Bosch Rexroth has developed an electric valve actuator, SVA R2, to replace hydraulic cylinders commonly used to open and close valves in subsea oil drilling. The electric actuator is compact and safe, and can last up to 25 years when installed 13,125 feet subsea, without the need for ancillary hydraulics, pumps and hoses.
The new valve eliminates the need to rely on hydraulics to control oil flow in subsea applications, which requires piping hydraulic fluid subsea and back. Hydraulic cylinders were previously the only device trusted subsea, but electric actuators bring the same level of safety, including being able to close the valve incase of power outage or emergencies.
The new actuator has an electric drive, condition monitoring and a safety spring, so the SVA R2 satisfies Safety Integrity Level (SIL) 3 in accordance with IEC 61508 and IEC 61511. The use of internationally standardized interfaces throughout means even more standardization in the subsea process industry. The actuator minimizes energy consumption and is geared toward delicate ecosystems.
Image credit: Bosch Rexroth