Patent Publication Number: US-10774945-B2

Title: Compound express actuator connection

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/175,122, filed Jun. 7, 2016, titled “Compound Express Actuator Connection,” which is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/949,324, titled “No-Bolt Security Latching System,” now U.S. Pat. No. 9,759,240, which is a continuation in part of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/832,884, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,212,758, titled “Quick Connect Valve Actuator,” filed Mar. 15, 2013, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/747,479, titled “Quick Connect Valve Actuator,” filed on Dec. 31, 2012, and which also claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/172,644, filed Jun. 8, 2015, titled “Compound Express Actuator Connection,” the full disclosure of each which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Disclosure 
     This invention relates in general to actuators for actuating valves, and in particular to actuators with a quick connection to both a valve bonnet and a valve stem. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Valves used in hydrocarbon drilling and production operations can be actuated by a valve actuator. The valve actuator can be a pneumatic, piston, or hydraulic type actuator that moves a stem linearly or rotationally, or both linearly and rotationally, to open or close the valve. 
     A bonnet is connected to the valve, with the stem extending through the bonnet, and then the actuator is connected to the bonnet. Valve actuators are often connected to the bonnet by threaded connections or by bolts through a flange. Threads are expensive to manufacture and are easily damaged. Threaded connections also have the disadvantage that the inlet of the actuator rotates about the axis of the actuator during installation. If the actuator is fully tightened and the inlet ends up in the wrong location, the operating supply line to the inlet must be moved. Machining bolt holes in the actuator and drilling and tapping holes into an adapter ring or the bonnet is expensive. In addition, bolts can be easily tampered with, leading to safety concerns and a risk of theft. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Embodiments of this disclosure provide a quick connectable actuator that includes features to quickly connect and disconnect the quick connectable actuator to a valve stem and a bonnet of a valve. Embodiments of the quick connectable actuator decrease the time required to install the actuator onto the bonnet. Additionally, installation of the actuator requires no tooling, except lift assistance when necessary. Embodiments of this disclosure also provide the safety feature of providing for axially independent installation of the actuator onto the valve stem such that the connection can be oriented in the safest manner. Some threaded connections between actuators and bonnets and actuators and valve stems currently used in the industry are more expensive to manufacture, and take longer to make up than the connections described herein. The systems and method described herein therefore reduce installation costs, decrease the duration of time required for installation, reduce the required tooling, and increase the safety of the valve system. 
     In an embodiment of the current disclosure, a system for securing a valve actuator to a valve assembly includes an actuator housing having an actuator axis, and a plurality of housing lugs spaced apart around a circumference of the actuator housing, the plurality of housing lugs protruding radially to define a plurality of housing slots therebetween. The system further includes a valve stem, a first portion of the valve stem having a valve stem nub with a nub shoulder, and a second portion of the valve stem operable to be connected to a valve. A cylinder assembly is located within the actuator housing, the cylinder assembly having a horseshoe connector with a horseshoe connector opening and a lip adjacent to the opening, the lip sized to engage the nub shoulder, transferring axial movement of the horseshoe connector to axial movement of the valve stem when the valve stem is positioned within the horseshoe connector opening. A bonnet has a plurality of bonnet lugs spaced apart around a circumference of the bonnet. The plurality of bonnet lugs protrude radially from the bonnet to define a plurality of bonnet slots therebetween, wherein each of the plurality of housing lugs are sized to pass axially through a respective one of the plurality of bonnet slots when the actuator housing is in a released position. The actuator housing is rotatable to a locked position where at least a portion of one or more of the plurality of housing lugs is axially aligned with a portion of a respective bonnet lug such that the plurality of bonnet lugs prevent axial movement of the actuator housing in at least one direction. 
     In an alternate embodiment of this disclosure, a system for securing a valve actuator to a valve assembly includes an actuator housing having an actuator axis, a valve end and an opposite outer end, and a plurality of housing lugs spaced apart around a circumference of the actuator housing, the plurality of housing lugs protruding radially to define a plurality of housing slots therebetween. The system further includes a valve stem, a first portion of the valve stem having a valve stem nub with a nub shoulder, and a second portion of the valve stem operable to be connected to a valve. A cylinder assembly is located within the actuator housing, the cylinder assembly having an inner cylinder sealingly engaging an outer cylinder, the outer cylinder axially moveable relative to the inner cylinder by a change of pressure within a piston chamber of cylinder assembly. A horseshoe connector is located at an end of the outer cylinder, the horseshoe connector having a horseshoe connector opening and a lip adjacent to the opening, the lip sized to engage the nub shoulder, transferring axial movement of the horseshoe connector to axial movement of the valve stem when the valve stem is positioned within the horseshoe connector opening. A bonnet is connectable to the valve end of the actuator housing and has a plurality of bonnet lugs spaced apart around a circumference of the bonnet, the plurality of bonnet lugs protruding radially from the bonnet to define a plurality of bonnet slots therebetween, wherein each of the plurality of housing lugs are sized to pass axially through a respective one of the plurality of bonnet slots when the actuator housing is in a released position. The actuator housing is rotatable to a locked position where at least a portion of one or more of the plurality of housing lugs is axially aligned with a portion of a respective bonnet lug such that the plurality of bonnet lugs prevent axial movement of the actuator housing in at least one direction when the actuator housing is in the locked position. 
     In yet another embodiment of this disclosure, a method for securing a valve actuator to a valve assembly includes providing an actuator housing having an actuator axis, a plurality of housing lugs spaced apart around a circumference of the actuator housing, the plurality of housing lugs protruding radially to define a plurality of housing slots therebetween, and a cylinder assembly located within the actuator housing, the cylinder assembly having a horseshoe connector. A valve stem nub of a first portion of a valve stem is located within a horseshoe connector opening of the horseshoe connector so that a lip adjacent to the horseshoe connector opening engages a nub shoulder of the valve stem nub and axial movement of the horseshoe connector can be transferred to axial movement of the valve stem. The valve stem has a second portion operable to be connected to a valve. A bonnet having a plurality of bonnet lugs spaced apart around a circumference of the bonnet is provided, the plurality of bonnet lugs protruding radially from the bonnet to define a plurality of bonnet slots therebetween. The plurality of housing lugs are passed through the plurality of bonnet slots and the actuator housing is rotated from a released position to a locked position where at least a portion of one or more of the plurality of housing lugs is axially aligned with a portion of a respective bonnet lug such that the plurality of bonnet lugs prevent axial movement of the actuator housing in at least one direction. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       Some of the features and benefits of the present disclosure having been stated, others will become apparent as the description proceeds when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a quarter section perspective view of a quick connectable actuator in accordance with an embodiment of this disclosure, shown with the quick connectable actuator unattached from a bonnet and valve stem. 
         FIG. 2  is a quarter section perspective view of the quick connectable actuator of  FIG. 1 , shown with the quick connectable actuator connected to the valve stem and unattached from the bonnet. 
         FIG. 3  is a quarter section perspective view of a quick connectable actuator of in accordance with an embodiment of this disclosure, shown with the quick connectable actuator connected to the valve stem and to the bonnet. 
         FIG. 4  is a section plan view of the horseshoe connector of the outer cylinder of a quick connectable actuator in accordance with an embodiment of this disclosure, shown with the valve stem being inserted into the horseshoe connector. 
         FIG. 5  is section plan view of a quick connectable actuator rotated into an engaged position relative to the bonnet, in accordance with an embodiment of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  is a detailed sectional view of the latch assembly in accordance with an embodiment of this disclosure, shown as the actuator housing is being attached to the bonnet. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a quick connectable actuator shown connected to the bonnet in accordance with an embodiment of this disclosure, shown with a securing mechanism in an unlatched position. 
     
    
    
     While the disclosure will be described in connection with the example embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to that embodiment. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as may be included within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DISCLOSURE 
     The method and system of the present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which embodiments are shown. The method and system of the present disclosure may be in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the illustrated embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey its scope to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. 
     It is to be further understood that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the exact details of construction, operation, exact materials, or embodiments shown and described, as modifications and equivalents will be apparent to one skilled in the art. In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed illustrative embodiments and, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for the purpose of limitation. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , actuator  10  includes actuator housing  12 . Actuator housing  12  can be a generally cylindrical member with a bore or an open interior. Actuator housing  12  has actuator axis  14 . Actuator housing  12  is manufactured from any of a variety of techniques including, for example, stamping, extrusion, and casting. In embodiments, actuator housing  12  is free of welds or seams on interior surfaces. Actuator housing  12  can be manufactured from NACE certified materials. Actuator housing  12  has valve end  16  for attaching to a valve  20  ( FIG. 3 ) and an opposite outer end  18 . Valve end  16  is an open end and outer end  18  is a closed end. The closed end can have a generally flat cap  19  ( FIG. 1 ) or a cap  19  that provides for an axial extension for housing an indicator stem  21  ( FIG. 3 ). In alternate embodiments, instead of bolting cap  19  to actuator housing  12 , a system of lugs, as described herein for attaching valve end  16  of actuator housing  12  to the bonnet  22  and as described in U.S. application Ser. No. 14/949,324, can be used to attach cap  19  to outer end  18  of actuator housing  12 . In such an embodiment, the entire actuator assembly can be assembled and secured to bonnet  22  and valve stem  24  of a valve without the use of any hand tools. 
     Actuator  10  is used to open or close valve  20 , to which quick connectable actuator  10  is connected. Valve  20  can be, for example, associated with a wellhead assembly that is disposed over a well (not shown). The wellhead assembly can include a wellhead housing, a production tree over the housing, and flow lines connected to the tree or the wellhead assembly. The flow lines and wellhead assembly can include embodiments of valve  20  described herein. Valve  20  can also be used for regulating fluids that communicate with the wellhead assembly, or for regulating well and other fluids that are otherwise travelling along a pipeline. As one of skill in the art will appreciate, valve  20  can be a gate valve or any other type of valve that is actuated by the extension of a linear member. 
     Looking at  FIG. 3 , bonnet  22  is connected to the body of valve  20 . Bonnet  22  and valve  20  prevent the flow of fluid from valve  20  to actuator  10 . In other words, there is an absence of fluid communication between valve  20  and actuator  10 . In embodiments, actuator housing  12  can be removed from bonnet  22  while fluid is present in valve  20  and no fluid will flow out of valve  20  through bonnet  22  or otherwise. 
     Valve stem  24  passes through bonnet  22  and has a stem axis  23 . Valve stem  24  has a first portion with valve stem nub  25  and with a second portion operable to be connected to a valve member, such as a gate, of valve  20 . Valve stem  24  moves axially between an extended position ( FIG. 2 ) and a retracted position ( FIG. 3 ) to actuate valve  20  and move the valve member between the open and closed position. Actuator  10  is used to actuate valve  20  by moving the valve stem  24  axially. Actuator  10 , valve  20 , bonnet  22 , and each of their respective components make up the valve assembly. 
     Looking at  FIG. 5 , a plurality of housing lugs  26  protrude radially inward from inner diameter surface  28  of actuator housing  12 . Housing lugs  26  are spaced apart around a circumference of inner diameter surface  28  to define housing slots  30  therebetween. 
     Bonnet  22  has lower flange  32  extending radially outward. Lower flange  32  can be used to connect bonnet  22  to the body of valve  20 . At the opposite end of bonnet  22  from lower flange  32 , locking flange  34  extends radially from bonnet  22  and includes top surface  36 . The outer diameter of locking flange  34  is less than or about equal to the inner diameter surface  28  of actuator housing  12  such that inner diameter surface  28  of actuator housing  12  can fit over locking flange  34 . 
     A plurality of bonnet lugs  38  are spaced apart around a circumference of bonnet  22 . Bonnet lugs  38  protrude radially inward from bonnet  22  to define a plurality of bonnet slots  40  therebetween. Each of the housing lugs  26  are sized to pass axially through a respective one of the bonnet slots  40  when actuator housing  12  is in a released position. That is, the circumferential arc length of each bonnet slot  40  is at least equal to or greater than the circumferential arc length of housing lugs  26 . Bonnet lugs  38  are spaced axially apart from locking flange  34  so that groove  42  ( FIG. 6 ) is defined between a bottom surface of bonnet lugs  38  and top surface  36  of locking flange  34 . Groove  42  is an annular groove. The axial height of groove  42  is greater than or about equal to the axial height of housing lugs  26 , measured along actuator axis  14 . 
     Housing lugs  26 , thus, are able to pass axially through bonnet slots  40 . After passing through bonnet slots  40 , housing lugs  26  are positioned in groove  42  below bonnet lugs  38 . In the released position, housing lugs  26  are not axially aligned with bonnet lugs  38  but instead housing lugs  26  remain axially aligned with bonnet slots  40 . Housing lugs  26  contact or rest upon top surface  36  of locking flange  34 , thus preventing further downward movement of actuator housing  12  relative to bonnet  22 . Because housing lugs  26  are axially below bonnet lugs  38 , actuator housing  12  can rotate relative to bonnet  22 . When actuator housing  12  rotates, relative to bonnet  22 , to a position wherein at least a portion of bonnet lugs  38  are axially above housing lugs  26 , such that bonnet lugs  38  prevent axial movement of actuator housing  12  in at least one direction, actuator housing  12  is in a locked position. In the locked position, bonnet lugs  38  prevent upward axial movement of housing lugs  26 . 
     In certain embodiments, less than one revolution of actuator housing  12  is required to move actuator housing  12  from the released to the locked position. In embodiments, actuator housing  12  can move as little as ½, ⅓, ¼, ⅙, ⅛, 1/10, or 1/16, of a revolution, depending on the size and number of lugs, to move from the released to the locked position. As one of skill in the art will appreciate, no fluid from valve  20  is in the vicinity of bonnet lugs  38  and housing lugs  26  and, thus, there can be an absence of seals between the lower end of actuator housing  12  and the upper end of bonnet  22 . 
     Looking at  FIGS. 5-7 , securing mechanism  44  can prevent rotation of actuator housing  12 , relative to bonnet  22 , when actuator housing  12  is in the locked position. In the example embodiments, securing mechanism  44  is a latch assembly with rotational lock that includes latch body  46  having one or more latch tabs  48  protruding inward therefrom when latch body is positioned in latch aperture  50 . Latch aperture  50  is an opening through the sidewall of actuator housing  12 . In embodiments, no seals are required at aperture  50  because there is an absence of pressurized fluid in actuator housing  12  proximate to aperture  50 . Latch body  46  is pivotally connected to actuator housing  12  by pin  52 , which passes through a lateral bore, or cross-drilled hole, of actuator housing  12 . Latch body  46  pivots on pin  52  between an unlatched position and a latched position. 
     Detent  53  is a spring loaded plunger that protrudes from one or both sides of latch body  46 . Detent  53  can move between an extended position when a greater amount of detent  53  protrudes from latch body  46  and a retracted position where a lesser amount of detent  53  protrudes from latch body  46 . Detent  53  extends from latch body  46  and can engage lateral bore  54  of actuator housing  12  to selectively prevent latch body  46  from pivoting relative to actuator housing  12  when detent  53  is in the extended position. When detent  53  is in the retracted position, latch body  46  can pivot relative to actuator housing  12  to allow for relative rotational movement between bonnet  22  and actuator housing  12 . When latch body  46  is pivoted radially outward from actuator housing  12 , in the unlatched position, detent  53  contacts an outer diameter surface of actuator housing  12  to prevent latch body  46  from pivoting inward to the latched position ( FIG. 5 ). 
     Latch tab  48  also includes tab sidewalls  56 . Latch tab  48  is positioned in actuator housing  12  slightly above housing lugs  26 , such that at least a portion of latch tab  48  is in the same axial location as bonnet lugs  38  when actuator housing  12  is landed on bonnet  22 . In the latched position, latch tab sidewalls  56  engage the sidewalls  58  of bonnet lugs  38 , thus preventing further rotation of actuator housing  12  in either direction relative to bonnet  22 . The outer surface of latch tab  48  can be contoured with a radius that generally matches the outer diameter profile of actuator housing  12 . 
     Looking at  FIG. 6 , a portion of latch tab  48 , such as taper  59 , contacts a top edge of bonnet lug  38  when actuator housing  12  is placed on bonnet  22 . Latch tab  48  can be deflected outward as actuator housing  12  is moved further onto bonnet  22 . The shape of taper  59  can facilitate such deflection. With latch tab  48  positioned radially outward from actuator housing  12 , in the unlatched position, housing lugs  26  land on top surface  36  of locking flange  34  and actuator housing  12  can be rotated to the locked position. Looking at  FIGS. 5 and 7 , detent  53  holds latch tab  48  in the radially outward, unlatched position. An operator then depresses detent  53  to allow latch tab  48  to pivot inward to the latched position. When latch tab  48  pivots to a position where detent  53  is aligned with lateral bore  54 , a portion of detent  53  is urged by an internal spring (not shown) into lateral bore  54 . In this latched position, detent  53  engages lateral bore  54  to hold latch tab  48  in the latched position and thus prevent latch tab  48  from moving to the unlatched position. As noted, in the latched position, latch tab sidewalls  56  engage the sidewalls  58  of bonnet lugs  38 , preventing further rotation of actuator housing  12  in either direction relative to bonnet  22 . 
     In other embodiments, securing mechanism  44  can have alternate forms, such as those shown in U.S. application Ser. No. 14/949,324. 
     Looking at  FIG. 1 , cylinder assembly  60  is located within actuator housing  12 . Cylinder assembly  60  includes inner cylinder  62  and outer cylinder  64 . Inner cylinder  62  is static relative to the actuator housing  12 . Inner cylinder  62  can be fixed or releasably secured to outer end of actuator housing  12 . In the example of  FIG. 1 , inner cylinder  62  is secured to actuator housing  12  by way of cap  19 . Inner cylinder  62  can be a generally tubular shaped member with a central bore centered around actuator axis  14 . An end of inner cylinder  62  proximate to cap  19  can be closed and an opposite end of inner cylinder  62  can be open. 
     Outer cylinder  64  has an open end for receiving inner cylinder  62  and a closed opposite end. Outer cylinder  64  is axially moveable relative to actuator housing  12 . Outer cylinder  64  circumscribes at least a portion of inner cylinder  62  and an outer diameter of inner cylinder  62  dynamically seals with an inner diameter of outer cylinder  64 . Inner cylinder  62  can reciprocate in and out of a bore of outer cylinder  64  as outer cylinder  64  moves axially within actuator housing  12 . 
     The inner bore of outer cylinder  64  and the inner bore of inner cylinder  62  together define a sealed piston chamber  66  within the interior of cylinder assembly  60 . In this way, inner cylinder  62  and outer cylinder  64  can act as a piston assembly and outer cylinder  64  can move axially relative to inner cylinder  62  by changing the pressure of a pressure media within piston chamber  66 . Injection port  68  provides a fluid flow path for injecting the pressure media from an exterior of actuator housing  12  to piston chamber  66  of the interior of cylinder assembly  60 . Outer cylinder  64  moves axially within actuator housing  12  by a change of pressure within piston chamber  66  of cylinder assembly  60 . 
     Biasing member  70  is located within actuator housing  12 . Biasing member  70  has a first end that engages biasing retainer  72  of outer cylinder  64  and a second end that engages actuator housing  12 . Biasing member  70  urges outer cylinder  64  in a direction towards outer end  18  of actuator housing  12  and away from housing lugs  26 . In the example embodiments, biasing member  70  is a spring. In order to move outer cylinder  64  axially within actuator housing  12 , the pressure media injected into piston chamber  66  acts on the closed end of outer cylinder  64  to cause outer cylinder  64  to overcome the spring force and move outer cylinder  64  towards valve end  16  of actuator housing  12  and towards housing lugs  26 . If sufficient pressure media is vented out of piston chamber  66 , biasing member  70  will move outer cylinder  64  back towards outer end  18  of actuator housing  12  and away from housing lugs  26 . When valve stem  24  is attached to a valve member, this axial movement of outer cylinder  64  can move valve member linearly to move valve  20  between a valve open and a valve closed position. 
     Looking at  FIG. 4 , in order to attach valve stem  24  to an end of outer cylinder  64 , outer cylinder  64  has horseshoe connector  74 . Horseshoe connector  74  is a receptacle in an end of outer cylinder  64 . Horseshoe connector  74  has horseshoe connector opening  76  and lip  78  adjacent to opening  76 . Opening  76  can have a generally “U” or horseshoe shape in cross section. Opening  76  has a diameter sized to accept valve stem  24 . A portion of opening  76  centered around actuator axis  14  is sized to accept a reduced diameter portion  77  of valve stem nub  25  when valve stem  24  is moved radially towards actuator axis  14 . 
     When actuator axis  14  is aligned with stem axis  23  and valve stem nub  25  is located within opening  76 , lip  78  can engage nub shoulder  80  of valve stem nub  25 , so that axial movement of horseshoe connector  74  is transferred to axial movement of valve stem  24 . Lip  78  has a larger diameter than the diameter of opening  76  around actuator axis  14  and nub shoulder  80  has a larger diameter than the reduced diameter portion  77  of valve stem nub  25  that is located within opening  76 . In the example shown, there is a single reduced diameter portion  77  and a single nub shoulder  80 . In alternate embodiments, there can be multiple reduced diameter portions  77  and multiple nub shoulders  80 . The multiple nub shoulders  80  can be spaced axially apart at various intervals and have various sizes or diameters and can be used to share the loads transferred between outer cylinder  64  and valve stem  24 . 
     Looking at  FIGS. 1-2 , in an example of operation, in order to secure actuator  10  to a valve assembly, valve stem  24  can first be attached to outer cylinder  64 . In order to locate horseshoe connector  74  proximate valve end  16  of actuator housing  12 , pressure media can be injected through injection port  68  into cylinder assembly  60  to move outer cylinder  64  in a direction towards housing lugs  26 . Valve stem nub  25  of the first portion of valve stem  24  can be located within opening  76  by aligning valve stem nub  25  axially with horseshoe connector  74  and sliding valve stem nub  25  radially so that reduced diameter portion  77  of valve stem nub  25  enters into the opening  76 . Valve stem  24  can be slid radially so that stem axis  23  aligns with actuator axis  14  and nub shoulder  80  of valve stem nub  25  engages lip  78  of horseshoe connector  74 . 
     Looking at  FIGS. 2-3 , after outer cylinder  64  is attached to valve stem  24 , the pressure media can be vented from piston chamber  66  and biasing member  70  will push outer cylinder  64  towards outer end  18  of actuator housing  12 . This will pull valve stem  24  towards outer end  18  of actuator housing  12 . Valve stem  24  has an annular shoulder that faces towards the first end and valve stem nub  25  of valve stem  24  and that is sized to engage a mating shoulder of bonnet  22 , the engagement limiting axial movement of valve stem  24  relative to bonnet  22 . The engagement of the annular shoulder of valve stem  24  and mating shoulder of bonnet  22  will cause bonnet  22  to also move towards outer end  18  of actuator housing  12 , drawing bonnet  22  towards and into actuator housing  12 . 
     Bonnet  22  can be drawn into actuator housing  12  with housing lugs  26  passing axially through bonnet slots  40 , until housing lugs  26  contact or rest upon top surface  36  of locking flange  34 , thus preventing further downward movement of actuator housing  12  relative to bonnet  22 . Actuator housing  12  can then be rotated relative to bonnet  22  to a locked position. In the locked position, bonnet lugs  38  prevent upward axial movement of housing lugs  26 . In certain embodiments, actuator housing rotates less than one full rotation between the released and locked positions. After actuator housing  12  is rotated to the locked position securing mechanism  44  can be latched to prevent rotation of actuator housing  12  relative to bonnet  22  so that actuator  10  cannot be removed from bonnet  22 . Therefore the compound connections (referring to both the connection of actuator housing  12  to bonnet  12 , and to the connection of valve stem  24  to outer cylinder  64 ) actuator  10  can be expressly connected without the use of tools. Compared to the assembly of some current actuator assemblies, the assembly of actuator  10  disclosed herein can be quick, efficient, and tool-less. 
     If an operator wishes to remove actuator  10  from bonnet  22 , securing mechanism  44  can be unlatched and actuator housing  12  can be rotated relative to bonnet  22  until housing lugs  26  are rotationally aligned with bonnet slots  40 . Actuator housing  12  can then be lifted axially from bonnet  22  with housing lugs  26  passing axially through bonnet slots  40 . When actuator housing  12  is removed from bonnet  22 , piston chamber  66  remains as a fluid sealed body and actuator  10  is independent of any operating fluids passing though valve  20 . 
     The present disclosure described herein, therefore, is well adapted to carry out the objects and attain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as others inherent therein. While example embodiments of the disclosure have been given for purposes of disclosure, numerous changes exist in the details of procedures for accomplishing the desired results. These and other similar modifications will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art, and are intended to be encompassed within the spirit of the present disclosure disclosed herein and the scope of the appended claims.