Flowserve LHS Hydraulic Heavy-Duty Actuator Series - Manual (Page 22)

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LHS Hydraulic Heavy-Duty Actuator Series FCD LFENIM0003-00-AQ 7/14
Actuators that are to be decommissioned permanently due to a plant closure or for another reason must have the
stored energy in the spring neutralized. This can be done in several ways:
• Decommissioning by filling with concrete – following proper removal of the actuator from any hazardous areas,
the spring module may be neutralized by cutting a small opening in the end or side of the spring can and filling
the spring can with liquid concrete and allowing the concrete to dry. This will eliminate any possibility of spring
decompression if it were to be removed from the actuator without following proper procedures.
• Decommissioning by cutting the spring – following proper removal of the actuator from any hazardous areas, the
spring module may be neutralized by cutting a small opening in the side of the spring can and accessing the spring
coils. The spring coils are then cut using a torch to relieve all compression and stored energy. Care should be taken
that the opening in the spring can is sufficiently small to prevent any pieces of the spring from escaping when the
spring is cut.
a WARNING: Failure to neutralize the spring in the actuator or to follow these instructions could lead to injury to
personnel or property damage.
Either method is acceptable to Flowserve although the method outlined in the first point is preferred, as the stored
energy in the spring is not suddenly released when the spring is cut. Hence, this is the safest method.
No actions need be taken on any other portions of the actuator to decommission it.
6
Disposal of
Decommissioned
Actuators