Cowan Dynamics Delivers Massive Actuator to China

Cowan Dynamics delivered a custom, SIL-3 certified Scotch-yoke actuator system to the Yulong Island Refining and Chemical Project, one of the largest petrochemical developments in the world. The custom 90-degree rotational actuator was engineered specifically for a critical process loop requiring precision under extraordinary loads. The sheer size of the system required complex mechanical challenges to ensure fail-safe operation.

The complete assembly measured 44 ft in length by 8.5 ft wide and 5.5 ft high. To manage the operational requirements and mechanical fail-safe with available air pressure only 50 psi, the actuator required a spring-fail torque of 2.7 million lbs. The design accommodates a stroke volume of 164,800 cubic in., requiring optimized pneumatic control systems for stroke times under 31 seconds. The system features a robust spring return (fail open) mechanism and technology for advanced partial stroke testing and emergency shutdown capabilities.

Cowan Dynamics President & CEO Aymen Ghorbal in front of the massive actuator assembly before shipping to China.

“The mechanical requirements for this petrochemical facility pushed the boundaries of standard valve automation,” stated Aymen Ghorbal, President & CEO of Cowan Dynamics.

“Engineering a Scotch-Yoke actuator over 13.5 meters long that can safely and reliably manage over 2.7 million inch-pounds of break torque is an immense physical challenge. Achieving this while maintaining strict SIL 3 safety compliance and sub 31-second stroke times is a testament to our team’s mechanical expertise and our commitment to the global petrochemical market.”