Process valves are large ball, gate or butterfly valves that control the flow of steam, oil, water or gas within power
generation plants. Their handling, due to large powers involved, relies on the force and reliability of hydraulics.
There are two types of process valves:
OPEN/CLOSE or
REGULATING. The former can be handled by
ON-OFF
solenoid valves. The latter through servo-proportional valves or axis control systems, which regulate their
opening and holding in position, according to the exact power consumption the system requires. Precise
position control lets the system work inside the operative range where the maximum point of
electrical
efficiency is reached, boosting the entire energy production process. In both cases, the Atos range of industrial
or ex-proof electrohydraulic components allows the requirements to be met in either environments, nonclassified
or potentially explosive classified areas.
Based on their role within the system and the potential hazard they could generate in the case of a sudden
stop, process valves are classified according to the desired reaction in case of unexpected event, which could
result in emergency status:
- FAIL CLOSED, the valve closes completely
- FAIL OPEN, the valve fully opens
- FAIL LAST, the valve maintains the last actuated position
Atos, with its long experience in the energy sector, designs both single power units and those with redundant
architecture, integrating hydraulic safety components, according to international directives and application
requirements. Customization extends also to the selection of power supply voltages for solenoid valves,
offering solutions both for applications powered through mains power supply and with backup battery packs
in case of power supply breakdown.