Intelligent electric valve actuator!

Emerson Process Management has introduced a new high-performance electric actuator, the Bettis™ Model 500 with TEC2 Electronics. The Model 500 builds on decades of electric actuator innovation while adding state-of-the-art electronic control technology for use in rotary and linear valve applications. The TEC2 electronics provide the visibility, insight and reliable control needed for effective plant operations

In today’s plant environment, getting timely information on valve operation in process units is key to reducing costly downtime. The TEC2 electronics provides ready information on actuator status and diagnostics that help operations avoid unscheduled maintenance.

The Model 500, with its compact size, light weight and advanced electronics, automates small valves used in tight piping configurations and can be utilised with a Remote Display Module for difficult-to-observe applications. With increased stem acceptance, the Model 500 accommodates a wide variety of valve mounting options. Maintenance and set-up are simplified with a non-intrusive design that eliminates the need to open control compartments.

Model 500 actuators utilise an open network control architecture allowing a wide range of topologies and protocols including Modbus, HART®, Profibus, FOUNDATION™ fieldbus, DeviceNet™ and Ethernet, to integrate into existing or new communication networks. It also offers the convenience of Bluetooth™ operation while maintaining an intrinsically-safe capability.   

Hungarian valve plant expanded

Emerson Process Management has expanded its valve automation manufacturing capability with the opening of a new state-of-the-art facility in Székesfehérvár (H). The plant, opened officially in September 2012,  will help address Emerson’s customers’ key requirements of fast delivery and a high level of service and support. Emerson expects that the increased production capacity will help reduce delivery times for customers in Europe by as much as 25%.

The official opening of the new state-of-the-art Székesfehérvár facility in September 2012.

The new 6,000 m2 site is dedicated to the manufacture of Emerson’s valve automation products for distribution in Europe. The plant will specifically produce Emerson’s Bettis™ range of medium and large size scotch yoke actuators, including both double acting and spring return models. The new facility was officially opened in September 2012 and has a flexible production capacity to meet demand.

"Demand for our actuator products has grown significantly," said Eric Saussaye, vice president, Emerson Process Management Valve Automation, Europe. "The new facility and the increased capacity offered will ensure we meet our customers’ needs and help them get their operations running more quickly."

The new ISO 9001:2008 and PED (Pressure Equipment Directive) certified facility will provide a world-class manufacturing capability and strengthen Emerson’s local presence, improving responsiveness and market competitiveness by streamlining material sourcing, optimising inventory management, and reducing lead time. This new production facility will provide greater support to major energy and industrial projects across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Emerson has operated in Székesfehérvár since 1996 and currently has 550 employees servicing the requirements of the thriving oil, chemical and energy industries in the region. Emerson will add 50 additional employees and with on-going developments at the facility, this number is expected to double over the next 12 months.

Valves for Shell!

Multi-year Enterprise Framework Agreement includes Bettis™ and EIM actuators and related services

Shell and Emerson Process Management have signed a five-year Enterprise Framework Agreement that makes Emerson the single-source supplier of on/off valve actuators to Shell and its affiliates.

Under the agreement, Emerson will provide products from its broad portfolio of valve automation technologies, including Bettis™ pneumatic and hydraulic actuators and EIM electric and electro-hydraulic actuators. In addition to new actuators for both new and existing facilities, Emerson will also provide ongoing support of Shell’s previously installed actuators.

The relationship builds on an existing agreement under which Emerson serves as a Main Automation Contractor for Shell capital projects. Shell also recently selected Emerson as a global strategic supplier of pressure, temperature and flow field instruments.

“We appreciate Shell’s confidence in our ability to help them reach their automation and business goals,” said Steve Sonnenberg, president of Emerson Process Management. “We welcome the opportunity to strengthen that confidence – and our relationship – through the new Enterprise Framework Agreement.”  

Reliable and cost saving shutdown protection for underground gas storage project in China

Self-contained emergency shutdown systems installed at wellhead where external power sources are not available.

China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) has selected Bettis™ PressureGuard™ self-contained hydraulic shutdown systems from Emerson Process Management for installation on the Dazhangtou natural gas storage reservoir project in Tianjing, China. Seven PressureGuard systems, which require no external power source, will protect the gas storage reservoir by closing gate valves when a high or low pressure threshold has been reached.

The Dazhangtuo reservoir is the first gas storage facility in China. It strengthens the peak-gas adjustment capacity of the Shan-jing natural gas pipeline, which extends 585 miles from Yulin, Shanxi, to Beijing. Gas that is not needed immediately is diverted into underground storage facilities. This allows excess gas delivered during the summer to be made available to help meet the increased demand in the winter.

The Bettis PressureGuard systems are being installed in the wellhead area of the gas storage facility, where there is no electrical power. This is an ideal application for the spring-based PressureGuard shutdown systems because no plant air, fuel gas, electricity, or expensive nitrogen back-up systems are required. A self-contained oil reservoir also removes the need for any external hydraulic piping. A Pressure Pilot with Hi-Hi, Low-Low options triggers the system when a pressure threshold is reached.

The Bettis PressureGuard system offers built-in temperature compensation and pressure relief and has proven to be highly successful in years of field service under some of the most demanding operating and environmental conditions. The actuator can be used with either rotary or linear spring-return hydraulic operators to provide a fail-safe system adaptable to ball, plug, and other quarter-turn valves as well as reverse-acting gate and other linear operated valves.