Rodney Hunt provides hydraulic actuation systems for gates and valves that offer several benefits over other actuation methods, including more cost effectiveness, less wear that is ideal for frequent cycling, precise positioning, operation during power failures, and single-source design, manufacture, and start-up. Hydraulic actuation systems provide flexibility in speed control, reliability in hazardous environments, confidence of emergency actuation, and lower maintenance needs for applications with frequent operation or modulation. Rodney Hunt can design, manufacture, test, and start-up hydraulic actuation systems to meet various application requirements.
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Hydraulic actuation
1. Rodney HuntA GA Industries Company
Hydraulic Actuation Systems
for Gates and Valves
More cost effective in many applications
Less wear...ideal for frequent cycling
Precise positioning
Operation during power failure
Single-source design, manufacture,
start-up (unit responsibility)
High degree of flexibility in speed control
Bulletin HAS96
2. 2
Rodney Hunt hydraulic actuation systems
for gates and valves:
when you need flexibility, reliability,
performance, and value.
Hydraulic systems for gate and valve operation provide better performance
than other actuation methods. When you specify Rodney Hunt for your
hydraulic actuation needs, you are working with a company that can design,
manufacture, test and start-up your system for dependable single source
quality and efficiency.
Operating Efficiency of Hydraulic Actuation.
Hydraulic actuators should be considered for any installation where multiple
gates or valves can be operated from a single system, especially with unique
operational requirements.
Convenience of Remote Location.
Hydraulic actuators should be considered when the gates or valves are
remote from the control area.
3. Reliability in Hazardous or Hostile Environments.
If the gate and/or actuator is submerged, or must operate in a hazardous envi-
ronment, hydraulic actuation is a safe and reliable option.
Confidence of Emergency Actuation.
In the event of a power failure, hydraulic actuators can be set to open/close
automatically, or provide continued control functions.
Linear Actuation Offers Lower Maintenance with
Frequent Operation/Modulation.
If the application requires frequent cycling, hydraulics offer a distinct
advantage. Because there are no screw stems and nuts required for operation,
hydraulics eliminate the wear and maintenance problems associated with
rotating equipment. Low friction hydraulic cylinders offer highly efficient
operation.
Flexibility of Variable and Adjustable Speed Control.
Hydraulic actuation systems can be provided for an almost limitless variety of
independent and field adjustable open/close speeds. The system can even be
designed for variable open/close cycles, where the gate or valve opens/closes
part way at one speed and finishes the stroke
at a different speed.
Control Panel Options.
From simple push-button operation, to
sophisticated programmable positioning uti-
lizing programmable controllers where
required. Integrate with input signals from
level, flow, or pressure sensors (or SCADA
systems). NEMA 4, 4x, 7, or 12 ratings.
Single-Source Responsibility.
From application engineering assistance
through system design, manufacture, testing,
and start-up.
On the cover
Upper left: Two Rodney Hunt self-contained sluice
gates with hydraulic cylinders in the North System
Headworks of the Deer Island primary treatment facil-
ity, Boston. Middle right: A SCUBA unit can be used
to operate large water and wastewater valves, like this
36 Rotovalve, destined for service in a municipal
sewage treatment facility.
OPPOSITE PAGE
Above left: Hydraulic actuation system engineering
includes development of hydraulic power units with
programmable controls that can respond to computer
instructions for exact gate or valve positioning,
continuous monitoring, and emergency operation.
Below: The hydraulic power unit for the North River
WWTP in New York City. The accumulators provide
emergency closure of influent sluice gates.
ON THISPAGE
Above: A SCUBA unit installed at the Spring
Creek Auxiliary Plant (New York City) to
provide power failure actuation. Unit per-
formed 1003 power failure cycles over a
6-month period to obtain New York DEP
approval. Left: A hydraulic system used to
automatically operate a gate controlling
influent water level at the Park Pump
Station, Hellertown, PA. Below: The Rodney
Hunt complex in Orange, Massachusetts,
includes a modern foundry, complete fabri-
cation and machining areas, hydraulic sys-
tem design and manufacturing areas, and
hydrostatic testing facilities.
4. 4
Hydraulic actuation is ideal for a range
Central Systems
When multiple devices require actuation.
When devices to be operated are in the same facility.
When valving is local, and/or remote.
Streamseal速
Butterfly Valves
Central System
Sluice Gates
Crest Gates
Rotary Ball or
Cone Valves
Bonneted
Gates
5. 5
of applications.
Dedicated Systems
When single devices require actuation.
When multiple devices are widely separated.
When the application is critical.
SCUBA
Actuators
For small to medium sizes of gates, valves,
or other devices.
When space is a premium.
For ease of installation.
Ideal for CSO and retrofit applications.
Perfect for hostile, exposed, or
submerged environments.
Control
Panel/System
Gate or Valve
Gate
Valve
SCUBA
SCUBA
6. 6
Hydraulic Actuation
20QUESTIONS:The following represent 20 of the most commonly asked questions about the hydraulic
operation of gates and valves, hydraulic power units and their electrical controls.
Please contact Rodney Hunt Company for answers to any other questions you may have.
1. Where should hydraulic actuation
be used?
Hydraulic actuation should be used for any installations
where there are a number of gates or valves that can be
operated from a single system; installations where the
gates, valves, and actuators must be submerged; and
installations where the gates or valves must operate in a
power failure or other emergency. Hydraulic actuators
are particularly desirable where equipment is to be
operated frequently, where loads are high, where the
speed of operation is high or must be varied during
operation, and where gates or valves are located in a
hazardous area requiring explosion-proof and intrinsi-
cally safe equipment.
2. How many gates or valves can a
single hydraulic system operate?
Any number. Practically, the number depends on the
sizes of the cylinders, the type of operation, the area
available for the system and controls, as well as the dis-
tance to the devices being actuated.
3. Can hydraulic cylinders be used for
submerged service?
Yes. Special rod seals are used to make the cylinders
suitable for use under water. The hydraulic fluid lines
are brought to the hydraulic system located above the
water surface. In drinking water applications, special
non-toxic hydraulic fluids can be used. Also, stainless
steel components are recommended.
This Rodney Hunt hydraulic actuation
system operates two 156 x 192
Rodney Hunt crest gates installed at
the Deer Island facility in Boston
Harbor.
7. 7
4. For gates and valves that operate
frequently, what are the advantages of
hydraulic actuation?
The major advantage of hydraulic actuation for any
installation in which the gate or valve modulates or
operates frequently is that there are no threaded stems
and nuts required for operation. Hydraulic systems are
designed for frequent operation without the problems of
actuator wear associated with screw stem hoists.
5. What is the speed of operation?
Can it be made variable?
The linear speed of gate or valve operation can be con-
trolled from approximately 2 per minute to as much as
120 per minute. Speed control valves can be used to
vary the speed of operation on site. Systems can be
designed to allow different speeds for each direction or
staged speeds in one direction.
6. How does emergency operation
work during a power failure?
The most common method is to use precharged accu-
mulators which store oil under pressure. When power
fails, oil flows automatically to the cylinders causing
the gates or valves to either open or close, as required.
Accumulators and systems can be configured to store
and use hydraulic energy for manual operator com-
mands or automatic operation with the use of an unin-
terruptable power source (UPS) or battery supported
control system.
7. Why is hydraulic actuation preferred
in hazardous locations?
Greater flexibility in system design and configuration
makes hydraulic actuation ideal in hazardous locations.
The hydraulic cylinder can be located in a hazardous
area where intrinsically safe or explosion-proof equip-
ment is required. Electrical components to supply the
fluid power are usually located in an area which is
non-hazardous. Prolonged submersion is also possible.
8. What is a high-pressure hydraulic
cylinder?
A typical hydraulic cylinder, designed to operate in a
2000 - 3000 psi system, will be constructed with a high
grade steel cylinder barrel, steel head and cap, and a
chrome plated stainless steel piston rod. Standard
heavy duty hydraulic cylinders have a minimum
working pressure rating of 3000 psi.
These cylinders are available with numerous mount-
ing styles, rod end styles, diameters and lengths to fit
every application. The mounting style and dimensions
of the cylinder must be carefully coordinated with the
gate or valve equipment being operated.
9. What type of cylinder position
indicators are available?
The three most common types of position indication for
hydraulic cylinders are: visual continuous position
indication, end of travel indication, and remote contin-
uous position indication.
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
Piston
Piston
Lip Seals
Piston
Rod
Cylinder
End Seals
Rod Cartridge Rod Wiper
Cylinder
Barrel
Cylinder
Heads
Rod
Seal
8. 8
Visual cylinder position indication is provided by
means of a tail rod attached to the cylinder piston. The
tail rod will exactly track the piston and gate or valve
movements.
End of travel indication can be accomplished either
by proximity switches mounted in the head and cap of
a hydraulic cylinder or by limit switches mounted
external to the cylinder body. Proximity switches in the
cylinder are recommended as they offer the simplest
installation and most reliable operation. In both instanc-
es, an electrical contact closure at full cylinder travel
can provide end of travel indication by lights installed
at any desired location, local or remote.
Continuous position indication is generally accom-
plished using a linear transducer inserted inside the
cylinder. A 4-20 mA signal is generated, corresponding
to the position of the piston in the cylinder.
10. What kind of hydraulic fluids are
used? Are there options?
Typically, a high grade petroleum-based hydraulic oil is
used in operating a hydraulic system. There are also
standard non-flammable hydraulic fluids available, but
they are substantially more expensive.
Biodegradable or food grade hydraulic fluids are
available, and should be considered where the gates or
valves are used to control drinking water. However,
petroleum-based fluids offer superior operating charac-
teristics.
11. Why not use air or water?
Both air and water are usually furnished at low pres-
sures, in the range of 60 -120 psi. Due to this low pres-
sure, all required components and cylinders must be
substantially larger than if a high pressure hydraulic
fluid system were used. This increases the overall cost
of the operating system. Water is also unsuitable at tem-
peratures below 32属F.
Also, both water and air are corrosive, requiring spe-
cial and high cost cylinder and system components.
12. What is recommended system
pressure?
The generally accepted operating pressure for hydrauli-
cally operated gates and valves is 2000 psi. A system
pressure of 2000 psi offers a comfortable margin of safe-
ty for readily available equipment rated for 3000 psi.
The AWWA standard for Power Actuating Devices
for Valves and Sluice Gates, AWWA C540, describes
hydraulic actuation of valves and sluice gates. The stan-
dard covers hydraulic oil cylinders operating up to
2500 psi. The pressure allows the use of standard com-
ponents that are suitable for 3000 psi with an adequate
factor of safety. It also allows the use of smaller compo-
nents than would be possible at lower pressures, thus
reducing system costs. Hydraulic systems designed for
2000 psi to 2500 psi operating pressure have been used
successfully for many years to operate equipment.
A 2000-3000 psi system can be used to operate
equipment at lower pressures by the use of pressure
reducing valves for that section of the system.
13. What are the basic components
of the hydraulic actuation system?
Depending upon project requirements, hydraulic sys-
tems have a reservoir with the necessary filters, oil filler
pipes, oil level sight gauge, a clean-out access, and the
motor driven pump or pumps mounted on, or adjacent
to, the reservoir. The valving usually consists of a pres-
sure relief valve to limit the maximum operating pres-
sure of the system; directional control valves that direct
the fluid to open or close the gates or valves; speed
control valves to control the speed of opening and clos-
ing; and pilot-operated check or counterbalance valves
to lock the piston in place to prevent drift when the
directional control valves are shut off. Many other con-
trols along with an electrical control panel can be
provided as desired or required by the different modes
of operation needed. A hand pump can be provided for
reduced speed emergency operation when there is a
loss of electric power.
Hydraulic Actuation
20QUESTIONS CONTINUED
9. 9
RESERVOIR
CHECK VALVE
PRESSURE
RELIEF VALVE
PRESSURE
REDUCING VALVE
PILOT OPERATED
CHECK VALVE
FLOW CONTROL
VALVE
PRESSURE SWITCH
ACCUMULATORDIRECTIONAL CONTROL VALVE
PUMP FILTER PRESSURE
GAUGE
Symbols used on hydraulic schematic diagrams
14. How big are hydraulic power units?
Hydraulic power units are designed to be as compact
as practical although their size may vary considerably
depending on the functional requirements of the sys-
tem. A hydraulic power unit designed to operate three
(3) 60 x 60 sluice gates may typically have the enve-
lope dimensions of 4 wide by 4 deep by 6 high. All
necessary valves, motors, electrical controls and the
hydraulic reservoir will likely fit within this area.
Service access should be provided preferably from three
sides. If accumulators are required, they will typically
be located integrally or adjacent to the hydraulic power
unit, depending on their size.
15. Can the hydraulic system be
outside? How far can it be from the
equipment?
Typically, the equipment operated should be within 300
feet of the power unit. The further away the gates or
valves are from the power unit, the larger the intercon-
necting piping must be to keep the pressure drop at
acceptable levels. Rodney Hunt has supplied hydraulic
systems in which the gates were over 500 feet from the
hydraulic power unit.
Hydraulic systems can be designed for installation
outside, but it is preferable to locate the system indoors,
or in a weatherproof enclosure. Hydraulic systems oper-
ate best when the ambient temperature for the system is
between 40属 and 100属F. Heaters can be added to heat
the oil where the temperature drops below 40属F, and
heat exchangers can be used to cool the oil for locations
where the temperature exceeds 100属F.
The cylinders themselves can be located outside in
areas where the temperatures are extreme.
16. What control options are there?
Almost any type of operation is available. Control of
gates or valves can range from very simple manual
operation, using manually operated directional control
valves located at the gate or valve, to sophisticated pro-
cess controls which automatically position multiple
gates or valves to control water level or flow.
There are an unlimited number of control conditions,
including simple push button operation, remote opera-
tion, gate/valve modulation, and automatic emergency
or power failure operation. Some of the more complex
systems are best operated by programmable controls.
Programmable controls provide sophisticated control
logic and reduce the space and labor associated with
control relays and other devices. Typically, programma-
ble controllers are used as the base for the electrical
controls because they provide a complete and very flex-
ible package for all control logic necessary for varied
control applications. Programmable controls have an
important advantage in that, should operating condi-
tions change at some point, the programmable control-
ler can be easily re-programmed to fit new operating
conditions.
17. How does the power failure
accumulator system work? Are there
other power failure options?
Accumulators are pressure vessels which store hydrau-
lic fluid by compressing an inert gas. In high pressure
systems, the gas (normally dry nitrogen) is separated
from the hydraulic fluid by either a moveable piston or
rubber bladder. In low pressure systems, the gas, typi-
cally air, is not isolated from the fluid.
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
10. 10
Hydraulic Actuation
20QUESTIONS CONTINUED
Dual alternating pumps characterize
this hydraulic power unit for the city of
Providence, Rhode Island. This unit
operates 17 Rodney Hunt sluice gates
and 16 knife gate valves and bin gates
provided by other manufacturers.
The hydraulic fluid is pumped into the accumulator,
compressing the gas. The hydraulic oil can then be
stored under pressure until required.
Accumulators can be used to actuate cylinders
during electrical power failure. The oil is directed to the
cylinders by manually operated or electrically con-
trolled valves which are either de-energized upon a loss
of power or operated by back-up battery electric power.
18. How many times can a gate/valve
be operated with the accumulator
system?
Accumulators can be designed to operate a gate or valve
as many times as required. Typically, accumulators are
designed to either open or close a gate or valve in the
event of a power failure.
The pressure in the accumulator(s) is maintained
by the system pumps. If the accumulator
pressure drops, a pressure switch in
the accumulator circuit turns the
pump on, forcing oil into the
accumulators and restoring the
pressure. This ensures that
pressurized fluid is always
available in the event of a
power failure.
19. How cost effective are hydraulic
systems?
Hydraulic actuation systems provide the most cost-ef-
fective method for providing a range of advantageous
actuation features, such as: multiple gate and valve
actuation from a single source, flexibility of operating
speeds, field adjustable operating speeds, operation in
submersible or hostile environments, and operation in
the event of a power failure.
20. What is the advantage of
single-source responsibility?
Single source responsibility for the design, manufac-
ture, testing, and installation start-up of the gates,
valves and hydraulic power system offers the consult-
ing engineer, contractor, and end-user one source for
the entire system. This has obvious advantages for coor-
dination of system design and application, and ensures
proper operation.
When specifications call for the manufacturer of the
gates and/or valves to design, manufacture, test and
start-up the hydraulic system, as well as the gates
and valves being installed (unit responsibility),
single source responsibility guarantees a
properly sized and functional
flow control system.
10
11. Name Company Name/Municipality
Address City State Zip
Phone Fax E-Mail
Please respond as completely as possible to the questions below. If certain information is not known or not applicable, simply indicate
this in the space provided.
Hydraulic Actuation Specifier
FAXUS.Tell us about your application.
Rodney Hunt can help in many ways in the selection of the
appropriate actuator for a particular gate or valve installation. pre-
liminary design work, estimating, preparation of specifications
and other assistance is available.
To initiate a preliminary actuator design consultation, please pho-
tocopy this input sheet, provide the information requested, and
FAX to Rodney Hunt for timely response and feedback.
(978-544-7204)
1. What types of gates/valves or devices are to be operated?
(sluice gates? slide gates? roller gates? crest gates? cone
valves? butterfly valves? other?)
2. How many gates/valves or other devices will be operated?
3. How many gates or valves will be operated at one time?
4. What size(s) are the gates/valves to be operated?
5. What operating heads will be acting on the gate or valve?
6. Approximately how far apart are the gates/valves? How far
from a potential central hydraulic system location?
7. What will be the operating speed of the gates/valves? (30
per minute is standard for hydraulic actuators, 12 per minute
is standard for electrically actuated gates.)
8. How frequently will the gates/valves be operated? Will they
be modulating to control flow or level?
9. What is the environment where the gates/valves will be
located? This includes any special conditions, such as
extremes of temperature, corrosive or hazardous atmosphere,
outdoor location, etc.
10. Will the gates/valves be operated by a push-button station
operated at the gate or valve? Or located at the central control
panel? Or both?
11. Will the gates/valves be operated from an external signal
such as a water level transmitter, flow transmitter, or a signal
from a computer?
12. Is power failure or emergency operation required for any of
the gates/valves? Should the gates open or close upon power
failure?
13. Is continued operation of the gates required after power
failure?
14. Is gate position indication required? If so, should this be
end of travel only, continuous position indication only, or both?
11
12. 12
Valve Products
Vee-Ported Differential
Automatic Control
Valves
Check Valves
(Air-cushioned, oil-
controlled swing check
valves and tilting disc
check valves)
Sewage Control Valves
Rotary Ball Valves
Automatic Air Valves
Howell-Bunger速
Valves
Flap Valves
Streamseal速
Circular
and Rectangular
Butterfly Valves
Rotovalve速
Cone Valves
Tainter Valves
Gate Products
Sluice Gates
際際滷 Gates
Roller Gates
Tainter Gates
Multiple Leaf Gates
Timber Gates
Fish Diversion Gates
Bulkhead Gates
Bascule速
and Pelican速
Hinged Crest Gates
Jet Flow Gates
Bonneted Gates
Mitre Gates
Sector Gates
Velocity Control Gates
Tide Gates
Stop Logs
Tipping Plate Regulators
Actuation
Hydraulic Actuation
Systems
SCUBA速
Cable Drum Hoists
Coming together to provide the most comprehensive
offering in water control products and technology
The merger of the operations of GA Industries and Rodney Hunt Company
provides the world marketplace one of the most comprehensive lines of flow
control products available from one source. Both companies are recognized
leaders in the design and manufacture of valves, gates, and other products for
the flow control industry.
The combined companies while maintaining their separate identities
will offer contractors, consulting engineers, and municipal engineers who speci-
fy water control products the most comprehensive line of products and engineer-
ing expertise available anywhere.
Rodney Hunt Company
A GA Industries Company
Orange, Massachusetts 01364
TEL: 978-544-2511 / FAX: 978-544-7204
Website: www.rodneyhunt.com
息 1996 Rodney Hunt Company
Rotovalve, Howell-Bunger, Streamseal, Pelican, Bascule, and SCUBA are registered trademarks of Rodney Hunt Company.