Tech Briefs Magazine - June 2021 - MD-16

Figure 2. The recently developed subsea valve actuator provides an energy-efficient and safe alternative to the previously used traditional hydraulic or electromechanical
actuators that open and close gate valves, for example.
(power cable, transformer, frequency
con verters, etc.) can be obtained vs.
using electromechanical actuators, for
example (Figure 3). The electric motor
driving the hydraulic pump can then be
configured considerably smaller but
with the same adjustment force of the
actuators, which in turn saves installation
space and costs. More cost savings
can also be realized from substituting
the hydraulic umbilical with an electric
umbilical, and there's no need to dispose
of hydraulic fluid that's required
for conventional hydraulic actuators.
In addition, the SVA offers conditionmonitoring
capabilities, with built-in
sensor technology that continuously
records the operating states within the
actuator and reports them to the higherlevel
master controller. Trends can then
be analyzed, allowing deviations to be
identified and solved early.
Proven Technology from
Industrial Applications
The operating principle for the SVA
comes from the accepted use of self-contained
axes often found in industrial
applications. Individual components for
the SVA are manufactured in large-scale
series under quality management systems
such as the ones used in industrial
machines. This standardization reduces
costs and creates long-term availability
for production. In addition, the sensors
and electronics used in the SVA have
proven reliability from use in automotive
vehicle applications. Where re -
quired, modifications have been made
to the components to qualify for deepSubsea
factory concept illustration with courtesy of DNV GL
Figure 3. Considering all the actuators used to operate a subsea field, a huge cost saver for the electric infrastructure alone (power
cable, transformer, frequency converters, etc.) can be obtained using hybrid subsea valve actuators vs. using electromechanical actuators,
for example.
16
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ToC
sea use at depths up to 6,000 meters.
The system and core components also
meet special requirements of the different
classification societies for marine,
offshore, and subsea use.
Within the SVA, there are two bars of
overpressure at every depth because of
the redundant pressure compensation
system. This prevents the penetration of
saltwater and the need for large housings
with a pressure-neutral design. In
addition to the standard requirements,
only subsea-rated wiring and connections
are used within the axis. All electrical
components that are not subsearated
are also mechanically and electrically
encapsulated with pressure-resistant
parts.
Working closely with leading equipment
suppliers and operators, the latest
simulation technology
was used to create
the proof of concept
and prototypes for
field trials. This innovative
drive technology
combines the best
of electromechanics
and hydraulics to help
ensure safe and reliable
motion control
on the seafloor, helping
to bring the vision
of an " all subsea factory "
into reality.
This article was written
by Dr. Alexandre
Orth, Head of Marine &
Subsea Technologies, and
Amadeu Placido Neto,
Test Engineer, at Bosch
Rexroth Corp. (Plymouth,
MI). For more information,
visit http://info.
hotims.com/79414-281.
Motion Design, June 2021

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Tech Briefs Magazine - June 2021

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