During a recent site visit, we were asked to look at two electrically actuated knife gate valves that were struggling to unseat.
The valves were located in an Ore Prep Facility, directly under a large oil sands hopper. As expected, the environment wasn’t clean, and both the valves and actuators were covered in a sticky residue, which increased stem torque and led to actuator stalls.
Given the location and associated hazards, we couldn’t physically access the assemblies beyond six feet. Fortunately, the assemblies were equipped with Rotork IQ3 smart actuators.
We were able to access the actuator data logs via Bluetooth from a safe distance and review the performance history back at Summit HQ. The data quickly clarified what was happening.
With some adjustments to the internal actuator settings (completed by the customer using their Bluetooth setting too), the valves were back in service. The plant continued operating, and no components needed replacement.
