BTC pipeline overcomes extreme conditions

30 August 2007

Botas, Turkish government owned company, has commissioned BP to construct a 1,700km long crude oil pipeline across three countries using actuated valves from a West Midlands, UK based company.

Midlands-ACS manufactured and commissioned the valves for the BTC (Baku-Tibilisi-Ceyhan) pipeline’s Ceyhan Marine Terminal and four of its pumping stations.

The company has developed and supplied 20 Self-Contained Electro-hydraulic pipeline actuators controlling valves ranging in size from 8” to 32”.

Midlands-ACS said that for the actuators to withstand the harsh and extreme conditions it was necessary to use specialist sealing technology, and in-house manufactured 316 stainless steel hydraulic cylinders, pipework and pilot valves.

The actuator assembly also includes a hydraulic reserve tank used for pressure, flow control and re-injection, providing accurate positional, modulating and fail-safe control of the larger main valve.

Weather protection is provided for the electrical connections by using Eexd rated cables, glands and termination.