Sofis agent in South Africa, Zonke Engineering Ltd, adopts a local approach to service support, in line with the Sofis strategy to increase its local presence. Within this approach, one of their major clients is offered a made to measure mechanical valve interlock maintenance contract. This contract offers flexibility and allows minimizing... read more →
Dec
20
Dec
11
As part of an overhaul operation of one of its plants, Dutch-based Shin-Etsu PVC, part of Shin-Etsu Chemical Ltd., recently replaced all refrigeration compressors using freon with compressors using propylene in their Botlek plant. The pressure safety valves (PSV's) on these compressors were safeguarded by valve lockout systems. Michel Immerzeel,... read more →
Nov
28
Oil & gas company Eni Norge approached valve operations specialist Sofis to help simplify its valve processes on the Goliat Field oilfield. Sofis provided a solution by developing a custom-built valve operating panel that enhances safety and increases efficiency. It does this by moving the control and operation of Eni Norge’s... read more →
Nov
28
Smith Flow Control and Netherlocks Safety Systems announce their merger, effective April 4th, to create a global market leader in process valve safety and operation, with the new business operating under a single board of directors. Both the interlock brands (Smith Flow Control and Netherlocks) will continue to be used... read more →
Nov
28
An Antwerp based leading global synthetics company uses partial stroke testing to test the availability of some of their most critical ESD valves. Remarkably, they found that some valves that performed spotless in full stroke tests during stops, turned out to be stuck during live process. Without mechanical partial stroke... read more →
Nov
28
SABIC Europe, the major plastics, chemicals and innovative plastics producer, has been using the Sofis Power Wrench portable actuator for operating its hand wheel valves. “Great device” J. Habets, Senior Dayshift Operator, HDPE Polymers – Production, SABIC Europe B.V, comments: “The Power Wrench is a great device for us, because we can open... read more →
Nov
26
Every year, agencies like CBS, OSHA and EPA investigate the biggest accidents that occur in the oil, gas and downstream sector, searching for root causes. There never seems to be one reason or mistake, often a combination of multiple factors lead to such catastrophic events. A lack of training, bad... read more →
Nov
05
The Power Wrench portable valve actuator is the ideal tool for quickly opening and closing manual valves. A striking example of the benefits of the tool is provided by a refinery, where the Power Wrench is used to ensure quick operation of a vitally important manual bypass valve on a... read more →
Oct
19
As part of the Nord Stream pipeline project, Sofis valve operation has been chosen to provide an electro-mechanical control cabinet in combination with an interlocking system for the pigging process. A custom, explosion-proof and climate controlled control cabinet was designed and manufactured in close co-operation with Siemens AG. Mechanical and electronic... read more →
Oct
10
Pipeline operations in the oil and gas industry are safe if carried out correctly but can have catastrophic consequences if performed incorrectly, particularly if high temperature, high pressure or toxic/flammable product is present. The industry generally has a disciplined approach to pipeline design and operating practice, governed by recognized international... read more →