A special Multiport Selector Manifold (MSM) has been designed by Framo Engineering for oil production projects realised by the Indian mineral oil company ONGC and the state-owned Chinese CNOOC. The core piece of the Manifold is a new multiport-valve equipped with an electric actuator, specially enhanced by AUMA. The new combined production and test manifold has also been selected by PDO Oman for use in oil extraction plants in desert environments.

During oil production, the supply rate is taken from several wells and fed into a manifold. At the manifold inlet, samples are taken from the various sources for analysis. To accomplish this task, conventional manifolds are made of a large number or valves and actuators. The MSM Multiport Valve has been designed to reduce the size of pipe manifold arrangements, comprising only one valve and one actuator. The special option to individually approach any well is ensured by the rotating flow path capabilities.
A key feature of the selected electric actuators is the unique enclosure protection: with all components contained in one housing, the technology is capable of withstanding extreme environmental conditions.

Commenting on the success of Framo multiport manifold design, and the selection of AUMA, Arne Olsen, Framo’s Sales Manager for Continental Europe and the Middle East said:

“Prior to the MSM development, four intermediate positions could be defined by AUMA actuation technology to trigger an ‘event’, such as giving a signal or stopping the actuator. The advanced multiport solution provides an additional four intermediate positions and, with the incorporation of fieldbus communication, the ability to move to a defined position by remote signal is provided.

“Responding to Framo’s brief, AUMA has demonstrated its ability to draw on its comprehensive R&D expertise to develop tailored actuation solutions based on its modular actuation design concept. The project has also confirmed AUMA’s capability to understand the wider aspects of valve automation.”

Widespread adoption of AUMA actuator products in the oil and gas sector includes, for example, the BP Refinery Rotterdam, Bío-Bío refinery in Chile and GALP oil tank farms in Lisbon, Avairo and Porto (Portugal).