Application of a SMA Actuator to Reduce Methane Emissions from the Energy Sector

Methane venting from pneumatic equipment operated by the oil and gas sector is a key focus in the industry’s pursuit of lower emissions. Both Canada and the U.S. have set ambitious targets to reduce methane emissions in the sector. In the face of new and emerging regulations, Kinitics Automation has brought a valve actuator to market as part of a technology-driven approach to help the natural gas industry eliminate its methane emissions. The Kinitics valve actuator (KVA) features the company’s bundled wire technology that utilizes SMA to deliver high force and precise positioning. Providing 3,800N of thrust the device is rated to operate continuously between -40 and 50°C, connect to voltage levels up to 120VAC, and attach to globe-style valves requiring up to 29mm of stem travel, all while maintaining 100µm of positional accuracy. Certified for use in ordinary and hazardous locations, the KVA has been deployed to live production sites where it has achieved high uptime and reliability with no maintenance intervals across a range of industry use cases.