Hydraulic Actuator

For Control and Switch Functions in Gas and Steam Turbines

RE 08122

Technical Information

Edition: 2013-02

Contents
Introduction 2
System Structure

Features 2
Function Types

Advantages 2
Applications 2
Application Example

Schematic 3
Function

Cylinder Kid

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Technical Information | Hydraulic Actuator for Control and Switch Functions in Gas and Steam Turbines

Secure, proven and recognized

Hydraulic Actuators for Gas and Steam Turbines
Introduction
Gas and steam turbines utilize valves with control and
safety devices integrated into the actuator portion.
These control actuators are designed to meet stringent
specifications and to ensure all technical processes.
In contrast to the gas turbine, all thermal power of a
steam turbine is regulated by safety and control devices,
whereas the inlet fuel supply is controlled in a gas turbine
only.
In general, the nominal diameters of the steam valves as
well as the vapor pressures and temperatures have larger
values compared to the gas turbine. The result of the
higher values is higher power consumption during the
operation of the valves, which in turn requires greater
dimensioning of the armatures.
The actuators are available in a power range from 25 to
1600 MW for steam turbines and 25 to 340 MW for gas
turbines in various designs, including explosion-proof
specified versions, depending on customer requirements.
The actuators meet the requirements of IEC 61508/61511
Functional safety and are used in SIL 3 structures.

System Structure
The entire power cylinder design is modular and customizable. Depending on requirements, specific actuators can
be created using a selection of hydraulic cylinders, spring
assemblies, hydraulic valves and position measurement
devices. The assembly can be based on customer specifications to create the desired cylinder drives.
All necessary control functions are accommodated in the
cylinder housing which is designed as an integral control
block. The starting point of the assembly is a standard,
double rod cylinder. On the basis of equal area displacement in the two cylinder chambers, the hydraulic oil can
flow, during trip function, directly to the other side of the
cylinder. Normal trip times are set between 120 and
300 ms. The base tube-connecting lines of the cylinder are
designed for normal control operation, and thus results in
very low flow rates.
A control block and spring housing with an integrated
spring package form a unit. The safety of the drive actuator is mechanically achieved by the spring assembly, being
biased in the normal operating state of the hydraulic valve
and, depending on the application, the valve opens or
closes.

Bosch Rexroth AG, RE 08122, Edition: 2013-02

All hydraulic valves used, with the exception of a proportional control valve, are based on seat valve technology.
On one hand, the switching certainty ensures a high level;
on the other hand, the leakage of the overall system is
drastically reduced.

Features
Electro-hydraulic connection interface
Rod positioning using electro-hydraulic position control
Built-in fast closing by means of spring-assisted closing function
Limiting of the maximum closing speed during fast
closing
Integrated end position damping of the piston rod
SIL3-capable version

Function Types
Safety valve with internal or external triggering of fast
switching
Safety valve with internal or external triggering of fast
switching and override control

Advantages
Longtime established system
Customizable
Use of proven components
Seat valve technology

Applications
Valve-actuating devices in gas and steam turbines
Damper actuators with fail-safe position
Valves with quick close and quick open function

Application Example
The steam supply to a turbine must be controlled and
stopped in case of an emergency. This function utilizes a
hydraulic cylinder actuator, mounted on a valve armature.

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Schematic
Actuator in Control Position

Actuator in Tripped or Closed Position

Function

The schematic representation above refers to a valve

In case of an emergency shutdown or tripped state (as

actuator working in position control, i.e. at the connec-

shown in the bottom schematic illustration), the process

tion P is the operating pressure. The logic pilot valves are

valve is closed, preventing the fluid from flowing through

energized, causing the logics to lock.

the opening. This occurs when the magnetic power of the

The cylinder is mated with a proportional directional

pilot valves is switched off, opening both logic valves, the

valve, position sensor(s) and an electronic control unit

piston rod then moves, being spring-supported in the

(not shown). These components are used in a position

saved locking position, and causes the flowing out

control loop which is held in accordance with a set value

medium to seal. The displaced oil is transported from one

in a certain open position so that liquid, gas or vapor can

cylinder side to the other without coming in contact with

travel through a throttled orifice.

the tank.

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Technical Information | Hydraulic Actuator for Control and Switch Functions in Gas and Steam Turbines

Cylinder Kid

Measuring Systems
Stroke ranges:
Outputs:

50 to 350 mm
4 to 20 mA
-10 to +10 V

Cylinder
Piston diameter:
Rod diameter:
Stroke:
System pressure:

110 to 330 mm
60 to 125 mm
50 to 350 mm
160 bar

Forces at
design pressure 115 bar:

77 to 842 kN

Valves
Directional valves:
Proportional valves:
Logic valves:

NS 6 and NS 10
NS 6 to NS 32
NS 16 to NS 63

Fast-acting Springs

Bosch Rexroth AG
Hydraulics
Zum Eisengieer 1
97816 Lohr am Main, Germany
Phone +49 (0) 93 52/18-0
documentation@boschrexroth.de
www.boschrexroth.de

Bosch Rexroth AG, RE 08122, Edition: 2013-02

Case:

3 sizes

Spring packages:

4 groups
Relaxed:

5,5 to 108 kN

Compressed:

18 to 450 kN

This document, as well as the data, specifications and other information

set forth in it, are the exclusive property of Bosch Rexroth AG. It may not be
reproduced or given to third parties without its consent.
The data specified above only serve to describe the product. No statements
concerning a certain condition or suitability for a certain application can be
derived from our information. The information given does not release the
user from the obligation of own judgment and verification. It must be
remembered that our products are subject to a natural process of wear and
aging.