Clifford Springs: How Spring Design Enhances Valve & Actuator Performance

Valve and actuator design is so important within the oil and gas industry, underpinning operational success in this critical sector.  And springs, those tiny and seemingly insignificant components, are integral to the performance and success of those valves and actuators. 

And whilst it’s easy to think that a spring is just a spring, this couldn’t be further from the truth.  Different types of springs allow for different performance benefits and efficiencies.  Let’s take a deep dive into three popular energising spring types (Canted Coil, Garter Springs and Helical Springs) and how they each bring different benefits to valve and actuator seals in the industry. 

Canted coil – very few springmakers have the capabilities to manufacture the complicated yet versatile springs.  This is due to them providing both linear and rotational force, a rarity in spring design.  Hugely versatile, this dual action delivers superior energising, a crucial requirement for valves operating under dynamic loading conditions.  With commendable deflection rates and robust resistance to wear and corrosion, canted coil is ideally suited for the arduous demands of the oil and gas industry. 

Garter springs – offering another unique design, the garter spring maintains radial forces, unlike other spring types.  Being so flexible, it can adapt easily to irregular shapes.  This is crucial in oil seals where preventing leaks is of such importance.  Using a garter spring helps maintain consistency of the sealing lip against the shaft, to ensure the integrity of the seal even in the toughest of environments. 

Helical springs – a more familiar design offers broad versatility being used in compression, extension and torsion formats.  Given the high pressure, extreme temperature and intense vibration of the oil and gas environments, their reliable resistance to external forces is vital in maintaining equipment integrity. 

At Clifford Springs we pride ourselves on our knowledge of springs, and work closely with our clients to choose the right spring for their needs.  It’s not enough to understand general benefits.  When we know operational and environmental factors such as pressure conditions, temperature fluctuations, corrosive elements, etc, we can advise on the most appropriate spring type and even suggest material choices for even better performance. 

Each different type of spring has unique benefits, giving them different advantages and performance results.  It’s our deep understanding of these benefits that helps to ensure your springs are the right ones for your needs.  So next time you’re considering your valve and actuator design, remember the power of the humble spring and talk to Graham Fowler, our Technical Sales Manager, at the start of your process.

Email: graham.fowler@cliffordsprings.co.uk 

Tel:     +44 (0)1527 62876

Web:   https://www.cliffordsprings.com/ 

Published: 28th June 2023