Rotork GO gas-over-oil actuators have been supplied for vital failsafe valve control duties on a new cryogenic LNG pipeline in Venezuela.
The San Joaquin Pipeline, owned by Venezuela state oil company PDVSA, transports LNG for the international market between the San Joaquin and Jose cryogenic plants. The Rotork actuators operate 26 in., 20 in. and 12 in. ball valves installed in tandem with non-return check valves at six valve stations along the route.
The compact and modular Rotork GO actuator design uses the pipeline gas as the motive power source, converting the gas into hydraulic pressure to deliver powerful and smooth valve control. Isolating the actuator cylinder from the pipeline gas eliminates potential contamination, corrosion and seal deterioration, extending the life of the actuator. A dedicated pump is utilised in each operating direction to prevent leaking or contamination between the gas-over-oil tanks.
At the centre of the gas-over-oil system, a multi-function manifold block integrates gas control functions to facilitate a full range of selectable failsafe and emergency shutdown (ESD) options for pipeline events including Line Break, Low Pressure Close and High Differential Inhibit. The manifold has the facility for a high-flow hand pump, pressure relief and a locking handle for safe commissioning.