A device patented in partnership by I.S.I.F. Srl and INRETE Distribuzione Energia Spa. Nexaction is the first self-powered system for the remote automation of network valves. The first patent for the automation of network valves for gas, water, district heating and fluid distribution.
THE SYSTEM
The system consists of an electromechanical part, a peripheral device equipped with solar panels housing the control electronics, and a remote-controlled gas detection sensor. Each device is also equipped with a tracer cable to guarantee the traceability of the valve in all conditions.
FEEDING
The power supply of the entire system, realised by means of a solar panel, combined with a buffer battery, allows each individual peripheral device to work autonomously in all conditions and without the need for a mains power supply, allowing it to be installed even in areas without a mains power supply.
THE SOFTWARE
The solution proposed by INRETE and I.S.I.F. also has a dedicated software, which can be implemented on all possible cloud infrastructures, and which allows, through a front end (web application that can be customised according to the distributor’s needs), to issue commands and file reports on the movements that have taken place. The historicisation of this movement data will make it possible to monitor the mechanical health of the valve, signalling to the distributor, from a predictive perspective, any anomalies recorded by the system in terms of torque applied.
ADVANTAGES
With NexAction on their network valves, network operators will enjoy a number of benefits:
reduce intervention times during gas leaks and emergency events, with a consequent reduction in fugitive emissions (the valve closure manoeuvre takes place within a maximum time of 150 seconds from the sending of the actuation command).
carry out preventive maintenance operations aimed at maintaining the operational functionality of the valves, such as periodic inrush tests, without the need to commit operational resources in the field.
avoid the occurrence of problems deriving from the lack of traceability of line valves (because they are located under asphalt or due to particular atmospheric conditions such as snow, etc.) or from the particular position in which they are installed (valves located on roads with high vehicular traffic).
historise the torque values detected during each operation in order to assess extraordinary maintenance operations to prevent any blockage of the valves.
