Installation, apparatus and method for actuating doors, gates and the like under extreme environmental conditions

An installation for actuating gates, doors or the like in extreme environmental conditions from a conventional source of water under pressure, said installation comprising:

• an installation which is protected from extreme environmental conditions, such as freezing temperatures or the like, including a first rigid accumulator-separator vessel having a first flexible diaphragm, said diaphragm dividing said first vessel into a first water chamber and a first working fluid chamber, and a second rigid accumulator-separator vessel having a second flexible diaphragm, said diaphragm dividing said second vessel into a second working fluid chamber and a second water chamber;
• a hydraulic actuator located in an environment which is subject to extreme environmental conditions, such as freezing temperatures or the like, and having first port connected to said first working fluid chambers and a second port connected to said second working fluid chambers, said first and second working fluid chambers and said actuator filled with a working fluid impervious to conditions in said extreme environment;
• a water supply line connected to a source of water under pressure;
• a first supply valve having an inlet port connected to said water supply line and an outlet connected to said first water chamber;
• a first drain valve having an inlet port connected to said first water chamber;
• a second supply valve having an inlet port connected to said water supply line and an outlet connected to said second water chamber;
• a second drain valve having an inlet port connected to said second water chamber;
• and wherein
• said water pressure may be utilized to operate said actuator in said extreme environment.

A method for actuating a gate, door or the like in a location subject to extreme environmental conditions such as freezing temperatures or the like, from a conventional source of water under pressure, said method comprising of the steps of:

• providing an installation protected from said extreme environmental conditions and having a source of water under pressure and a working fluid impervious to said extreme environmental conditions;
• separating said water from said working fluid;
• pressurizing said working fluid with said water under pressure;
• positioning an actuator in said location subject to said extreme environmental conditions and coupling said actuator to said gate, door or the like;
• and
• actuating said actuator with said working fluid in said protected installation to thereby operate said gate, door or the like in said location.