Atos marine electrohydraulics is specifically designed to satisfy the automation needs of shipboard

Marine electrohydraulics, stainless steel & intrinsic safety systems


Marco Solbiati –

The whole range of Atos marine electrohydraulics is specifically designed to satisfy the automation needs of shipboard installation and the tough demands of the off-shore applications.

Fig. 1 – LNG carrier.

Stainless steel electrohydraulics is the expression of the most advanced and modern automation technology for marine sector in application as driving propulsion, wheelhouses, stabilizers, gangways, hatches and actuator controls of processing valves. Specifically designed to satisfy the automation needs of shipboard installation and the tough demands of the off-shore applications, Atos stainless steel systems are currently supplied for thousands applications (fig. 1), with “naval certifications” from specialized inspecting agencies such as ABS, BV, DNV, RINA, GL, CCS on request.

A wider range

Power packs are manufactured by Scoda system division, with structures, tanks and piping in stainless steel just to withstand over 200 hours salt fog tests according to ASTM B117 (fig. 2).

Fig. 2 – Stainless steel power pack.

All components and accessories are compatible with biodegradable water-based fluids, thus respecting the environmental regulations regarding pollution and fire risks. Particular care is taken for the ergonomic positioning of all components, to make easier the maintenance in the ship rooms; in addition the hydraulic power generation is with redundant vane or piston pumps and with power limitation control to reduce energy consumption and avoid overloads.

Specific solutions for reducing the noise level such as silent couplings, shock absorbers, flexible hoses and silent cabins are well-adjusted in the systems.

Fig. 3 – Stainless steel cylinder.

Stainless steel cylinders (fig. 3) fit the modern marine applications thanks to their high resistance in aggressive ambient (>1,000 hours in salt spray), particularly for vessels roll stabilizers and trailing edge flaps on hydrofoil boats (fig.4).

Standard cylinders with nikrom rod treatment (>350 hours in salt spray) actuate tender platforms and shell doors of merchant and cruise ships, fins and steering systems on vessels as well. For application in hazardous areas, they are also available with ATEX 94/9/CE certification, according to EN 13463.

Stainless steel ex-proof valves with rugged inoxidizable design to withstand corrosive environments (>800 hours in salt spray) and with ISO mounting surface patterns for a compact and efficient design of the hydraulic system. They are explosion-proof certified according to ATEX 94/9/CE Group II; to IECEx Group II worldwide recognized safety certification and to C UL US class I, Division I. Size 06 valves are also conformed  to SIL 3 Safety Integrated Level according to IEC 61508.

Fig. 4 – Giroscopic antirolling stabilizer.

Intrinsically safe on-off solenoid valves are designed to ensure full functionality with low power supply to avoid the possibility to strike an explosion, with certification according to ATEX 94/9/CE Group II and I for surface tunnel or mining plants. Several worldwide naval applications like LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) carriers and FPSO (Floating Production Storage and Offloading) prove their high reliability and durability. To limit the max input current, the valve’s solenoids must be powered through specific certified “safety barriers”.

The whole range of Atos “marine” electrohydraulics is also available in low temperature execution to withstand extreme low temperature in Arctic areas down to -40°C (standard certification -20°C).