The LNG industry operates in a high-risk environment where safety, reliability, and precision are paramount. Advanced valve interlocking solutions prevent operational errors, enforce correct valve operation sequences, and integrate seamlessly with safety and process control systems. Valve interlocking systems help LNG facilities maintain operational integrity, reduce risks, and optimize efficiency, ensuring compliance with the highest industry standards.
Preventing simultaneous operations for enhanced safety
Uncontrolled simultaneous operations pose serious risks in LNG handling, from product loss to system overpressure. Sofis valve interlocking solutions prevent incompatible actions from occurring at the same time, ensuring safety and operational integrity. Whether avoiding the opening of LNG supply and vent valves at the same time, preventing simultaneous filling and emptying of storage tanks, or blocking unintended fluid mixing, Sofis valve interlocks maintain process discipline and minimize risks.
Ensuring safe valve operations
LNG processes require precise valve operation sequences to maintain stability and prevent hazardous conditions. Sofis valve interlocks enforce the correct order of operations, ensuring that unloading from LNG carriers only begins after mooring and safety checks, preventing vacuum conditions during tank-to-tank transfers, and maintaining controlled start-up and shutdown of vaporizers to avoid thermal shocks. By enforcing strict operational sequences, Sofis helps LNG facilities achieve the highest levels of safety and efficiency.
Emergency shutdown integration
Rapid and reliable emergency shutdowns are essential in critical moments. Sofis valve interlocking systems seamlessly integrate with ESD systems, ensuring immediate and automatic isolation of pipelines and process areas. Whether responding to LNG leaks, fires in unloading bays, or storage tank overpressure, Sofis solutions guarantee that the right actions happen instantly, securing assets and personnel from potential disasters.
Securing tanker unloading operations
Transferring LNG from ship to shore requires stringent controls to prevent accidents. Sofis valve interlocks ensure that unloading valves cannot open until loading arms are securely connected, grounding is verified, and emergency release systems are armed. Likewise, valves remain securely closed until unloading is complete, and connections are safely removed, eliminating the risk of unintended LNG release or equipment damage.
Protecting storage tanks from operational risks
LNG storage tanks must be safeguarded against overfilling, excessive pressure, and improper venting. Valve interlocks prevent filling when tank levels are high, ensure venting mechanisms are active before transfer, and control pressure relief valve switching during maintenance. By integrating these safety measures, Sofis solutions provide uninterrupted protection for critical LNG storage assets.
Safety in regasification plants
The regasification process involves extreme temperature and pressure variations, requiring controlled valve operations to prevent damage. Our interlocks enforce correct sequencing when starting vaporizers, ensure gas outlets remain blocked until the system reaches operating temperature, and provide safe isolation for maintenance. By maintaining process stability, you can ensure smooth and secure LNG-to-gas conversion.
Fire prevention and firewater systems
A well-designed fire safety system relies on controlled valve operations. Sofis solutions help isolate terminal sections to contain fires, regulate the release of firefighting media only when areas are properly secured, and prevent adjacent valves from feeding additional LNG or vapor into a fire. By managing emergency response mechanisms, our systems enhance the overall safety of LNG facilities.
Enforcing safety procedures
Operational discipline is critical in LNG handling. Sofis valve interlocks ensure that valves cannot be manually opened in unsafe conditions, block unauthorized bypasses during purging and inerting, and enforce adherence to start-up, shutdown, and switchover protocols. By reducing human error, Sofis valve interlocking systems help LNG operators maintain the highest standards of procedural compliance.
Seamless process control integration
LNG operations depend on synchronized valve movements to maintain efficiency and safety. Sofis valve interlocks coordinate valve actions with process control systems, ensuring LNG unloading lines operate in sync with flow and pressure controls, preventing pump cavitation, and enforcing correct boil-off gas (BOG) handling. By bridging mechanical and digital safety measures, LNG facility operations are optimized.
Safe maintenance operations
Maintenance activities require strict isolation protocols to prevent accidental LNG release. Sofis valve interlocks allow safe depressurization and draining before opening pipeline sections, ensure secure valve operations during system tests, and isolate transfer lines or vaporizers before maintenance. By controlling valve access and movement, Sofis valve interlocks create a secure work environment for maintenance teams.
Controlled access to critical valves
Only trained and authorized personnel should have access to critical LNG valves. Sofis mechanical interlocks ensure that only those with the correct key can operate specific valves, restrict manual shutdown valve access in hazardous zones, and prevent unauthorized operation during security lockdowns. By managing valve access, we help LNG facilities maintain security, safety, and compliance.