SIPOS Press releases

With a history rooted in Siemens, SIPOS Aktorik’s state-of-the-art headquarters are located in Altdorf, Germany. A comprehensive network of global agents includes representation in Saudi Arabia. The company manufactures and supplies specialist / standard actuation solutions for valve control in the district cooling (DC), power, water and oil/gas industries. Comprehensive service and support is also provided.

Particular growth is reported from Saudi Arabia for SIPOS’ electric actuators for district cooling applications. Benefits of the variable speed actuation technology include flexibility, accuracy and, importantly, prevention of the damaging effect of pipeline water hammer.

Listed on SIPOS’ growing portfolio of prestigious Middle East DC installations is a project headed by Saudi Tabreed that incorporates a DC system to cool all Saudi Aramco buildings in Dhahran. A centralised plant with cooling capacity of 27,000 tons of refrigeration will supply chilled water to the Saudi Aramco buildings.

As approximately half the electrical energy is required to run a DC system compared to traditional cooling solutions, environmental benefits and cost savings are recognised. Enhanced comfort, reliability and convenience add to the appeal of the building cooling solution. Additionally, the ability of SIPOS’ products to address water hammer is recognised as essential as this prevents powerful surges of water, which damage pipes.

SIPOS’ high profile in Saudi Arabia has been reinforced with the company’s role as a Gold sponsor of the third annual District Cooling Summit in Doha, Qatar. At the November 2011 event, SIPOS presented alongside His Excellency Loay bin Ahmad Sa‘ad Al-Musallam, Executive Chairman and Managing Director of the National Water Company, Saudi Arabia.

Continuing its strong presence as an expert in electric actuation for the Middle East, SIPOS will be one of the sponsors of the 3rd Annual District Cooling Summit in Rihyad, Saudi Arabia from 15th to 18th April 2012.

A strong installation base for SIPOS Aktorik’s actuators in Turkey is set to expand with the appointment of a new agent. Widely adopted in the country’s power plants, the Turkish energy industry is a particular growth market for SIPOS and the recruitment of HUBTEX supports the increased adoption of the company’s actuators in the region.

With a track record spanning a number of decades, HUBTEX has an extensive existing customer base. Having established a new division for the energy sector, particular strength is offered for the power production industry.

The first joint activities have been completed which confirm HUBTEX’s abilities as a highly competent partner for sales and service of SIPOS’ electric actuation solutions.

As a highly internationally orientated company with a 70% export share, the appointment of global agents is a key part of SIPOS’ growth strategy and HUBTEX joins a network of representatives that cover all continents.

Christian Borrmann, Editor in Chief of Valve World magazine recently visited SIPOS Aktorik’s manufacturing headquarters in Germany where he was updated on the company’s successful year expanding its global partner network.

SIPOS Aktorik’s full system integration capability, including fieldbus competency, has been confirmed with its role managing the DCS commissioning of over 2,000 actuators at the Neurath power plant, BoA 2/3 in Germany. The landmark project illustrates the company’s DCS integration capabilities and strength in providing tailored customer solutions. The installation is understood to be the industry’s first actuator application to integrate PROFIBUS DP with V2 services for enhanced communication capability.

Reporting on the brief, SIPOS advises that, with Siemens as the main DCS supplier, the protocol was specifically adapted to meet the plant’s requirements. Focus was put on DP V2 redundancy functions according to PNO 2.21.2; synchronisation of inputs / outputs and DP V2 time-stamping of events in accordance with PNO 2.192.

As part of the fieldbus functionality provided by SIPOS, the company’s actuators are connected to the plant’s control system via PROFIBUS DP. The actuators’ fieldbus interface has been programmed by SIPOS and accurate torque curve recordings have been ensured. A capability to oversee fibre-optic installations for the plant’s PROFIBUS DP-V2 network also formed a key part of SIPOS’ support programme for the scheme.

BoA 2/3 is the world’s largest lignite power plant, which is owned by the RWE Power Group and includes some of the world’s most advanced steam turbine and generator technology. Latest technology will result in high efficiency and considerably reduce carbon dioxide emissions per kWh, compared with existing lignite-fired power plants.

SIPOS’ credentials for RWE include the supply of over 1,000 actuators to the power group’s BoA 1 power plant in Niederaussem: this project endorsed SIPOS’ technical lead spearheading fieldbus actuation solutions.

An industrial fan installation for a major emissions reduction programme in Chile is supported by SIPOS 5 HiMod actuators. The extreme precision actuators have been selected for a $170 million power plant project managed by generator E-CL SA.

Italian based Industrie CBI selected SIPOS’ actuators for the ambitious environmental retrofit project that incorporates the Tocopilla thermal power station and Mejillones coal fired plant. With Tocopilla alone generating over 1,000 MW of power, the programme is a highly significant green scheme for South America.

SIPOS 5 HiMod actuators were selected for their advanced flexibility and accuracy. The first two actuators will be supplied in November 2011, followed by subsequent commissions scheduled for February and September 2012.

Launched in 2010, the SIPOS 5 HiMod is designed to complement the actuator manufacturer’s established 5 Flash product series, that has been supplied for industrial valve applications since the late 90s. Designed to address the most challenging valve control requirements for high end modulating duty, precision and longevity, the SIPOS 5 HiMod is ideally suited to the meet the demands of power industry installations.

SIPOS – manufacturer and global supplier of electric actuators for specialist and standard applications.

SIPOS Aktorik’s actuators played a pivotal role supporting programmable valve technology at a North Water Reclamation Facility. The new non-potable water pumping station in Erie, Colorado distributes treated water from a storage reservoir to the town’s irrigation system and to Boulder Creek in the Rocky Mountains.

The optimised solution developed for the station by Pipestone Equipment minimises hydraulic transients during normal and emergency conditions with low headloss ball valves controlled by SIPOS’ electric actuators.

SIPOS’ actuators were programmed to create linear acceleration and deceleration of water during normal pump operation. And, in the event of loss of electrical power, the actuators ensure rapid closure via back-up from an uninterruptible power supply. Linear flow rate change is also provided: this ensures minimum system transients and easy calibration/adjustment of the speed-time curve.

Technically significant features reported for the scheme include the combination of engineered pump control and surge anticipation valves, which minimise hydraulic transients and extend the life of the system.

As one of the Gold sponsors of the third annual District Cooling Summit in Doha, Qatar, SIPOS Aktorik will present on the role of its variable speed actuators. A capability to alleviate or prevent water hammer will be highlighted, alongwith the high levels of immunity afforded to address power supply fluctuations. Parallels will be drawn with both the production and distribution of district heating solutions.

Steffen Koehler, an International Sales Manager for SIPOS, will take to the platform to provide a detailed technical and practical overview of the company’s actuation technology for DC installations. Steffen’s presentation will reinforce the Summit’s mission to demystify district cooling.

Other speakers at the forum, which runs from 28th-30th November 2011, include His Excellency Loay bin Ahmad Sa‘ad Al-Musallam, Executive Chairman and Managing Director of the National Water Company, Saudi Arabia.

SIPOS anticipates high audience numbers for its paper as over 250 delegates including leading financiers, contractors and consultants participated in the 2010 District Cooling Summit.

SIPOS Aktorik has appointed its first Agent for the UAE. The global supplier of specialist and standard electric actuators has appointed ADOSET Trading and Oil Services in Abu Dhabi as its latest partner.

An existing track record working for SIPOS’ sales and service functions by Ahmed Sobhi, the CEO and founder of ADOSET, provided established expertise in the product range, its capabilities and supporting service functions. As a result, ADOSET can verify that SIPOS’ actuators are ideally suited to perform in the humid conditions of the Gulf region, providing solutions for valve control across oil & gas, power generation, water/waste water and desalination plants.

Particular benefits are afforded by SIPOS’ products for district cooling installations, which are a rapidly expanding technology solution for the UAE. Product benefits include an ability to address water hammer, which protects hydraulics, and provides immunity to voltage fluctuations.

An impressive existing Client base for ADOSET includes the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, the National Petroleum Construction Company and the Abu Dhabi Oil Refining Company.

A SIPOS Aktorik team successfully completed the 2011 ‘Challenge Roth’ triathlon in Bavaria, Germany. Participating for SIPOS were cyclist Thomas Heid; runner Siegfried Ehrmann and swimmer Matthias Bohn.

For over twenty years, the small town of Roth in Bavaria, Germany has hosted a triathlon and the challenge has grown in popularity each year. Widely recognised as the biggest event of its kind in Europe, around 3,300 individual starters and 600 relay teams entered the 2011 event. Over 150,000 spectators lined the route.

Considered a ‘must do’ date on the sporting calendar for any serious triathlete, participants are attracted from around the world – as a result, the SIPOS team raced against international athletes.

Thomas Heid from SIPOS R&D Software cycled 180 km in 4:49 hours; Siegfried Ehrmann from assembly ran the marathon distance and external colleague Matthias Bohn completed the swimming leg of the triathlon. An excellent team time of 10:08.24 hours was achieved.

A rapidly expanding distributor network for SIPOS Aktorik includes the appointment of the company’s first Agent in Mexico. IESS de Mexico S.A. de C.V., an engineering organisation that specialises in technical support and after sales service, is the latest company to be selected to partner SIPOS.

Established in 1984, IESS’ business mission is to provide automation and instrumentation solutions to ensure efficient and profitable management/process control technology. SIPOS’ actuators, with variable speed capability, assist IESS’ work in meeting increasingly demanding production standards.

In line with SIPOS’ business ethos, IESS’ commercial model focuses on working closely with customers, establishing requirements and the ongoing monitoring of the installation. Main application areas for SIPOS’ electric actuators in Mexico are power and water treatment plants.

IESS is located in the North West region of Mexico City.

Valve operation at an Australian Water Filtration Plant (WFP) at Nepean, 75km south of Sydney, will be supported by SIPOS Aktorik’s variable speed, electric actuators. Advanced actuation communication capability for SIPOS’ 5 Flash actuators was demonstrated to secure the contract for 60 units by local distributor, Barron GJM Pty Ltd.

Located close to two dams, the Nepean WFP, owned by Sydney Water, incorporates a cluster of five filtration plants. Raw water is drawn from the Nepean dam and treated water is supplied to the townships of Bargo, Couridjah, Buxton, Thirlmere, Tahmoor, Picton and adjacent regions.

An upgrade of the scheme’s 12 PLCs and SCADA system, comprising a primary and secondary server, is being implemented to enhance the speed of screen updates and reliability of the communication network. Commenting on how bus technology and software programming support for the plant’s SCADA control system addressed the technical considerations of the project, Weyand Magnaye, Water Products Manager for Barron GJM said:

“With firmware specifically written by SIPOS for Sydney Water, and by conducting in-house testing on a demonstration actuator, we were able to meet the client’s software changes on the fieldbus system.”

“Technical competency of the actuation solution demonstrated at the scheme also includes interlocking capability which, via Profibus, enables and disables the local push button functionality. Additionally, a failsafe function has been incorporated which ensures that, if a bus communication fault occurs, the actuation system defaults to an emergency position.”

The order is the latest in a series of actuator commissions secured by Barron. Previous Sydney Water contracts for SIPOS actuators include a $150 million improvement programme at the North Head STP. SIPOS reports that any of its actuator installations for Sydney Water can be updated simply by uploading latest version firmware.

The management, sales and service team from SIPOS’ Beijing office will promote the full product range and services for the company’s electric actuation solutions at Valve World Asia.

SIPOS’ full capabilities will be presented including global support and customised solutions. Variable speed actuation technology will be highlighted with the SIPOS 5 Flash range and new valve characteristic functionality will be featured.

The company, which has had a presence in China for over 12 years, reports that it has supported Valve World Asia since its inception and, as a result, it is its third time of exhibiting at the bi-annual event. The company has identified the Suzhou event as the ideal platform to strengthen its brand awareness and promote specific product features to an Asian audience.

In line with SIPOS’ international offer, primary markets supported in Asia are the water, power and oil/gas industries.

SIPOS Aktorik has completed a comprehensive actuator retrofit for E.ON’s German power plant, Franken 1. In just four weeks, 80 pipeline valves were replaced, 120 original actuators were removed and 200 new SIPOS Flash 5 actuators mounted and commissioned.

The 790 MW power plant’s control system is managed by Siemens. SIPOS collaborated closely in the commissioning of complete units, demonstrating its total service support capabilities. Commenting, Holger Scholz, a key account manager for SIPOS said:

“We are proud to have handed over the documentation for this prestigious E.ON project. For SIPOS it has been a significant installation that is an excellent case-study example of our retrofitting capabilities.”

“Minimising disruption and avoiding down-time is key to success in the power sector and the flexibility of both our engineers and our products have been pivotal in the success of this project.”

SIPOS reports that retrofit actuation skills for the power sector are particularly important at the current time. The efficiency of fossil fired plants is required for two key reasons: it is central to carbon footprint reduction and competititiveness of plant production is improved. At E.ON’s Franken 1, efficiency was enhanced by 1.5%.

Electric actuators are used in diverse mechanical and plant engineering applications. As a result, flexibility is one of the major demands on modern actuation technology. Meeting this need, SIPOS 5 Flash actuators, which combine frequency converter, programmable electronics unit and robust motor gear sub-assembly, provide a versatile solution for wide ranging industry requirements.

Demonstrating capability in providing tailored actuation solutions, a new software functionality variant for the SIPOS 5 Flash actuator has been custom designed for guide vane control at the Lichterfelde power plant, Germany.

Cooling tower pumps extract water for heat dissipation from the steam generation system of the power plant: these pumps are large power units where throughput is moderated by guide vane adaption. Historically, this was achieved at Lichterfelde using a gear motor. However, the original system was not capable of identifying any sluggishness in guide vane adjustment, and this was a major disadvantage for the operator. Warning signals were only sent once the guide vanes were blocked and the thermoswitches/motor protection relay of the gear motor had tripped. Subsequent repair of any blockages was costly, both in terms of financial loss and required labour resource.

Plant Partnership
Working in partnership with the plant operator, SIPOS Aktorik assessed the requirements to enhance efficiency of vane adjustment. The objective was to produce a solution which would signal any failure in a timely manner to avoid complete shut-down of the cooling tower pump. A further operator requirement was to ensure that the existing DCS control (Teleperm Xp) would not be affected, even when new actuators were installed.

In response to the demands of the brief, a customer-specific software function was designed by SIPOS which addressed the following:

• Actuator tripping when reaching an adjustable torque
• Variable end position setting for preventing overcurrent switch-off of the 6 kV pump motor
• Variable positioning for adaptation of run time monitoring of the DCS
• Stress relief of the chain gear of the guide vane adjustment to prevent running noise in the cooling tower pump
• Optimum adaptation of the actuator to the existing DCS

The resulting actuator variant produced by SIPOS enables strain relief of the chain gear of the pump guide vanes by means of an automatic reversal of the actuator. For reversal, the customer is able to select a run time between 0.1 to 25 s.

Proportional Operation
To ensure that the actuators can be adapted to existing distributed control systems with binary control, the SIPOS 5 Flash actuator is equipped with a proportional operation feature.

During proportional operation, the actuator converts the duration of the operation commands into percent position changes. Position changes are independent of actuator speed and travel length. The settings can be adjusted to provide short operation pulses of the positioner, which result in a position change at the SIPOS 5 output drive: this ensures that actuator and closed-loop control can be efficiently adapted and the existing DCS can be operated using the original settings.

SIPOS reports that the specific requirements of the Lichterfelde power plant were successfully addressed with tailor made software incorporated in SIPOS 5 Flash actuation technology.

The case-study is the latest in a series of specialist solutions produced by the actuator innovator.

The largest contract for SIPOS Aktorik’s encoder version, non intrusive (NI) actuator is announced at PowerGen Europe. Launched in December 2010, the product has been selected by Grosskraftwerk Mannheim (GKM) for block nine of its power plant. The project for one thousand actuators was awarded by Siemens.

SIPOS, a manufacturer and global supplier of electric actuators, has long standing track records with both Siemens and GKM. Originally part of the Siemens group, SIPOS is a preferred supplier for the engineering conglomerate. Over the last decade, the actuator innovator has supplied products for a number of GKM installations including GKM7.

GKM, which comprises RWE, EnBW and MVV Energie, is a major utility producing electricity for households/railroads and energy for district heating. Representing a 1.2 billion Euro investment, planned inauguration for block nine is 2012/13. Gross production will be 911 MW, with electric efficiency of 46.4% and district heating production, with cogeneration, to a maximum of 70%

Key features of the actuation solution to be supplied by SIPOS for the block nine installation are non intrusive Position (niP) encoder and Bluetooth functionality for remote programming and downloading of data

Commenting on the advantages of the NI solution, Michael Molle, SIPOS’ R&D Manager, said:

“NI actuation offers high precision encoder detection which allows identification, without battery or buffer capacitator, when power is off. To give an example, measurement of over 300,000 revolutions of the output shaft is possible, with accuracy pin pointed to 0.002% and resolution of 0.0005% at 36 revolutions per stroke.”

“End positions can be set without opening the actuator housing – this non intrusive functionality offers major benefits regarding commissioning for power plants as it simplifies the process and minimises the time required for procedures.”

The Distributed Control System (DCS) for the GKM installation will be provided by Siemens.

SIPOS Aktorik has sponsored a series of lectures which form part of an educational programme entitled ‘from force to energy’ at the Nuremberg Education Centre in Germany. Presentations endorsed by the electric actuator manufacturer were given on the scientific principles and technical applications of energy and its social integration.

A wide audience comprising the general public, businesses, University staff and students benefited from an educational overview of the history of energy science. Presentation content provided insights from the invention of antique machines through to steam engines and included influential researchers from the Nuremberg region: Ohm, Joule and Werner von Siemens.

With widespread application of SIPOS’ actuators in power plants, and with its business roots as part of Siemens, the lectures were identified by the company as a highly beneficial platform to reinforce the role of its products in energy production. SIPOS reports that the programme was highly successful and that it was pleased to sponsor the educational initiative as it recognises the importance of investing in tomorrow’s engineers.

The lectures took place in the impressive domed room of the Nicolaus Copernicus Planetarium. A range of works were detailed with fundamental insights into energy conversion and conservation. Mayer, Joule and Helmholtz’s projects were referenced, along with Planck's reasoning on quantum mechanics. Recent significant developments included on the lecture schedule were the topics of nuclear reactions in power plants (fission) and in the sun (fusion).

A series of recent water sector contracts secured in Poland by SIPOS Aktorik confirm growth in the country’s requirement for electric actuation products. Backed by EU investment, expansion and upgrades of Polish utilities include the Belchatow water treatment plant and WwTWs at Sieniawa and Siedlce.

An ability to counter the damaging impact of water hammer and dedication to service/support were common selection themes for SIPOS across all the recent Polish applications.

Reasons for selection of SIPOS actuators at Belchatow included an ability to support the scheme’s large scale emergency valves and capability to address water hammer.

Modernisation of the Sieniawa plant has supported the works’ role as provider of the largest drinking water supply to the City of Krosno. Originally built over twenty years ago, a full scale automation upgrade is taking place with SIPOS’ open-close actuators featuring Profibus DP playing a key role. Variable speed functionality was cited as one of the reasons for selecting SIPOS for the installation.

The third recent water industry application for SIPOS in Poland is the waste water plant at Siedlce. Soft start/speed reduction, a Polish menu, fieldbus capability, high service standards and the actuator’s aluminium cover were listed among the selection criteria for SIPOS’ products.

Expansion of application of SIPOS Aktorik’s products and services is confirmed by Grzegorz Cieśla, Marcin Szybiak and Kamil Gaweł, engineers at SIPOS’ partner AUMA Poland.

Responding to developing customer requirements, new functionality has been introduced to the SIPOS 5 Flash electric actuator series. It is now possible to adapt a linear position value, as determined by the DCS, to non-linear valve characteristics.

SIPOS Aktorik reports that the latest technology advancement for its actuators means that ‘Linear’, ‘Fast Opening’ and ‘Equal Percentage’ functions can now be set via the local control station or its ComSIPOS software.

Commenting, Matthias Rebhan, SIPOS’ General Manager and Head of R&D said:

“The development means that SIPOS 5 Flash provides the most popular characteristics for valve linearisation. We now offer our existing setting options, including ‘travel-positioning time characteristics’, ‘travel-speed setting’ and ‘analog speed control’ along with our new valve characteristics, which can be used to improve the modulating behavior of complex systems. Additionally, valuable host DCS calculation time is saved by using SIPOS’ intelligent actuators.”

In line with SIPOS’ service ethos, selection of characteristics is available for each of its modulating actuators, without additional cost.

A new distributor for SIPOS Aktorik in Dhaka will enable the company to fully capitalise on Bangladesh contracts. Government initiatives to increase power generation are set to be supported by SIPOS’ electric actuators which provide variable speed functionality that optimise plant performance.

Enhancing its local presence in Bangladesh, SIPOS has formalised links with the Progressive Engineering & Construction Company Ltd (PECC). Key reasons for selecting PECC as its exclusive distributor for the country are the company’s track record; established contacts; technical competency and high service levels.

Commenting on the latest agent to be added to its global distributor network, Matthias Rebhan, General Manager for SIPOS Aktorik said:

“PECC has excellent relations with Government, commercial and private industry, with particularly strong links with the region’s power industry. It is multi-disciplinary company with strong roots in the country that date back over 35 years. Close relations are already established with a large number of international organisations and PECC is ideally suited to represent SIPOS in the region.”
“A team of 45 people at PECC with high levels of technical competency will ensure that SIPOS’ service standards are maintained. The strength of PECC’s skills ensures that the company is capable of undertaking significant projects. The size of PECC’s organisation also means the company has the resource in place to provide the customer liaison services and support required to generate new business for SIPOS.”

The full range of SIPOS products and market sectors including power, water and wastewater industry applications will be supported in Bangladesh.

SIPOS has over fifty distributors in its global supply and support network.

High demand for electric actuators for district cooling applications is reported by SIPOS Aktorik, particularly from the Saudi region. Advantages of the company’s innovative variable speed actuation technology for DC installations includes robustness, flexibility, accuracy and, importantly, prevention of the damaging effect of water hammer in pipelines.

A growing portfolio of prestigious SIPOS DC projects in the Middle East includes a new order to supply actuators for motorised valves in an Aramo development. The prestigious project, headed by Saudi Tabreed, incorporates a district cooling system to cool all Saudi Aramco buildings in the Dhahran area. A centralised plant with cooling capacity of 27,000 tons of refrigeration - which is designed, managed and maintained by Saudi Tabreed - will supply chilled water to the Saudi Aramco buildings.

As approximately half the electrical energy is required to run a DC system compared to traditional cooling solutions, environmental benefits and cost savings are seen by SIPOS as a key contributor to the growth of this market. User advantages including enhanced comfort, reliability and convenience add to the appeal of the new generation cooling technology.

 Supporting SIPOS’ position as a key supplier to the DC industry, the company’s Sales Director Felix Metzenthin will update delegates on the advantages of variable speed actuation at the second annual District Cooling Saudi Arabia Summit in Jeddah, 10-13 April 2011.

Variable speed actuation technology from SIPOS Aktorik, which addresses water surge, sets the company apart from other valve control solution providers. Travel-dependant, adjustable positioning of SIPOS 5 Flash actuators generates linear flow enabling fine tuning of operating speeds to prevent water hammer.

Applications for the company’s actuators that confirm its capabilities controlling water surge include East Cherry Creek Valley Water and Sanitation District’s booster pump station in Colorado. SIPOS’ solution manages water flow from the high volume pump to successfully avoid hammer which could damage the station’s water system.

SIPOS has also supplied Villamor reservoir pumping station in the Philippines. Serving the Villamor airbase, the station encompasses three terminals and the residential region east of Pasay City. The stroke-time curve functionality of SIPOS’ actuators has prevented water hammer during operation.

Other installations where SIPOS products have performed to avoid water hammer include district heating, pump station, ultrafiltration and sewage pumping schemes across Europe, Asia and Australasia.

SIPOS Aktorik has supplied specialist actuators to the power industry, including nuclear plants, for over thirty years.

Credentials include work for five of the world’s largest nuclear power plants.

With a 100 year history rooted in Siemens, a strong track record of engineering innovative actuation solutions is offered.

With a global presence, comprehensive support is provided including training and revisions: highly responsive and flexible service is key to SIPOS’ success. Due to an excellent reputation for theoretical and practical support, demand for SIPOS’ specialist nuclear actuation products and training is increasing.

Standard and specialist solutions

The SIPOS SIWI product series for safety critical applications is available in standard duty (10 – 3000 Nm) and modulating duty (20 – 2000 Nm). A SIWI-AS product range addresses Loss of Cooling Accident (LOCA) at nuclear power plants.

A significant new addition to SIPOS’ product portfolio is the SIPOS 5 HiMod based actuator series for outside containment applications. The actuator addresses challenging valve control requirements for high end modulating duty. Providing precision and longevity in actuation, the SIPOS 5 HiMod benefits applications where high levels of accuracy and flexibility are demanded e.g. control / boiler startup valves and turbine regulation.

SIPOS Aktorik, supplier of standard and specialist actuators, has addressed synchronisation of valve stems. Traditionally, a mechanical process links two gearboxes to one actuator and this approach is frequently satisfactory. However, stems can be a considerable distance apart and this automation issue has been addressed by SIPOS.

The company’s synchronisation solution is achieved without the need for special programming in an external PLC. A master actuator receives its control signal from the PLC (OPEN/CLOSE, PROFIBUS or analog): from there, the setpoint is transmitted to the slaves via a 4-20 mA loop ensuring that control information is received simultaneously.

To ensure optimal performance, actuator operation is monitored internally at two levels. At the first level, if deviation is larger than a programmable value, then a ‘slow’ signal is generated and at the second level, a ‘stop’ signal is transmitted.

SIPOS advises that, unless these measures are taken, mechanical problems due to preprogrammed one-sided loads can occur, such as canted penstocks or twisted stems, which are costly and time consuming to resolve. Additionally, if site conditions mean that valve stems cannot be coupled mechanically, then issues can extend beyond synchronisation of the two stems to include operation of more than one valve or gate.

With extensive R&D facilities and experienced technical engineers at its production facility in Altdorf, Germany, SIPOS invests heavily in development to provide actuation solutions at the forefront of industry requirements.

SIPOS Aktorik, supplier of specialist and standard actuators, has undergone a major expansion of its service team. In the last two years, seven new recruits have been appointed to the actuator supplier’s technical support department at its German manufacturing headquarters.

SIPOS, which provides actuation systems worldwide, places strong emphasis on service. Supporting the company’s customer focus, the latest recruits have been selected for engineering expertise and strong service focus. The new employees combine high level engineering skills, academic qualifications and practical capabilities.

SIPOS, which now employs 85 people at its headquarters in Altdorf, reports a growing global market for its products and services, including increasing demand from China. Service is provided on-line, by phone or on-site. SIPOS also supports customers with a comprehensive training programme.

Other recent recruits for SIPOS include new members of staff in R&D, production, order processing and administration.

Latest underground conduction systems are being supported by SIPOS Aktorik’s actuators. A new design uses concrete rings as an alternative to shafts and tunnels. Requiring no maintenance, this approach is an ideal application for SIPOS’ variable speed actuators for valve control.

Built in shafts and tunnels, traditional below ground systems are costly to construct. Extending the network / providing ongoing maintenance is expensive and preventing ingress of water, soil and other particulates is challenging. The ‘concrete ring’ solution has therefore been introduced.

With a design that is ideally suited for this application, SIPOS’ actuators can be mounted on a below ground valve with the electronics unit installed in a separate, readily accessible, above ground cabinet. An integrated frequency converter protects motor controls making SIPOS’ product a ‘fit and forget’ solution that is ideally suited for this below earth application.

Other features that make SIPOS actuators appropriate for the underground application are an eight year servicing cycle and IP68 protection class which confirms the product’s high corrosion resistance.

Over 250 delegates participated in the 2010 District Cooling Summit in Doha, Qatar and attended SIPOS Aktorik’s presentation on actuation solutions for district cooling. SIPOS reports that the level of interest in its paper reinforces the growing popularity of DC as an alternative to building specific cooling systems.

The importance of protecting hydraulics was a key focus of SIPOS’ presentation: variable speed capability was detailed, including soft start and stop functionality that addresses the issue of water hammer.

Recognising that power supply in some countries can be inconsistent, SIPOS highlighted that its actuators are immune to voltage fluctuations, providing reliable valve control in the harshest environments.

With an integrated frequency converter and intelligent electronics, voltage fluctuations to -30% and + 20% are tolerated, the actuator’s electronics stay online and DCS communication continues. Additionally, the torque produced by the actuator is not affected while the output speed is automatically adjusted according to the voltage level. These specialist features from SIPOS’ actuation solution combine to make it attractive for district cooling solutions in challenging power environments.

SIPOS’ district cooling credentials were confirmed with a range of U.A.E. installations including Dubai Metro, Yas Island and Al Raha beach.

SIPOS Aktorik’s variable speed actuators have been selected for a prestigious installation completed at the fourth largest sewage treatment plant in Australia. The company’s actuation technology supports a $150 million improvement programme at the North Head STP in Sydney.

The order was secured via Barron GJM, SIPOS’ agent in Australia. As part of the upgrade, 40 SIPOS actuators have been installed around a sedimentation tank. Key reasons given for selection of SIPOS’ products to replace existing actuation technology were incorporation of PROFIBUS DP fieldbus technology and software programming flexibility to meet requirements of Sydney Water’s SCADA control system.

Commenting, Weyand Magnaye, Water Products Manager of Barron GJM Pty Ltd said:

“We assisted Sydney Water through specification with analysis of site requirements. Due to power/control cables being new, Profibus DP was the chosen solution for data communication: with just two cores and reduced labour, savings would be made both in terms of resource and termination of wires.”

“A second phase has been meeting the SCADA requirements of the scheme. This has been achieved by SIPOS writing bespoke software and with Barron providing technical support.”

Barron confirms that PROFIBUS has been the ideal platform to ensure total control of the actuator by the Master (SCADA). The fieldbus technology has been advantageous as it automates local control functionality in the event of ‘wire break’ and responds to actuator software modifications.

SIPOS Aktorik has spearheaded an actuator design feature that tolerates voltage fluctuations from -30% to +20% without needing to oversize the actuators. Via an integrated frequency converter, combined with intelligent electronics, SIPOS has addressed undervoltage conditions ensuring that fluctuations are tolerated without leading to system failure.

The pioneering actuation initiative responds to the needs of plant operators that require full torque and speed functionality through instances of undervoltage, without experiencing excessive torque on the valve during nominal or overvoltage levels.

Expanding on the rationale behind the challenge faced by a conventional actuator, SIPOS advise that when a traditional product is sized to work with full torque at -20% undervoltage it causes an over torque with a factor of 1.56 at nominal voltage and 2.25 at 20% over voltage. In the event of switch off failure, this equates to a quadratic effect of voltage on the output power. SIPOS’ undervoltage solution ensures continued actuation performance and protects the valve which, in turn, maintains plant productivity.

A new approach for actuator position detection has been adopted for SIPOS 5 Flash actuators. As an alternative to the company’s established signaling gear, the new encoder solution affords highest precision position detection. A design breakthrough offered by the encoder is an ability to detect position equally precisely, without battery or buffer capacitor, when power is off.

Introduction of the new technology by SIPOS enables measurement of over 300,000 revolutions of the output shaft. For example, at 36 revolutions per stroke, an accuracy of 0.002% is achieved with a resolution of 0.0005%.

Total non-intrusive commissioning is offered as end positions can be set without opening the actuator housing. Additionally, when combined with the actuator’s double-sealed customer connection compartment, the protection of electronics from harmful environmental conditions is ensured – a feature reported as particularly important during challenging commissioning phases.

SIPOS Aktorik, the specialist actuation supplier for the power industry, has launched an extreme precision actuator. Offering advanced flexibility and accuracy, the SIPOS 5 HiMod is designed to address the most challenging valve control requirements for high end modulating duty, precision and longevity.

Typical installations set to benefit from the SIPOS 5 HiMod include control / boiler startup valves, turbine regulation and other instances where high levels of accuracy and flexibility are demanded.

Key design and performance features of the new actuator include high precision position encoder; accuracy of 0.002 to 0.003 % and Modulation Class D (continuous duty) according to DIN EN 15714-2.

Sitting within a portfolio of specialist SIPOS variable speed and standard actuators, the product provides high end sophisticated technology with long life components backed by a five year warranty for motor and gearing.

Additional features offered as standard for the new HiMod actuator include external or wireless Bluetooth COM-SIPOS interface, encoder for position measurement, easy non intrusive commissioning without tools and highly sophisticated modulation software functions.

Footnote:
The credentials of SIPOS originate from Siemens. The company’s established SIPOS 5 Flash electric actuator supplied for 12 years is the only product to feature an integrated frequency converter, therefore, SIPOS expertise in sophisticated actuation technology is widely acknowledged.

A growing Middle East market for SIPOS Aktorik’s actuation solution for district cooling is being supported with a premium gold sponsorship package for the DC summit in Doha. The second annual district cooling event will run from 28-30 Nov 2010.

Listed as a key topic is a SIPOS Aktorik case-study on the implementation of SIPOS 5 variable speed actuators in district cooling plants in the UAE: Steffen Koehler, SIPOS Aktorik’s International Sales Manager will present a paper on this subject on the first day of the programme.

The summit has been designed to attract delegates from a range of sectors including district cooling owners/operators, EPC/MEP and maintenance contractors along with water re-use/conservation companies plus WwTW and power utility organisations.

SIPOS will therefore be well placed to present its district cooling specialism to key target markets with a display that will highlight how its actuators control cooling water flow and protect hydraulics from water hammer.

Successful district cooling installations for SIPOS in the Middle East include contracts in Dubai, Yas Island and Al Raha beach.

As well as presenting a paper, SIPOS will have a presence in the exhibition area supported by local agent Torento Energy Systems.

Progroup AG, with headquarters in Landau and around 800 employees at 13 locations, is a major producer of corrugated cardboard in Central Europe. The progressive company has invested in a new production site at Eisenhuettenstadt, Germany which utilises latest technology including actuation from SIPOS Aktorik. The steam and power industrial plant has a production capacity of 650,000 tons of corrugated raw paper and material produced from recycled paper. Reliable operation of valves at the plant was identified as an essential operation by both the end user and the scheme’s engineering consultants. As a result, SIPOS’ electric actuators were selected to aid control of the processes. Identified as a progressive actuation solution, other reasons for selection of SIPOS’ actuators were flexibility / adaptability, valve protection capability, positioning times adaptable to process requirements, Fieldbus communication and high quality.

Commenting, Felix Metzenthin SIPOS’ Sales Director said:

“This is a significant order for SIPOS: the paper mill’s pioneering ecological and economical initiatives are recognised as trend-setting for this industry sector. The scheme is a landmark site set to bolster Progroup’s market position and, with our innovative variable speed actuators, we have made a significant contribution to this pioneering development.”

With an established track record supplying actuators for paper mills and other sectors including the water and power industries, the contract confirms SIPOS’ capabilities supporting a wide industry base.

Staff at the actuator firm SIPOS Aktorik like to keep fit and 17 employees participated in a run organised for businesses in the metropolitan region of Nuremberg, Germany.

Entrants included Managing Director Dr. Matthias Rebhan, After Sales Manager Gerhard Loos, Production Manager Wolfgang Fischer and colleagues from all departments of SIPOS’ Altdorf based headquarters.

The group was pleased to finish the 6km course because, although the event was held in the spring, recent rain had made the running conditions challenging.

10,000 people from 400 companies ran the course around the Dutzenteich Lake and, on completion, participants were rewarded with a gift of Lebkuchen (gingerbread) hearts.

Reinforcing SIPOS Aktorik’s policy of working in partnership with customers, a brochure has been designed specifically for the organisation’s actuator service capabilities.

Key facets of the actuator supplier’s service capabilities include system installation, commissioning, inspection & overhaul and maintenance.

The leaflet format publication summarises SIPOS’ service competencies and expertise which includes product/maintenance training and supervision.

The company highlights the fact that product adaptability ensures ease of product modification and retrofitting.

SIPOS Aktorik, supplier of specialist variable speed and standard actuator solutions, reports the success of its Middle East agent. Torento Energy Systems, a member of the Al Dhafra group, was appointed as the exclusive representative for SIPOS for the region in 2008. The technology specialist incorporates SIPOS’ actuation products into its turnkey solutions across a range of sectors including major utilities, district cooling and construction in the UAE.

Commenting on the synergies of SIPOS’ actuation technology with Torento’s product portfolio, Mr Ahmed Sobhi, a director of Torento Energy Systems, said:

“SIPOS, with its focus on high level service and bespoke solutions, is a perfect match for our business and our customers’ requirements.”

“The extreme heat of the UAE makes the centralised production of cooling energy a highly attractive solution and this has made district cooling, a technology that is supported by SIPOS’ actuators, a particularly strong growth market.”

Chilled water delivered via an underground pipeline is recognised as more cost-effective and environmentally friendly than distributed, building specific cooling technology. SIPOS’ actuation technology plays a key role controlling valves that manage the cooling water flow and protect hydraulics from water hammer.

Regions supported by Torento Energy Systems include Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Bahrain, Kuwait and Pakistan.

SIPOS Aktorik has achieved its fourth major order from RWE, the German based power company that supplies over sixteen million electricity customers and approximately eight million gas customers. The latest order is for over 2,000 actuators to be installed at RWE Eemshaven in the Netherlands, a coal fired power station due for completion 2012/ 2013.

A series of significant contract wins for the specialist actuator supplier from RWE has resulted in just under 6,000 SIPOS products installed across the utility’s plants at Niederaussem, Neurath and Hamm Westfalen.

Key features of SIPOS’ products that influenced selection by RWE include variable speed functionality for soft start and stop capability. A design feature that particularly impressed was a pioneering actuation initiative from SIPOS that ensures continued operation, even at 30% under voltage, without needing to oversize the actuators.

Expanding on how the actuators met the plant’s requirements for valve control technology, SIPOS Aktorik’s Sales Director Felix Metzenthin said:

“SIPOS is the only actuator manufacturer in series production for actuators providing PROFIBUS DP V2 redundancy and this enhanced fieldbus capability was a key element of RWE’s specification for actuation technology at Eemshaven. Separate mountings provided for actuator controls also appealed as these protect from high temperature/vibration and ensure easy access to controls. Additionally, an ability to provide Class 4 corrosion protection where required influenced the decision to use SIPOS actuators.”

The prestigious Eemshaven project represents an investment by RWE of approximately 220 million euros and ultimately, the RWE plant will require a workforce of over 350 people.

As part of an international expansion programme, SIPOS Aktorik has appointed VPower to represent the company and support its actuator range in Vietnam. Selected for technical strength and strong service ethos, VPower will represent SIPOS throughout Vietnam.

Based in Ho Chi Minh City, VPower’s customer base includes power, cement and water sector companies: the company is therefore ideally placed to support SIPOS’ specialist and variable speed actuator products. Established installations for SIPOS products in Vietnam include major cement and power plants.

VPower’s nine strong team has a strong track record gained from past employment with GE, Emerson and ABB. Extensive capabilities include design, engineering and development with a focus on quality and service.

SIPOS Aktorik – Stand G98, PowerGen Europe

SIPOS Aktorik will return to PowerGen Europe to promote its range of specialist actuators for power applications and on-site training service.

Detailed knowledge of actuators will be demonstrated including construction, application, installation, commissioning and servicing. SIPOS will also confirm its capabilities of providing customers with detailed training support. Particularly relevant for power industry users of actuation is SIPOS’ expertise in addressing breakdown scenarios and the identification of possible failure modes.

Training includes tailored support for specific sector needs including the nuclear industry. An increasing role for SIPOS in the nuclear market providing training and revisions has resulted in current work providing support for five of the world’s largest nuclear power plants.

Products featured on the stand will include the SIPOS safety relevant SIWI series available in standard duty 10 – 3000 Nm and modulating duty 20 – 2000 Nm. A corresponding SIWI-AS product range offers safety relevant and designed-fault resistant (LOCA) features.

SIPOS Aktorik’s specialism in the supply of electric actuators for nuclear power plants is confirmed with a dedicated, full colour brochure detailing the company’s SIWI and SIWI – AS products. Recognising the nuclear industry’s exacting demands for safety and quality standards, SIPOS developed two product ranges: the SIWI M7636 intended for use outside the containment area and the SIWI-AS M7637 for inside containment applications.

The brochure provides practical industry and product information including a schematic of a nuclear power plant and technical tables, one of which details the actuators’ cut-off torques and output speeds. Product benefits and features described include the company’s legacy that gives it a proven functional safety track record in the nuclear sector dating back over five decades.

The brochure also details how SIPOS actuators are tailored for individual environments and are supported by safety and verification documents.

For free copies of the brochure, or more details of SIPOS’ nuclear products and services including training, contact via www.sipos.de

A varied and high profile exhibition programme is being undertaken by SIPOS Aktorik. The company will exhibit at VGB Keli 4-6 May, Germany; H20 Accadueo 19-21 May, Italy; PowerGen Europe 8-10 June in the Netherlands and Forum Industriearmaturen in Germany on 9th June. The itinerary ensures exposure to influential decision makers in the valve industry and to SIPOS’ key sectors, namely the water and power industries.

A stand at the VGB Keli exhibition in Dresden will raise awareness of SIPOS’ specialist, variable speed actuation solutions to electrical engineering, C&I and IT decision makers in power plants.

The international H20 Accadueo in Ferrara, Italy - which focuses on water and related technologies, will be the ideal forum for SIPOS to present both its specialist and standard actuator products. SIPOS will also confirm integrated solar actuation solution capability which is proving popular with users in challenging power supply locations.

SIPOS will return to Power-Gen Europe, stand G98, where it will confirm expertise in the power sector and spotlight actuators for nuclear applications: the company’s strength in training for this market will also be promoted. The final event in SIPOS’ Spring itinerary is at Forum Industriearmaturen in Essen - SIPOS will take a stand at the exhibition that will run in association with a lecture programme and display its actuation solutions to the industrial valve professionals that will attend the event.

Support from SIPOS Aktorik has included hands-on actuator training at two Argentinean Pressure Vessel Heavy Water Reactor plants. Supporting the installation and commissioning at the Buenos Aires sites, engineers and technicians received comprehensive on-site training for maintenance of SIPOS’ SIWI nuclear actuators.

Over 600 SIPOS SIWI actuators were installed in the early 1970s at Atucha 1, the first nuclear power plant in Latin America. A further 80 actuators were installed as part of an upgrade in 2009 and 800 actuators will be commissioned at a sister plant, Atucha 2.

Training encompassed theoretical and practical skills with emphasis for Atucha 1 placed on maintenance according to the German KTA norm based on directives from the Nuclear Safety Standards Commission.

SIPOS specialises in providing reliable actuation technology in the most extreme conditions and the (safety relevant) SIWI product series is designed specifically for nuclear applications.

With a thirty year track record supplying specialist products for the sector, SIPOS’ role providing training and revisions is expanding and current work includes support for five of the world’s largest nuclear power plants.

SIPOS Aktorik has successfully managed a comprehensive actuator retrofit for E.ON’s German power plant, Franken 1. The extensive service provided included 80 valves cut out of the pipeline and replaced, 120 old actuators removed and 200 new SIPOS Flash 5 actuators mounted and put into operation. In addition, on-site assistance has been provided which reinforces SIPOS’ growing reputation for partnership support.

The installation at the Nuremberg-Gebersdorf plant, which was completed in just over two weeks, also confirms the actuator supplier’s capabilities of responding to the power industry’s most demanding timescales.

The 790 MW power plant’s control system is managed by Siemens: SIPOS collaborated closely in the commissioning of complete units, demonstrating its ability to provide a total support service.

SIPOS is a global supplier of specialist actuator solutions with an expanding installation base in the power sector. The variable speed capability of the actuators, which are used for valve control, has particular appeal for power industry applications: an ability to slow down before reaching its end position extends the life of both the valve and its seat.

A new format Web site has been produced by SIPOS Aktorik. The supplier of specialist actuator solutions for valve control has upgraded the site to provide a one-stop industry source for its key actuation information.

With all pages updated, the SIPOS Web home screen gives summary details of the company’s product range and latest news/advertising materials. Other sections of the Web are documents, software, service, contacts and news.

Site categories include company data and product details of SIPOS’ specialist variable speed actuators, nuclear actuation products and standard actuator lines.

SIPOS advises that the site has been produced to ensure that all essential information regarding products and services is readily available and takes no more than two ‘clicks’ to access. The company invites existing and potential customers to view its new look Web information service at www.sipos.de

SIPOS Aktorik reports growing demand for its nuclear sector training programme. With a thirty year track record supplying specialist products for the sector, SIPOS’ role providing training and revisions is expanding and current work includes support for five of the world’s largest nuclear power plants.

The company, which has a 100 year history as part of Siemens, developed a rotary actuator range specifically to meet the demands of the extreme conditions of nuclear applications. Commenting, Gerhard Loos, SIPOS’ After Sales Manager said:

“Having gained the confidence of the nuclear industry with our specialist actuators and high service standards, we are entrusted to carry out annual revisions for plants around the globe including Germany, the Netherlands, Spain and South America."

“As an extension to this, demand for our specialist training for nuclear actuation technology is increasing: we have gained an excellent reputation for theoretical and practical on-the-job training.”

The SIPOS safety relevant SIWI series is available in standard duty 10 – 3000 Nm and modulating duty 20 – 2000 Nm. A corresponding SIWI-AS product range offers safety relevant and designed-fault resistant (LOCA) features.

SIPOS Aktorik (www.sipos.de), specialist supplier of variable speed actuators, has marked its tenth anniversary celebrating the achievement of its international objectives for expansion. Success on the global actuation arena has included doubling workforce numbers over the last decade to a current total of 77 people, the appointment of new agents and relocation to purpose-built headquarters. In 2008, a 30% increase in sales was achieved over 2007 and, despite the worldwide economic downturn, SIPOS has maintained this turnover level through 2009.

A previous track record as part of part of Siemens gives SIPOS a history in the actuation industry dating back 100 years. Key achievements reported include differentiating the SIPOS product range with high service standards. The company has also successfully confirmed its capabilities of supporting both standard and bespoke valve applications.

Commenting on SIPOS’ global growth, Dr Matthias Rebhan, General Manager and Head of Research said:
“Over the last decade, we have established an international network of distributors in all continents. We have also relocated our German headquarters to significantly larger, state-of-the-art premises in Altdorf that offer scope for further expansion. “Service has always been central to SIPOS’ work ethic and I would like to take the opportunity on the tenth anniversary of SIPOS Aktorik of thanking our staff and distributors for consistently ensuring the highest quality standards.”

SIPOS has set itself apart from other suppliers that support valve control applications with variable speed actuation technology. Specialist products that sit alongside SIPOS’ standard solutions are actuators for nuclear power plants and SIMA Masterstations.

Footnote: In 1999, Siemens AG outsourced its electric actuator subdivision including employees, expertise, documentation and production facilities: since that date, SIPOS has operated worldwide as a successful, independent company.

SIPOS Aktorik’s credentials in district cooling actuator installations has secured wide ranging contracts in the UAE. Contracts include Dubai Metro Project, the Yas Island Project, the Al Raha Beach development and Zayed Military City. The actuators control the cooling water flow in each installation and protect the systems’ hydraulics from water hammer.

Installations for the company’s standard and modulating actuators incorporate SIPOS’ variable speed products and PROFIBUS capability. Illustrating the scale of SIPOS’ work in the UAE, the Zayed installation comprises seven schemes in total to provide a contracted 90,000 tons of cooling across the military complex. Each scheme increases the efficiency of the cooling for the complex and provides a reduction of 60% in power generated in the grid.

The Yas Island scheme is acknowledged as a highly innovative project. The mixed use development is predominantly residential but also includes hotels, a water park, a race track and golf course. Once completed, Yas Island will have nine district cooling plants.

With expertise providing actuation technology for its growing customer base in the district cooling industry, SIPOS reports that the centralised production of cooling energy is a highly attractive, environmentally friendly solution – it has been proven to be a major contributor to greenhouse gas reduction in many cases.

Chilled water delivered via an underground pipeline to office, industrial and residential buildings to cool the interior air is recognised as more cost-effective than distributed, building specific cooling. Peak electric power demand is replaced by district cooling and storage using ice or chilled water: this benefits the local power grid by reducing peak power demand and alleviating power congestion due to power transmission limitations in cities. As a result, district cooling not only helps cool cities, it helps alleviate the challenges posed by high electric consumption.

SIPOS Aktorik, manufacturer of variable speed actuators and specialist in bespoke actuation solutions, has assisted Buisan in provision of a renewable energy irrigation control solution. A complete solar solution supplied by SIPOS includes panels, switching cabinet with GSM/GPRS module and 230VAC SIPOS 5 Flash electric actuator.

Located in the mountainous Pyrenees, the irrigation channel to Bouleternère from the Vinça dam is ideally suited for adoption of a solar system. The remote site is difficult to reach and the renewable energy solution guarantees power supply for water management purposes.

SIPOS reports that integrated GSM/GPRS technology allows full control of the flow control process: comprehensive data feedback is provided which means that engineers no longer need to trek to the site. The solution also eliminates the need for power cables that are labour intensive and expensive to install.

Global interest in the new technology is reported by SIPOS. The company recommends that managers of water courses in remote or challenging regions consider the renewable energy option.

SIPOS Aktorik, specialists in variable speed actuation technology, has developed new housing for its SIPOS 5 Flash product range. The design initiative is provided as a standard feature: benefits include IP67/68 protection, even in the event of disconnection.

Set apart from other actuation solutions, SIPOS products feature a travel-dependant, adjustable positioning time function which generates a linear flow through the ball valve. The technology enables fine tuning of operating speeds through ten different positions to prevent water hammer.

The advancement to the product’s housing includes a double-sealed round plug connection. IP protection has been proven, confirming that the new housing will withstand the infiltration of dust and that it is protected against both immersion and submersion in water.

SIPOS reports that the original 5 Flash product was launched in 2000 and, since that date, the actuator has developed a reputation for high reliability and the new housing further enhances the product’s reputation as a robust solution.

The company places emphasis on high levels of service to complement its advanced actuation design and confirms that this support will underpin roll-out of the enhanced product.

The latest power industry contract for SIPOS Aktorik, the specialist supplier of variable speed electric actuator solutions, is at E.ON's Franken 1 power plant in Nuremberg-Gebersdorf, Germany. The project demonstrates the full scope of SIPOS expertise, which includes on-site support.

Within the scope of the replacement of the 790 MW power plant’s control system, which will be managed by Siemens, SIPOS will install approx. 200 actuators / valves. The company’s remit extends to delivery plus dis-mounting old and mounting new valves with actuators. SIPOS will collaborate closely with Siemens in the commissioning of complete units.

The application is significant for SIPOS as it confirms the company’s capability to provide a comprehensive partnership service. Commenting, Heinz Mueller, the Siemens Project Manager responsible for delivery of the new control system at Franken said:

“We attach great importance to matching components and services from delivery through to commissioning and for the capability of one provider to offer a one source service. ”

Primary reasons cited by Siemens for the selection of SIPOS were the company’s partnership capabilities that extend beyond the supply of actuators. Additionally, SIPOS’ customer service credentials confirmed that the retrofit would be completed within a demanding time frame and led to the appointment of the actuator supplier.

A further advantage of SIPOS’ offer was the technology’s variable speed capability: SIPOS actuators have a unique capability of slowing down before reaching their end position, this was particularly attractive for this application as the solution extends the life of both the valve and its seat.

SIPOS Aktorik’s turn-key solar actuation solution has been selected by ExxonMobil to aid pipeline control at Notre-Dame de Gravenchon, France. The prestigious contract for SIPOS establishes the manufacturer of variable speed actuation products as an approved supplier to ExxonMobil and confirms the capabilities of the company’s solar system initiative.

Designed to aid ExxonMobil in a water pollution detection application, a complete solar system has been installed by SIPOS to operate a valve situated one mile from the control room that is without local power supply.

The solar actuation system from SIPOS does not rely on the grid and therefore offers a truly independent actuation solution. As a result, it is an ideal solution for ExxonMobil’s requirements at the Notre Dame site.

Notre-Dame de Gravenchon is ExxonMobil Chemical’s largest manufacturing complex outside the USA. The polypropylene manufacturing unit produces raw materials for packaging films, nonwovens and injection molding that are primarily used by the automotive and appliance industries.

ExxonMobil’s solar solution supplied by SIPOS includes actuator technology and solar components. SIPOS’s solar service includes full planning and specification; component configuration; a solar power module; a switching cabinet; a SIPOS 5 Flash actuator and remote control or time & sequence programmer options for a complete bespoke solution.

SIPOS Aktorik will confirm its expertise in the power sector and display its full portfolio of actuation products at PowerGen Europe, including its actuators for nuclear applications. The company has a growing client portfolio supplying a range of contracts from small CHP’s to major installations with variable speed actuation solutions.

 Recent power industry contracts include SIPOS 5 Flash variable speed actuators installed at a combined heat and power (CHP) plant in Germany. The CHP of the Rosenheim municipal utility converts approximately 60,000 tons of domestic and industrial waste into energy. A primary reason for the selection of SIPOS products as part of a modernisation programme was integration of frequency converters as a standard product feature which avoids water hammer and adapts to the needs of individual plant sections.

A further significant order for SIPOS in the power sector is for over 1,200 actuators that will be installed at a new RWE coal-fired power plant that is under development at Hamm, Westfalen, Germany. The contract follows the successful installation of over 1,000 actuators at RWE’s power plant BoA1 in Niederaussem, Germany, which has been operational for the last six years.
SIPOS is currently supplying over 2,500 actuators to RWE’s BoA2/3 power plant in Neurath, Germany.

SIPOS Aktorik has expanded its agency representation with the appointment of an established Austrian subsidiary of the IKS-Group. The IKS-Group will represent SIPOS in Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Croatia and Slovenia.

Based in Vienna and founded over 30 years ago, the IKS-Group has an existing product portfolio including vacuum technology, blowers, compressors, filters and pumps. SIPOS’ variable speed actuators will complement the company’s established technology.

Commenting on the expansion of company’s global agency network, Gerda Noelp, an International Sales Manager for SIPOS said: “There are strong synergies between the IKS-Group and SIPOS – we have shared philosophies regarding a consultative approach backed by strong technical knowledge. Our new colleagues at IKS place strong emphasis on a responsive service which reflects SIPOS’ business ethos.”

The IKS-Group employs 250 people and has 35 members of staff based in Vienna. 

IKS-Group Web: www.iks-group.com

SIPOS Aktorik will be exhibiting at ACHEMA, which will take place from 11th to 15th of May in Frankfurt, Germany.
On display will be SIPOS’ full portfolio of actuation solutions including latest design innovations for SIPOS 5 Flash variable speed actuation technology.

New housing for the SIPOS 5 Flash range will be revealed with a ‘double-sealed’ round plug connection supplied as a standard product feature. The latest design initiative from SIPOS ensures IP67/68 protection, even in the event of disconnection. SIPOS report that the product’s established track record as a robust solution, even under adverse conditions, is reinforced with the design development.

Fieldbus will also be a key feature of the SIPOS stand. A full working display of a SIMA masterstation, which is widely adopted in water supply systems, refineries and tank farms worldwide, will be presented. The SIPOS SIMA masterstation, which serves as a reliable and safe link between field devices and the higher-level control system, maximises availability of connected field devices.

Also on display will be SIPOS’ integrated solar actuation system and the company’s range of SIWI nuclear actuators.

SIPOS Aktorik’s actuators have been selected by Mavel Srl to aid water management at Pont-Saint-Martin, in the Aosta Valley, Italy.
End-user Compagnie Valdôtaine des Eaux Compagnie, the region’s primary producer of hydroelectric power, required a solution to protect tanks and pipes during storm and flood conditions.

The application confirms SIPOS’ expertise at aiding management and regulation of water in remote regions. A key reason for the selection of SIPOS 5 Flash technology was the flexibility afforded by the company’s single phase actuation solution. The low current technology adopted by SIPOS means there are no restrictions on cable length. As a result, the position of the solar system is independent of the actuator mounting. Complete scope for selection of the best solar site is therefore provided and, in the Aosta Valley application, remote locations included woodland settings.

SIPOS 5 Flash variable speed actuators have been selected for a combined heat and power (CHP) plant in Germany.

The CHP of the Rosenheim municipal utility is a gas, fuel oil and waste-fuelled plant that incinerates domestic and industrial waste to produce energy for power generation, process steam and district heat. As part of a modernisation programme, SIPOS actuators were selected by the utility.

A primary reason for the selection of SIPOS products was integration of frequency converters as a standard product feature which avoids water hammer and adapts to the needs of individual plant sections with different output speeds for open and close movement.
SIPOS’ ability to mount actuator controls in an accessible, non hazardous separate location also appealed to the customer as this gives easy access and protects the functionality of the actuation technology.

SIPOS Aktorik, supplier of variable speed actuators, is undergoing an international expansion programme. Latest development news includes appointment of a new Sales Manager and agents in the Middle East and Vietnam.

The incorporation of an integrated frequency converter, which compensates for fluctuations in voltage and frequency, has successfully differentiated the SIPOS actuator product range.

Supporting growth in demand, Gunter Petri has been appointed as Sales Manager for Spain, Portugal and Latin America, with particular focus on the developing power plant infrastructure in Argentina and Brazil.

A global network of SIPOS agents is established and additional agents are sought for the growing organisation which supports valve flow control applications in the power and water industries.

SIPOS Aktorik, supplier to the power and water industries which moved into new premises in February 2008, has in the year to date recruited an additional ten people, bringing its total workforce to 70.

Latest appointments cover a range of roles including a new Sales Director, Sales Manager, Service Technician, Order Processor, Quality Assurance team member and recruits to various assembly teams.

The producer of variable speed actuation solutions is enjoying growing global demand for its bespoke variable speed actuation solutions, including increasing demand from China.

The company reports a 30% increase in sales from 2007 with strong demand for fieldbus technology.

Over 1,200 actators from SIPOS Aktorik will be installed at a new RWE coal-fired power plant that is under construction at Hamm, Westfalen, Germany. New version PROFIBUS actuation technology for high speed data exchange will also be provided by SIPOS.

The latest power sector contract awarded to SIPOS follows the successful installation of over 1,000 actuators at RWE’s power plant BoA1 in Niederaussem, Germany, which has been operational for the last six years. Additionally, SIPOS is currently supplying over 3,000 actuators to RWE’s BoA2/3 power plant in Neurath, Germany.

In line with other RWE applications of SIPOS actuation technology, the latest contract at Hamm, Westfalen will adopt Profibus DP V2 technology and see the company‘s products used in a range of valve control applications.

Benefits of the actuators provided to RWE include provision of variable output speeds to optimise processes and soft start/speed reduction in end positions for minimal stress on valves.

Commenting, Dr. Matthias Rebhan, SIPOS’ General Manager and Head of R&D said: “The new RWE power plant at Hamm is ground-breaking for a number of reasons. From a power production and environmental perspective, it will set new standards in energy generation. With regard to actuation, the plant is one of the first adopters of Profibus DP-V2 technology which will ensure high speed data exchange and enhanced information feedback which will contribute to the efficiency of operations.”

The new plant at Hamm is set to reach an optimal efficiency of 46%. While generating an equivalent amount of power, the plant is being designed to require 20% less hard coal. And, per kilowatt hour of electricity, it will emit some 2.5 million tons less CO2 per year compared to previous systems.

Variable speed actuators from SIPOS support a range of challenging valve control applications, including brine production for INEOS Enterprises in Mid Cheshire. INEOS’ brine and water business plays a pivotal role supporting the chemical industry in the North West of England providing brine for production of chlor-alkali products.

SIPOS 5 Flash actuators have been supplied to Holford brine fields where INEOS extracts around 36,000 m3 of brine each day. Weak brine is pumped from wells to saturators. The actuators are mounted on Pump Delivery Recycle Butterfly Valves and normally open over 80 seconds, however, if a reverse flow is detected, the actuator closes the valve in just ten seconds to protect the pump. The ability of the SIPOS actuator to provide flexible control in both routine and emergency operation has been key to selection of the product for this application.

Commenting, Ralph Gallimore, Control Electrical Engineer for INEOS Enterprises said:

“Speed of actuator response is critical in maintaining the essential production of brine for chlor-alkali products to support the local chemical industry. For some critical areas of the production process, actuators normally run at a relatively slow speed but, on occasion, need to accelerate to a high speed for rapid valve closure. The frequency converter integrated in SIPOS’ actuator solution gives complete control of the motor which gives the flexibility we need to precisely manage the speed, direction of rotation and torque.”

SIPOS has supplied SIPOS 5 Flash, PROFITRON 2SG5 part-turn actuators to aid INEOS Enterprises’ brine production process.

SIPOS Aktorik, the manufacturer of variable speed actuators, reports that it is the first to introduce PROFIBUS DP-V2 services to valve control technology. With over ten years experience in Profibus applications, SIPOS is providing the latest version of the fieldbus protocol for industrial and power plant applications.

The benefits have already been recognised and major power plants across Europe including RWE’s Neurath power plant units F and G in Germany (each 1100 MW) are among the early adopters of the new generation actuation technology from SIPOS.

Commenting, Dr. Matthias Rebhan, SIPOS’ General Manager and Head of R&D said, “Profibus is one of the most popular fieldbus protocols as it provides high speed data exchange and links PLCs with sensors and actuators. Established advantages of bus technologies include field wiring costs, ease-of-use and greatly improved information feedback.
“The introduction of Profibus DP-V2 to actuation applications is a significant step forward in plant control capabilities, process transparency, enhanced safety and increased productivity.”

Key features of the new Profibus DP-V2 protocol are summarised by SIPOS as detailed and precise event time stamp; rapid system diagnosis capability; slave redundancy in accordance with RedCom; safe data transfer and high fault tolerance.