In this guide we’ll walk you through everything there is to know about pilots and relays.
From the basics of how it works to step-by-step repairs and troubleshooting, you’ll gain a solid foundation of knowledge on how to operate and maintain Kimray’s pilots and relays.
Use the table of contents to skip to different sections of the learning path.
When building a regulator package with a Kimray High Pressure Control Valve and Pilot, the standard configuration calls for the following:
This is based on the assumption that a back pressure regulator protects the upstream from over pressure and therefore should “fail open,” and that a pressure reducing regulator protects the downstream from over pressure and therefore should “fail closed.”
Of course, the desired set point will dictate the pressure range of the pilot. But for typical applications, the action of the pilot will always be indirect.
In both cases, an indirect control valve pilot fits the need.
A direct pilot is needed if you are going to deviate from the standard set up based on unique circumstances. For example, if you have a fail-closed back pressure valve or a fail-open pressure reducing valve.
If you want to convert your valve from Back Pressure to Pressure Reducing, you’ll want to convert the topworks, not the pilot action.
An Electric Pilot is a versatile electric control product designed for upstream oil and gas operations. The pilot can control pressure, flow, temperature, or level—all electrically, while giving you remote feedback and releasing zero natural gas emissions.
In a previous video, Kyle showed you how to use the electric pilot with an actuator and an I/P in a package we call the Electric Valve Controller.
But this little guy can do so much more than that. It can receive and send any 4-20 MA signal. You can think of it as a miniature PLC.
In this lesson we show you how easy it is to set it up for these 6 common oil and gas applications:
Let’s say you want to use it for Gap Control on a separator.
Our goal in this application is to keep the separator at a pressure range in between two set points.
Here’s what you’ll need:
Now your valve is set up for gap control.
Next let's set up an Electric Pilot to maintain temperature control. Our goal in this application is to keep the temperature of a vessel like a heater treater in between two temperatures.
Here’s what you’ll need:
Now your valve is set up for temperature control.
Next let's set up an Electric Pilot to use for suction control. Our goal here is to control the pressure downstream of our valve.
Here’s what you’ll need:
The pilot will now take over your suction control.
Next let's set up an Electric Pilot for back pressure. Our goal in this application is to keep pressure on a separator so it can dump fluids at the appropriate rate.
Here’s what you’ll need:
In back pressure applications, you do not need to manually adjust the valve before autotune, since the sensor is on the upstream side and already pressurized. Now your valve is set up to hold back pressure.
Now we want use an Electric Pilot exclusively as a timer. Our goal in this application is to signal an electric actuator to open and close a control valve fully at specific set intervals.
Here’s what you’ll need:
This uses discrete on/off communication, so no sensor is needed.
Now your pilot is set to signal the actuator to open and close the valve at these timed intervals.
Finally we will set up an Electric Pilot for Flow Control. Our goal in this application is to keep the flow rate consistent across an orifice for measurement.
Here’s what you’ll need:
We have an array of smart products designed to help you improve your efficiency and lower your emissions.
If you have any questions or need any information on the Electric Pilot, reach out to your local Kimray store or authorized distributor.
