WOODWARD VariStroke Hydraulic Power Cylinder (VHPC): a heavy-duty actuator designed specifically for extremely hazardous environments
Overview
Woodward VariStroke hydraulic power cylinders (VHPC) are a series of heavy-duty hydraulic power cylinders designed for extremely hazardous environments in industries such as oil and gas, petrochemicals, and power generation. This product series can be used in conjunction with Woodward's VariStroke servo system and VariStroke DX hydraulic slide table to form a complete electro-hydraulic execution system for precise positioning of turbine control valves, valve racks, and trip and throttle valves.
Main application areas
Steam Turbine Control Valves
Trip&Throttle Valves of Steam Turbine
Valve frame drive system
Suitable for Zone 1 and Zone 2 hazardous areas
Product Model and Configuration
VHPC offers a variety of sizes and configurations, and users can customize according to their needs:
Model type applicable servo model optional functions
Dual acting power cylinder VariStroke-I/II without drain valve option
Single acting power cylinder (with drain valve interface) VariStroke GI/DX optional MLDT/LVDT sensor
Single acting power cylinder (integrated drain valve) VariStroke GI/DX optional quick drain valve
Core functions and advantages
1. Highly customizable
Support multiple piston aperture, stroke length, and return spring force selections.
MLDT (magnetostrictive) or LVDT (linear variable differential transformer) position sensors can be optionally selected.
Support single acting or double acting design to meet different hydraulic system requirements.
2. Quick oil drain valve option
Single acting models can be equipped with integrated quick release valves or release valve interfaces.
The oil discharge valve can improve the response speed of the actuator during large stroke changes and achieve the separation of the control system and the safety system.
The oil discharge valve interface supports users to connect dual redundant or triple redundant trip modules, suitable for high safety applications.
3. Side load tolerance
The output shaft can withstand sustained lateral loads up to 5% of the output force.
Adopting high-precision bearings and triple sealing technology to ensure long-term dry shaft operation and prevent oil leakage.
4. Resistant to high temperatures and harsh environments
Working temperature range: -40 ° C to+105 ° C (depending on the fuel supply temperature).
Compliant with IP66 protection level (IEC/EN 60529), dustproof and waterproof.
Through MIL-STD-810 impact and vibration testing.
5. Redundant sensor support
Optional dual redundant MLDT sensors provide high-precision position feedback and support operation in ambient temperatures up to 105 ° C.
6. Global Maintenance Network
Provide global repair and support through Woodward authorized service network.
Each power cylinder undergoes independent testing before leaving the factory to ensure performance and zero leakage.

Summary of Technical Specifications
Project Parameters
Oil supply pressure range 3.44-34.5 bar (50-500 psi)
Hydraulic oil type: mineral oil, synthetic oil, or Fyrquel EHC base oil
Recommended oil cleanliness level ISO 4406 20/18/16
Recommended viscosity of 20-100 cS
Return/discharge pressure ≤ 2 bar (29 psi)
MLDT sensor power supply 20.4-28.8 Vdc @ 100 mA
Analog output signal 2-channel 4-20 mA, load ≤ 500 Ω
The response time of the oil drain valve is fully open<250 ms, fully closed<2.0 s
Compliance and Certification
CE certification:
EMC Directive: 2014/30/EU
ATEX Directive: 2014/34/EU
Zone 1:II 2 G Ex db IIB T4 Gb
Zone 2:II 3 G, Ex nA IIC T4 Gc
IECEx certification:
Zone 1:Ex db IIB T4 Gb
Zone 2:II 3 G, Ex nA IIC T4 Gc
CSA certification:
Class I, Div. 1, Groups C&D T4
Class I, Div. 2, Groups A,B,C,D T4
Compliant with the Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC) and the Pressure Equipment Directive (2014/68/EU).
Typical Application Diagram
VHPC can be used in conjunction with VariStroke servo system for:
Positioning of turbine control valve
Trip and throttle valve drive
Redundant speed signal processing
Integration with turbine safety system
The system supports analog and discrete signal input, and provides valve position indication and trip status feedback, making it easy to integrate into DCS or PLC systems.
Summary
Woodward VariStroke Hydraulic Power Cylinder (VHPC) is a highly reliable, customizable hydraulic actuator suitable for extreme environments. Its side load tolerance, redundant sensing, quick release valve options, and global hazardous area certification make it an ideal choice for high safety and high availability control systems in industries such as oil and gas, petrochemicals, and power.
Email:wang@kongjiangauto.com