PetrolValves and Bosch Rexroth have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on the electrification of subsea process valves with high Safety Integrity Level requirements, such as Subsea Safety Isolation Valves (SSIV).
Both companies are already working on a solution that connects PetrolValves subsea valve and actuator system with the Rexroth eSEA Drive. Operation and control are carried out via simple 24 V DC electric power supply. The new development will reduce the investment and operating costs of subsea systems for the storage of captured carbon (CCS/CCUS) and for the safe transport of green hydrogen (H2) produced offshore using renewable energy.
PetrolValves and Bosch Rexroth will present their joint development at OTC 2024, the Offshore Technology Conference, in Houston, Texas.
One of the biggest challenges in the use of offshore systems for the capture and storage of CO2 and the use of green hydrogen (H2) is to reduce the total cost of ownership. A significant lever for cost reduction is electrification, and we achieved this objective through the combination of PetrolValves valve and actuation system together with Bosch Rexroth eSEA Drive, which cover all safety-relevant movements at water depths of up to 4,000 meters. They are highly reliable and economical alternative to the hydraulically driven actuators that have been used up to now. Until now, large subsea process valves with high Safety Integrity Level (SIL) requirements could not benefit from electrification due to the lack of a suitable and affordable drive solution.
PetrolValves and Bosch Rexroth are collaborating on the electrification of large subsea process valves and have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to this effect. The agreement covers the development and qualification of new valve variants, such as a 10- or 12-inch ball valves, as well as the promotion of these solutions to the market. “Together, we will offer to the operators the opportunity to introduce highly reliable and innovative electric technologies that will reduce capital and operating costs of their plants, minimizing the energy consumption and protecting the environment”, said Miguel Vallcorba Piera, Chief Commercial Officer of PetrolValves.
Both companies have already implemented this solution using an eSEA Drive from to electrify a subsea 5’’ gate valve, and a full-scale prototype is currently in the final phase of qualification tests to reach Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 by mid-2024.