Kinitics Automation has announced the successful field demonstration of the KVA38 at a remote natural gas wellsite owned by Tourmaline Oil Corp. This milestone underscores Kinitics’ commitment to providing innovative and reliable solutions tailored to the demanding conditions of the energy sector.
Under the NGIF Emissions Testing Centre (ETC) Program, the KVA38 actuator underwent field testing at a remote natural gas wellsite near Edson, Alberta, owned by Tourmaline Oil Corp. Three actuators were deployed to control critical dump and backpressure valves within a multi-phase separator system. During the trial, the actuators achieved over 10,000 cycles across 160 days of continuous operation. This validation demonstrates the KVA38’s reliability and suitability for large-scale deployment in natural gas production facilities.
Built to withstand harsh operating conditions, the KVA38 is certified for Class I Zone 1 hazardous locations in both the US and Canada. Its robust construction ensures reliable performance in temperatures as low as -40°C, making it ideally suited for remote oil and gas facilities. With compatibility across a range of valve sizes, the KVA38 is well-equipped to meet the diverse needs of energy infrastructure.
The KVA38 actuator, Kinitics’ latest innovation in valve actuation, leverages Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) technology to deliver precise linear motion and enhanced reliability. As a fully electric alternative to traditional pneumatic systems, the KVA38 eliminates methane emissions while ensuring operational efficiency and environmental compliance. Key features include zero-deadband proportional control, a mechanical spring return for fail-closed functionality during power or signal interruptions, and seamless integration with analog (4-20 mA) and serial (MODBUS) communication protocols. Available in 24VDC and 120VAC power configurations, the KVA38 is engineered for durability and minimal maintenance.
The successful field demonstration of the KVA38 at a remote natural gas wellsite owned by Tourmaline Oil Corp. marks a significant step forward in reducing methane emissions within the natural gas sector.