. Manufactured from 316 stainless steel, it incorporates Hydracon’s new switch technology, and operates in ambient pressures to 4,200 psi. The design of the new switch allows for significant reductions in both size and weight, yet it delivers superior deepwater performance. The Model 2406 weighs in at only 20 oz compared to its predecessors, the Hydracon Model 2401-102, which weighs 33 oz and the Model 2402-200, which tips the scales at 8.4 lbs.
The new pressure switch handles operating pressures to 3,000 psid with switching pressure of 1,000 psid. It incorporates a two-wire system requiring no transmitter, so there is zero power consumption. The contact rating is 50 W switching capability up to 500 V, so the Model 2406 exhibits bounce-free operation. With a contact life rating of 1 x 106 ops at 50 v, 1.0 amps/200 x 106 ops at 1.0 v, 10 ma, the Model 2406’s electric switch assembly is easily replaced, and the pressure section can be refurbished should the need arise.
In a typical installation, the customer fits a series of Model 2406 pressure switches into an oil-filled, pressure compensated manifold. Single-pin underwater connectors are optional.
All Hydracon switches meet IPX8 of IEC 529 for protection against the effects of continuous immersion in sea water.
Ideal for AUV service
The growing expedience of using autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) in deepwater oil and gas operations has resulted in another new Hydracon product, the Model 1704-200 AUV custom solenoid scuttle valve, which is designed for scuttling AUVs where zero leakage is essential to long-term, bubble tight service.
Hydracon Model 1704-200 AUV custom solenoid scuttle valve.
The Model 1704-200 operates as a lightweight latching solenoid valve with 2-way, 2 position operation, normally closed. It was custom-designed for use in a battery powered system requiring low power consumption in a small package. It operates on 24-v DC, 3-amp power for pulse duty. The valve weighs in at less than 18 oz, made possible by a valve body made of stainless steel, or less than 10 oz if made of aluminum alloy. The Model 1704-200 is 1.32 in. by 2 in. by 2.9 in. tall in size (a larger version, the Model 1714-100, is 2.25 in. by 2.25 in. by 5 in. tall). Latching solenoid valves can be used in place of so-called “pyro” valves.
Perhaps the most important feature of the Model 1704-200 is that it has no adjustment requirements. This avoids the potential maintenance costs posed by having to adjust the valve at a remote underwater location.
The deeper the heftier
For deepwater controls service, Hydracon recently debuted its Model 1719-100 miniature latching solenoid valve, designed for ocean submersible depth of 10,000 ft.
The Model 1719-100 provides significant weight and space requirements for use on deepwater control systems. Manufactured totally from stainless steels to resist both external and internal corrosion, the lightweight solenoid valve requires no adjustment, making it highly resistant to shock and vibration. It, too, operates on 24-v, 3-amp power for pulse duty.
The 1719-100 features a bubble-tight closure, and is fitted with contamination-tolerant, resilient seats and manifold-mount face seals. Considered a “miniature” latching solenoid valve, the new model weighs 3.3 lb, and is only 2 in. wide by 5.6 in. long by 3.9 in. tall.
Smaller BOP control systems
Many of Hydracon’s products see duty in subsea control systems, as well as in downhole tools used in drilling and completion activities.
According to Alex Pullos, founder of the company, it is important for potential customers to consider why shear-seal valves are not used on aircraft, missiles and spacecraft.
According to Pullos, pressure-balanced solenoid valves are superior to shear-seal valves in a significant number of ways. A few of these are:
- An 82% savings in space utilization
- A 62% savings in weight
- Long cycle life (250,000 to 1 million cycles)
- Shock resistance
- Internal corrosion resistance, particularly in sea water
- Low power consumption
- Bubble-tight internal and external leakage resistance
- Contamination-tolerant seats
- High flow-to-size ratio
- Low maintenance.
“Collateral benefits from using solenoid valves on deepwater drilling and completion equipment include reduced downtime and less risk of revenue loss, reduced size, high reliability, smaller topside handling systems, and smaller electrical cables,” says Pullos. “Solenoid valves also permit the use of pulsing, the use of batteries as a remote power source, and the use of redundant and backup packages.
For more information on submersible electrical switches, solenoid valves, solenoid actuators, and other subsea technology products, contact Alex Pullos at Hydracon Co., Inc., P.O. Box 27584, Anaheim, CA 92808. Telephone 714-281-2460, Fax 714-281-1199. Email:[email protected].
