The self-contained hydraulic control unit utilizes one of Safoco’s most economical actuators with environmentally friendly hydraulic fluid, and a CVS hydraulic control system. Switching from the typically pneumatic controlled actuator to hydraulic medium allows for operation at more extreme temperatures and increases its working capabilities. The unit consists of an actuated valve, hydraulic control system, arming valve, and optional pressure sensing pilots. The actuator is a Safoco 800 series diaphragm actuator, the most economical API-6A actuator on the market. The hydraulic system is enclosed in a stainless steel enclosure and it can be attached directly to the wellhead or placed closer to the GPU. The overall simplicity of the system ensures the unit’s operational reliability, and easy maintenance gives the user confidence in this equipment.
The environmentally friendly, hydraulic fluid is a propylene glycol mixture. It has been tested to work at temperatures from -50 to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Typical pneumatic units can exhaust and relieve explosive gas directly to the environment. The Safoco unit has an internal relief valve that allows for the fluid to be contained and exhausted back into the internal reservoir. If the fluid were to become exposed to the environment, the propylene glycol mixture does not harm the environment or any living creatures.
