The Transalpine Pipeline (TAL) connecting Italy, Austria, Germany, and the Czech Republic relies on AUMA actuators for the safe and reliable transport of crude oil. AUMA has been awarded a framework agreement covering the replacement of existing valve actuators with its proven SAEx 25.1 actuators. As part of the five-year agreement, the AUMA actuators will be installed in the pumping stations along the Austrian part of the pipeline. The first set of SAEx 25.1 actuators has been installed and commissioned.
The TAL network is 753 km long, linking the port of Trieste in Italy with eight refineries in Central Europe. Handling approximately 40 million tons of crude oil per year, the pipeline plays a major role in meeting the oil needs of Austria (90%), the Czech Republic (50%), and southern Germany (100%). The 40-in. pipeline runs underground for most of its length: it goes through towns and cities, farmland, rivers, and lakes, climbing to 1,572 metres above sea level as it crosses the Alps.
For TAL Austria, product reliability was a key point in the decision on the actuator brand, since any disruptions in the operation of the pipeline would quickly become critical. AUMA’s robust and powerful SAEx 25.1 actuators proved to be a perfect fit, offering a proven track record of several decades in oil and gas applications. In combination with gearboxes, the actuators will provide torques up to 10.800 Nm to automate 40-in. gate valves at differential pressures of 30 bar.
Local service and support were another key factors for TAL Austria. AUMA service engineers at the company’s Austrian subsidiary can provide fast and competent service at all times, ensuring the safe and reliable operation of the facilities. The AUMA contract also includes on-site commissioning and training.
