Shafer Emissions Controlled Actuation Technology (ECAT)
Use proven gas-powered actuation for your pipeline systems without the associated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The ECAT solution is available as a complete valve operating system (VOS) or as a bolt-on option that can be retrofit in the field.
The Shafer™ Emissions Controlled Actuation Technology (ECAT), developed by Emerson, is an advanced low-emission valve actuation system designed to help operators significantly reduce or eliminate methane and volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from pneumatic valve actuators. This innovative technology supports compliance with increasingly strict environmental regulations while maintaining superior performance, reliability, and control accuracy in critical oil and gas applications. Traditional pneumatic actuators vent natural gas into the atmosphere during operation, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. The Shafer ECAT system eliminates this by capturing, containing, and redirecting the exhaust gas for reuse or safe disposal, providing a zero-vent or low-vent solution for valve control. Built upon Shafer’s proven helical spline and scotch yoke actuator platforms, ECAT technology integrates seamlessly with existing Shafer G-Series, L-Series, and SH-Series actuators, offering a drop-in upgrade path without requiring significant system redesign. The ECAT system provides precise valve positioning, fast response, and high torque output while minimizing environmental impact — making it the preferred choice for operators focused on sustainability, compliance, and operational excellence.
Technical Specification of Shafer Emissions Controlled Actuation Technology (ECAT)
- Power Source
- Pipeline gas powers the actuator and a unique electro-hydraulic power pack is used to re-inject gas back into the pipeline
- Product Type
- Rotary Vane Hydraulic Actuator
- Certifications
- NEC Explosion proof for Class I, Div. I hazardous areas
This product is only intended for use in large-scale fixed installations excluded from the scope of Directive 2011/65/EU on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (RoHS 2).
- Control Type
- On/off, ESD, Station blow-down, Remote 2-way electric control, Linebreak, Station by-pass etc.
- Valve Type
- Ball, Plug
Feature of Shafer Emissions Controlled Actuation Technology (ECAT)
- Unique design (US patent 9810248 B2) captures the methane emissions vented to power a gas-over-oil actuator’s stroke and re-injects it back into the pipeline, eliminating any emissions being vented due to the actuator’s operation
- Use of familiar, existing technology reduces the need to train operations and maintenance personnel on new equipment
- Re-injection power pack supports utility electrical power or solar power
- Can be retrofit to existing hydraulic actuators in the field, so in-service actuators do not need to be replaced
- Uses readily available pipeline power, or can be operated manually in remote locations where grid or solar power is not available
- Self-contained system extends maintenance intervals, with a normal service interval of five (5) years
- Cold tested to -50F (-46C)