Biffi provides electric actuator for Ichthys

April 14, 2014
Biffi Italia has shipped four EGR 50K electric actuators for installation on the Ichthys gas project, the largest oil and gas development offshore Australia’s Northern Territory.

Offshore staff

CHESHIRE, UKBiffi Italia has shipped four EGR 50K electric actuators for installation on the Ichthys gas project, the largest oil and gas development offshore Australia’s Northern Territory.

Working withMcDermott, Biffi customized the actuators to operate 42-in. class 1500 quarter-turn ball valves. In response to McDermott’s requirements, the actuators were designed to offer an operating time of 42 seconds in emergencies. The EGR 50K is the largest of its kind ever built by Biffi. The actuators will go at the head of the pipeline that connects the rig in the gas/condensate field with one located near the coast of Australia.

The EGR 50K has four main parts, including a spool piece with a coupling supported by bronze bearings, a four-stage epicyclic gear reducer, and an electric motor designed to combine high speed with high torque. The actuator also has a manual override in case of loss of electric power.

The Ichthys project, scheduled for completion in 2016, is a joint venture between INPEX and Total, and is expected to produce 8.4 million metric tons (9.3 million tons) of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and 1.6 million metric tons (1.8 million tons) of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) per annum. Gas from the Ichthys field, in the Browse basin, 125 mi (201 km) offshore Western Australia, will undergo preliminary processing offshore to remove water and extract condensate. The gas will then be exported to onshore processing facilities in Darwin via a 552-mi (888-km) subsea pipeline.

04/14/2014