In a groundbreaking move to enhance safety measures and minimize potential hazards, Survitec, a global leader in survival technology solutions, has unveiled a pioneering new device designed to reduce the risks associated with catastrophic valve actuator failures. These failures can unleash explosive forces capable of causing severe injury or death, as well as substantial damage to equipment and facilities.
The Survitec Gauntlet is a protective sleeve constructed from lightweight "bullet-proof" para-aramid armoring, ten times stronger than steel. Compatible with all valve actuator types, this innovative device is engineered to contain the unpredictable forces released during a failure event. Technically qualified by the renowned classification society Lloyd's Register, the Survitec Gauntlet provides immediate containment protection, enhancing safety measures and minimizing potential hazards.
Weighing minimally, the Gauntlet places no additional stress on the actuator while shielding its internal workings from further corrosion and component degradation. Survitec has already supplied its Gauntlets to a majority of operators, including super-majors in the North Sea, and has recently received an order from a Spanish oil and gas operator, underscoring the industry's recognition of this critical safety solution.
David Montgomery, Head of Sales at Survitec, emphasizes the company's proactive stance on safety enhancement, stating, "The introduction of the Gauntlet is a testament to our commitment. The absence of detailed regulatory control pertaining to valve actuator failures or maintenance of this critical component is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention. We urge regulators to initiate further discussions and ask operators to act promptly to safeguard their personnel and critical plants in the event of an uncontained failure of an actuator."
Valve actuator failures offshore are often attributed to corrosion and the age of the units, with hundreds of actuators in service on each offshore installation. Paul Gwynne, Sales & Contracts Manager at Survitec, elaborates, "Far too many of these actuators have been left to degrade. We are now seeing hundreds in an unsafe or unknown condition, which may be intensified by pneumatic and/or hydraulic control pressures and, therefore, a huge issue and possible danger to equipment and personnel."
Gwynne further explains, "What is known is that many actuators have suffered significant corrosion of their internal workings, not just the visible exterior weather shield. The problem can be compounded when these actuators are tagged as non-operational or decommissioned, no longer serviced but still containing a pre-load force in the spring, which can be equivalent to several metric tons depending on the size of the actuator."
The concept of the Survitec Gauntlet was developed in response to issues identified in the North Sea oil and gas sector, including oil rigs, platforms, and floating installations such as FPSOs and FSRUs. However, the device can be applied to any facility that operates actuator valves and where risks need to be mitigated, providing a comprehensive solution to a critical safety concern.
