Emergency Shutoff Valve Automation with Cowan’s E2H-ESD Actuator

Cowan Dynamics, an industrial valve actuator manufacturer, continues to advance valve automation with the release of the E2H-ESD. The E2H-ESD actuator is the newest addition to their electro-hydraulic actuator lineup and is designed specifically for Emergency Shutoff Valve (ESD) automation.

“In 2021 we released the ZE-ESD — a zero emission, ESD valve fail-safe system used in remote areas where power is not available. This product was successfully implemented and praised by remote pipeline operators,” said Maria Aguirre, director of Business Development. “Refineries and pipeline operators required more advanced valve automation for their ESD valves.

The ESD-E2H combines the best of hydraulic and electric actuation in one self-contained system. It features a completely modular design consisting of the following modules: hydraulic power, hydraulic cylinder, scotch yoke mechanism, spring canister and control panel for local and remote operation.

In the E2H-ESD actuators, the motor stops when there is no movement required from the valve, this leads to a very low power consumption, an increased life of moving components and eliminates any down time often needed in units where the operation is done using pressurized oil in an accumulator system. In these systems, if its true that the capacity and energy consumption its lower, the system must recharge the accumulators after a few operations have been completed in which time the unit is inoperative, this could affect the reliability of the actuator to achieve an emergency action

Emergency shutdown signals can be designed to perform desired action per application specifications and move the valve to the desired position (fully open/close, last-locked) within specified time.

Key features of the E2H-ESD:

• Fully modular design
• Torques up to 3,000,000 in-lbs.
• On/Off Service, Emergency shut off valves (ESD)
• Local and remote control
• Visual position indicators
• Explosion proof design
• SIL 3 (Pending)
• Fast acting
• Fail Last, Fail Close or Fail Open
• Operating Pressure: 2,500 psi
• Partial stroke test (PST)
• Manual override, Hydraulic hand pump
• Electricals CSA certified

Its modular design is unique in the market and not only provides multiple benefits for standardization, service and maintenance, but it also allows the user to completely remove the hydraulic power and the electrical controls from the actuator mechanism in cases of high vibration or when there are issues with accessibility.