Offshore staff

ABU DHABI, UAE – Biffi has supplied its largest-ever high torque pneumatic actuators to ADNOC for a project offshore Abu Dhabi. The actuators allow high volume displacement with relatively quick closing times in low pressure applications.

Two Biffi supplied Algas actuators weighing 14,000 kg (30,865 lb) and measuring 6x2x3 m (19.7x6.5x9.8 ft) were supplied for 46-in. (117-cm) Class 900 high integrity pressure protection system (HIPPS) valves. ADNOC required a pneumatic quarter-turn solution with a fast closing time for transporting gas from Umm Shaif to Habshan through Das Island.

In addition, Biffi supplied 90 Algas actuators for on/off applications.

The actuator has an internal cylinder diameter of 1,800 mm (70 in.) and a spring wire diameter of almost 4 in. (10 cm), with a maximum operating output torque of 750,000 Nm. Its flow rate of ± 200 l/sec (53 gal/sec) allows an operation time of close to 12 sec for a displacement volume of 2,244 l (593 gal).

A scotch yoke mechanism enables a greater output torque versus angular stroke curve. This allows the actuator displacement to be reduced and shortens the valve stroke time.

2/17/2012