The new PROAct electric actuator developed by Alpha Thames offers new standards in the speed and precision of valve control in demanding subsea environments.
A powerful new electric actuator developed by the Alpha Thames design engineering company is raising standards in the speed and precision of valve control. Designed initially for use in demanding subsea environments, the PROAct actuator introduces a range of benefits to any process control system using flowlines of 4 in. or greater. Offshore applications can include the operation of subsea Christmas trees and manifolds, while other industries for which it is suitable can include oil refining, chemical manufacturing, mining, and food processing.
The PROAct actuator has been designed by Alpha Thames to provide exceptional positional feedback and a degree of operator control that is not possible with hydraulic systems. The new actuator uses the latest motor technology with a precision long life screw system. This is capable of providing precise control of the valve's position accurate to 0.25% of full stroke and permits exceptionally fine flow adjustments. The PROAct actuator can also operate at unusually high speeds, moving a valve at up to 50 mm/sec.
Alpha Thames maintains that the capabilities and performance characteristics of its actuator will reduce set up and configuration time and believes that this can bring significant savings to the overall cost of any system in which it is used.
The feedback and diagnostics system, that is a standard feature of the actuator, also allows for accurate monitoring of the actuator's condition and makes the scheduling of preventative maintenance easy and effective.
The cleanliness of the PROAct's electric operation also offers important advantages in process control applications where fluid loss from hydraulic actuators could create health or safety hazards and increased operating costs. Because it is intrinsically safe, PROAct is also ideally suited for use in potentially explosive environments.
The PROAct actuator has been developed by Alpha Thames which is part of the Kockums Engineering Group of Sweden. Based in Upminster, Essex, Alpha Thames has over 30 years experience in the design of subsea systems and technology and offers a complete package of project design and management expertise that is also suitable for a wide range of modern industrial applications.;
For further information, contact Kelly Davin, Alpha Thames, Tel: +44 1708 229229, Fax: +44 1708 251273, Email: [email protected].
