Safety is a fundamental requirement throughout oil and gas production, processing, storage and transportation. Where valves form part of a safety-related system, the actuator responsible for moving that valve may also need to perform a defined safety function reliably when demanded.
This is where functional safety and Safety Integrity Level (SIL) capability become important considerations in electric actuator specification.
Going forward, AUMA's SIL solution for these applications will centre on TIGRON SIL, a high-performance, explosion-proof electric actuator developed for safety-related applications. TIGRON SIL is designed for open-close and modulating duty and provides configurable functional safety capabilities for demanding oil and gas environments.
The safety-relevant elements of TIGRON SIL have been developed and evaluated in accordance with IEC 61508 and ISO 13849 and are certified by TÜV Nord. The actuator supports safety functions including Safe ESD OPEN, Safe ESD CLOSE, Safe STOP and safe end-position feedback. It is capable of applications up to SIL 2 with a single actuator and up to SIL 3 when used within an appropriate redundant system architecture.
A significant feature of TIGRON SIL is its configurability. Up to four different safety functions can be configured within a single actuator, with their priorities individually defined. Parameters including the type of seating in the end position, tripping torque and overload protection can also be configured to meet application requirements.
TIGRON SIL additionally offers a timer function for pipeline applications that can slow actuator movement shortly before the valve reaches its end position. This controlled movement can help avoid pressure surges within the pipeline.
TIGRON SIL combines these functional safety capabilities with explosion protection for hazardous environments. The range covers torques from 10 Nm to 1,000 Nm and provides modern interfaces, including Profinet, to support integration with plant control systems.
Functional safety nevertheless extends beyond the actuator itself. The complete safety instrumented function must be considered, including sensors, logic solver, actuator and valve, with the required SIL determined by the application's safety
TIGRON SIL provides a dedicated electric actuation solution where explosion protection, precise valve control and functional safety must work together as part of the wider engineered safety system.