Kinitics KVA38 Linear Actuator – Revolutionizes Methane Emission Reduction in the Natural Gas Industry
Figure 1: The KVA38, an SMA bundled wire actuator, deployed at a natural gas production facility near Edson, Alberta.
In response to stringent environmental regulations and the pressing need to reduce methane emissions in the natural gas industry, Kinitics Automation Limited has introduced the KVA38 Valve Actuator, a groundbreaking solution powered by shape memory alloy (SMA) and bundled wire technology. This case study examines how the KVA38 serves as a direct replacement for methane-venting pneumatic devices, effectively eliminating 100% of methane emissions while offering superior performance and reliability.
Background
Methane-venting pneumatic equipment has long been utilized in various applications across natural gas well sites and facilities, including separators, gas injection, and blanket gas operations. However, the environmental impact of methane emissions has prompted regulatory bodies to phase out the use of these devices, necessitating the development of non-emitting alternatives.
The Science Behind SMA Actuators
Shape memory alloys (SMA) represent a revolutionary class of materials that can memorize specific shapes and undergo reversible deformations under certain conditions. The KVA38 harnesses this unique property, employing SMA bundled wire technology to deliver precise and reliable linear motion control.
Key Features and Advantages
The KVA38 Valve Actuator offers several distinct advantages over traditional pneumatic devices and motorized actuators:
1. Minimal Maintenance: With only one moving component in its driveline, the KVA38 significantly reduces the need for maintenance compared to motorized actuators, which often require periodic lubrication and component replacement.
2. Continuous Motion: Unlike motorized actuators, which may experience limitations in continuous operation due to overheating or wear, the KVA38 offers a 100% duty cycle without the need for rest periods, enabling precise and responsive motion control.
3. Fail-Safe Operation: Similar to pneumatic actuators, the KVA38 utilizes a mechanical spring for failure functionality, ensuring predictable behavior in the event of power outages or system failures by moving into a closed position.
Figure 2: This shows how the shape memory alloy works in a valve actuator application.
4. Scalability and Flexibility: The KVA38 can be tailored to meet a wide range of application requirements, including force, travel, and idle position specifications. Additionally, it can operate on both AC and DC power sources, making it suitable for various industrial environments.
Performance Testing and Field Trials
To validate the performance and durability of the KVA38 Valve Actuator in real-world applications, extensive testing and field trials were conducted in collaboration with industry partners and academic institutions. Third-party testing confirmed the actuator’s ability to maintain positional accuracy and generate sufficient closing force across a range of environmental conditions.
Figure 3: At a natural gas production facility, the installation of a wire actuator bundled with shape memory alloy (SMA) showed excellent performance. It maintained an average error of less than 50 μm (0.002 inches) while controlling a back pressure valve that modulates continuously.
Deployment and Results
The KVA38 was successfully deployed at operational sites of major natural gas producers, including a test separator site near Edson, Alberta. Data from field trials demonstrated high uptime, positional accuracy, and reliability, even during power outages. It is notable that the actuator maintained a closed position without power, show-casing its fail-safe design.
Conclusion The introduction of the KVA38 Valve Actuator represents a significant milestone in methane emission reduction efforts within the natural gas industry. By offering a reliable, maintenance-free alternative to methane-venting pneumatic devices, the KVA38 paves the way for a more sustainable energy sector. Rigorous testing and successful field trials underscore its potential to redefine industrial valve control standards and contribute to a greener future.
Kinitics shape memory alloy actuators and piston pumps use Shape Memory Alloys and Kinitics’ proprietary Bundled Wire technology, and can fit in a variety of applications. The products offer a number of features and benefits that distinguish them from other types of actuators and pumps.
- Kinitics KLA Linear Actuators can deliver a precision stroke distance at a higher force than actuators of similar dimensions.
- The Kinitics Controller is reduced in cost and complexity and can be operated on a variety of power sources.
- The Kinitics Linear Actuators and Piston Pumps require considerably less infrastructure (such as that required by hydraulic or pneumatic systems) for operation compared to conventional actuators.
