Project Overview
Approved for funding in ERA’s Natural Gas Challenge in 2020, Kinitics Automation developed its electric valve actuator to address the need for non-venting solutions to valve application. By project completion in 2024, the KVA38 was successfully commercialized, eliminating methane venting from pneumatic control devices at gas production sites across Alberta.
Electric Valve Actuator Eliminates Methane Emissions
Pneumatic devices are a major contributor to methane emissions. Kinitics Automation developed a fully electric valve actuator as a direct replacement for methane-venting pneumatic devices. The technology is spring-loaded, based on shape memory alloy technology, connects to AC or DC power sources and requires minimal infrastructure and maintenance. Kinitics actuators provide exceptional valve positional accuracy and unlike alternatives can close at a loss of power rather than remain in their last position, which benefits process control at well sites.
The KVA38 product line is a drop-in replacement for existing valve actuators, offering zero-emission process control technology to the Canadian energy sector. Replacing pneumatic devices with zero-bleed electric actuators eliminates methane venting at production well sites and supporting facilities, significantly reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. With less power and maintenance requirements than alternative solutions the KVA38 is suitable for such remote locations.
Successful Field Deployments and Industry Engagement Validate KVA38
The project deployed six commercial samples across three gas production facilities to demonstrate and evaluate the actuator. In addition to field tests, the project proved the actuator technology in a series of lab tests in-house and at the NGIF Emissions Testing Center. Key technical hurdles were overcome such as scaling up of stroke length and force, expanded temperature range, addition of multiple power supply options, and creation of an integrated control module. The electric valve actuator achieved Canada and USA Class I Zone 1 hazardous location certification – the necessary rating to be deemed suitable for the Canadian energy sector. Collaboration with industry partners adapted the technology to integrate valve actuators into process control systems at pilot sites, this demonstrated the electric actuators as a viable alternative to pneumatic actuators and raised awareness of the technology in the industry.
What’s next?
Kinitics launched the commercial rollout of their electric valve actuator across Alberta natural gas facilities, aiming to support both greenfield installations at new wells and retrofits at legacy wells. Kinitics plans to address additional opportunities identified through industry engagement, including gas lift and blanket gas applications. Following successful deployment at well sites, the electric valve actuator aims to replace pneumatic venting devices that are operating at gas batteries and various downstream facilities. Going forward, Kinitics is positioned to scale-up into the role of a traditional equipment manufacturer and remains committed to supporting the industry with education and product solutions.