Do electric actuators vent methane emissions when they operate?

No. Electric actuators use electricity as their power source and not well-stream natural gas. Upstream production process control valves have traditionally been operated by pneumatic diaphragm actuators that use the well-stream gas for their motive power, releasing methane every time the valve is stroked. Electric actuators do not vent anything during operation.

What are the maintenance requirements for electric actuator technologies?

Maintenance requirements for electric actuators are significantly lower than those for pneumatic actuators and control instruments. Rotork electric actuators deliver self-contained one-piece actuation solutions which, when compared to a typical pneumatic solution comprising multiple pieces of equipment, reduces the risk of failure.

The servicing of one self-contained electric actuator vs. a pneumatic solution with multiple parts and systems also results in cost savings and increased operational efficiency.

Rotork electric actuators like the IQ, CMA and CVA feature user-friendly interfaces and software tools that simplify the commissioning process, making them a perfect choice for valve applications in the oil and gas industry.

Are electric actuators reliable and efficient replacements for pneumatic systems?

Yes, electric actuator technologies offer several advantages.

Pneumatic systems consist of multiple parts, not just an actuator, which can all suffer from air quality fluctuations, temperature variations, and other environmental factors.

Electric actuators are less susceptible to these influences and are more energy-efficient as they only consume electricity when in operation, whereas pneumatic actuators and controls require a constant supply of either motive pipeline gas or locally produced compressed air.

Is there increased reliability with electric actuator technologies and does that result in reduced downtime and enhanced productivity?

Rotork products have always delivered dependable performance. Rotork electric actuators are available with fail-to-position options that automatically return valves to a predetermined position in case of power loss or emergencies, enhancing safety and preventing potential damage to equipment.

Many Rotork actuators feature advanced diagnostics, allowing remote monitoring of condition, performance, and potential issues. This pro-active approach allows early identification and resolution of problems, preventing unexpected failures and associated downtime.