Rotork IQ-series actuator battery shutdown option

Rotork has announced a shutdown battery option for its IQT3 Series valve actuators, designed to offer a pre-programmed movement of the valve on loss of power or communications. This is the first time that the IQT3 has been offered with a shutdown battery option in an explosion-proof design. A lithium-ion battery supplies the potentially vital backup power from within the actuator enclosure.

In the event of mains power loss, the Shutdown Battery can continue to function automatically to a site-configurable end-of-travel safe position, providing fail-to-position functionality on critical valves. The failure mode can change depending on customer requirements. This fail-to-position can be fail-closed, open, stay put or go-to-a-percent position, depending on what fail-to-position action is needed to ensure the process fails to a safe operating state. With the Shutdown Battery there is no need for additional back-up systems, such as compressors, to provide this functionality.

The IQT Shutdown Battery also features a UPS mode. This ensures that there is continued control and operation of the actuator on loss of mains power until the battery charge has run out. Operations can continue as normal while the battery charge lasts, mitigating the risk of deferred or lost revenue due to power outages.

Solar-powered installations are increasingly required for remote installations, such as pipeline pump stations. Here, the IQT Shutdown Battery mitigates fluctuating solar power and eliminates the need for expensive external batteries.