Overview

Rotork Schischek compact explosionproof valve actuators have been selected as the reliable solution for a critical petrochemical analysis process.

Challenge

Ecopetrol is the largest petroleum company in Colombia. They use Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIR) in a process that provides quantitative sampling of hydrocarbons; the process separates the hydrocarbons into four chemical groups - alkanes, aromatics, resins and asphaltenes.

Solution

NIR requires small two and three-way fast acting ball valves are used to gather the samples for analysis and precisely maintain the pressure, flow and temperature through the spectrometer. Fast operation (less than three seconds) was needed to accurately maintain characteristics of the hydrocarbons for sampling. Additionally, operational space was limited and flow control solutions with explosionproof certification was needed.

Result

100 Schischek RedMax actuators were chosen to operate two and three-way fast acting ball valves; these actuators met the fast-acting requirements from the customer, as well as offering the appropriate explosionproof certifications (certified for Zones 2 and 22 hazardous area operation).