CASE STUDIES IN INNOVATION: Harsh Environment Valves Suited for Low Power Consumption Applications

Editor’s Note: In the October 2012 issue of Flow Control, 11 case studies/application stories featured the winners of our 2012 Innovation Awards program. In the following weeks, each winner will be featured on the FlowStream blog. The following post focuses on ASCO Valve’s 1/4″ NPT 316L Harsh Environment Valves.





ASCO’s new Low-Power, Harsh Environment valve series is designed for use in harsh and hazardous locations and applications where low power consumption is a must. 



One typical application for this valve line is in emergency shutdown systems on offshore oil platforms where the environment is extremely hot, humid, and corrosive. To handle these challenging conditions, the valves are constructed with 316L stainless steel for corrosion resistance. Also, the conduit and leads are factory sealed to prevent moisture from attacking the solenoid coil. 



Another important factor for an offshore system is a small footprint, since space is very limited. ASCO’s new valve line addresses this need with a perpendicular mounting on the side of a panel. This configuration optimizes the use of space on the panel allowing the overall panel size to be reduced. In addition, the perpendicular mounting permits the process connections to be accessed from the outside of the panel, while the electrical connections remain protected inside the panel.



The new solenoid valve series is also ideal for use with solar panels and PLC/DCS applications where low power consumption is critical. For example, for process control systems in remote locations, such as oil pipelines and remote gas extraction stations, the low power consumption (.55W and 1.3W) of ASCO’s new harsh environment valve line provides huge savings. It allows the system to be specified with either a smaller battery bank—or the same size batteries to extend operation without sunlight.



In addition, other benefits include:


Same ASCO reliability with lower power consumption: 0.55W and 1.3W constructions
•    Up to 35 percent lower power consumption
•    Low power DC for solar panels
•    PLC compatibility
•    Reduced wiring cost
•    Reduced temperature rise
•    Increased battery life
•    Energy savings

More approvals and certifications—designed for harsh and hazardous environments per UL, CSA, ATEX/IECEx requirements:
•    UL & CSA approved for Class I Div. 1, Groups C & D; Class I Div. 2, Groups C & D
•    Types:1,2,3,4,4x,6, 6P,7
•    ATEX/IECEx: II 2 G Ex d IIB T6 Gb
•    CSA, ATEX, and IECEX approved with factory seal leads
•    SIL 3 capable per IEC 61508, third-party certification provided by Exida
•    One valve meets all approvals: UL CSA, ATEX/IECEx.
 

Additional features include:
•    Increased corrosion resistance: 316L stainless steel body, 316 stainless steel externals
•    Up to 9 percent higher pressure ratings on low power constructions when compared to competition
•    High flow constructions with a 1.1 Cv pressure port and 1.4 Cv exhaust port for larger valves and actuators
•    Quick exhaust constructions with a 1.4 Cv exhaust port for fast shut-down of valves and actuators. 

 Related Content:
Best of the Brew: 11 Applications of Outstanding Fluid Handling Technology
The Winners Are…Flow Control Recognizes Fluid Handling Innovators
2012 Innovation Awards Nominees

Related Links:
www.ascovalve.com