ABLE v-Trakka VT1/VT2 Christmas Tree Valve Position Transmitter

Reliable, Continuous Valve Position Monitoring Without Guesswork

Many operators have moved away from using limit switches to control Xmas tree valves, as these devices are increasingly seen as unreliable and unsuitable for accurate monitoring. Limit switch technology only provides binary information, indicating whether a valve is fully open or fully closed, without offering any continuous feedback on the valve’s actual position. To work around this limitation, some operators have relied on trending pressure changes in hydraulic lines to infer valve position. However, this method is often inaccurate and unreliable, as pressure measurements can be compromised by transmitter blockages that demand regular maintenance.

Incorrect valve position control can lead to significant consequences, including process failures, system shutdowns, and, most critically, risks to workplace safety. The resulting loss in production can lead to substantial financial costs. To address these issues, ABLE has developed the v-Trakka, a universal valve position transmitter that delivers continuous, direct measurements of valve position. This device can be retrofitted to most major types of surface Xmas tree valves and provides a precise and repeatable 4-20mA output corresponding to the physical position of the valve.

Features:

• Continuous, Direct Position Measurement: Provides accurate 4–20mA output, eliminating reliance on limit switches or inferred pressure readings.
• Universal Compatibility: Retrofits to most surface tree valves including Cameron, Baker Hughes, Vetco, Safoco, Wood Group, and Presco-Dyne.
• Robust, Maintenance-Free Design: Built from 316 stainless steel for corrosion resistance; no internal electronics exposed to harsh environments.
• Flexible Mounting / Operation: VT1 mounts directly to valve collar; VT2 suits indicator window types. 360° sensor accommodates any stem rotation.
• High Visibility / Operator Safety: Toughened glass viewing windows with visible markers improve monitoring and reduce risk from stem exposure.
• Compact Footprint: Installs easily around space-restricted areas such as gas-lift and annulus valves at grating level.
• Built to Withstand the Elements: Tested against mechanical impact and environmental wear—including scaffold pole strikes, ensuring long service life.

Have a particular project in mind? We’d welcome a call on +44 (0) 1189 169 420

The v-Trakka is designed for durability and ease of use. Once installed, it requires no maintenance. It is a compact, lightweight mechanical device, built to withstand the harsh conditions typically found at well sites. Its 316 stainless steel cover and solid base protect it from dirt and physical impacts, while also enhancing safety by preventing personnel from standing directly in front of the valve stem. A high-visibility position marker can be easily seen through toughened-glass window slots.
To support a wide range of Xmas tree valve configurations, the v-Trakka comes in two models: the VT1, designed for valves with a central stem, and the VT2, suited for topside trees with an indicator window design.

ABLE v-Trakka VT1:
ABLE Instruments introduces the v-Trakka VT1 Christmas Tree Valve Position Transmitter, designed for durability and ease of use. Mounted directly to the valve collar, it can withstand harsh impacts, including scaffold pole knocks. The device features a 316 stainless steel quick-fit cover with viewing windows for easy monitoring. Simple to install and set up, the v-Trakka protects against dirt, physical damage, and potential worker injury from valve stem exposure.

ABLE v-Trakka VT2:
The ABLE v-Trakka model VT2 is specifically developed for continuous, direct valve position measurement in applications where valves lack a central stem. It is designed to retrofit easily to most topside trees that use an indicator window design, such as those by Vetco Gray. Like the VT1, the VT2 features a highly stable and robust construction, removing the need for unreliable limit switches and inferred pressure readings.

Why choose v-Trakka?
Many offshore assets lack reliable confirmation of valve position, relying instead on limit switches or inferred hydraulic pressure—both prone to misalignment, drift, and poor repeatability. v-Trakka solves this by delivering continuous, linear, and repeatable position data, unaffected by mechanical disturbance or hydraulic signal instability.