One of the biggest challenges our tank terminal operators face, is the risks associated with their valve line-ups. It is not unusual to hear of terminals contending with 1 or 2 incidents annually. What are the costs? Direct costs to include product loss and cleaning up: Incorrect valve line-ups can... read more →
Apr
04
Nov
13
In the tank storage industry, product contamination resulting from product transfer is an obvious risk. Costs related to clean-up, product loss, waste disposal and reputational damage easily mount up to hundreds of thousands of euros. A cause of contamination is the incorrect line-up of valves between the storage tanks and the jetty, resulting in the loading... read more →
Nov
06
For efficient operation of boilers, frequent ‘bottom blow-down’ procedures are required to help remove sludge deposits from within the vessel. Sludge may form from dirt in the water supply or from the water treatment chemicals. Where blow-down occurs on manual valves, a safety interlock system must be implemented to ensure... read more →
Nov
06
Ethylene production is an inherently complex and dangerous process, particularly when considering the operation of valves and/or line blinds around a cracking furnace. The incorrect operation of the controls to gas, feed stock and decoke air to the furnace can have catastrophic results. Under normal conditions, the operation of controls... read more →
Nov
06
An open path to relief must be maintained on Safety Relief Systems at all times during work exercises. A spare relief capacity, enables continuous production while maintenance procedures take place, and eliminates the need to isolate and shut down the whole process. Typically, twin or multiple safety relief valve systems... read more →
Oct
09
SBM reaches new levels of pigging safety using valve interlocks managed by a sequence control panel. This electronic panel manages start key release, based on compressor input signals and key detection. FPSO From the construction of FPSO ‘Cidade de Ilhabella’ three years ago, SBM implements Netherlocks interlocks and an electronic... read more →
Sep
22
Sofis is to supply 4,500 valve interlocks to an EPC contractor delivering the first phase of a heavy oil development programme for the Kuwait Oil Company (KOC). The interlocks will mainly be fitted to pressure safety valves and pig traps. EPC contractor chooses Sofis for Kuwait Oil Company project The... read more →
Sep
08
In order to operate a valve equipped with a Netherlocks interlock from a locked-open to a locked-closed position, you first need the 'open' key for that particular valve interlock. The 'open' key code is hard dye stamped into the key, as well as the right-hand front side of the lock... read more →
Sep
08
If sequential control is unnecessary, a valve locking device can be used to temporarily lock off the valve. The valve locking device enables individual personnel to isolate equipment while they carry out their work, safe in the knowledge that the equipment cannot be used. Sofis offers a full complement of security... read more →
Sep
06
Using a service valve wrench or valve opener to open or close manual multi-turn valves can easily result in damage and burrs, for instance by choosing an inappropriate hook. In addition, a service valve wrench will not prevent back strain, sore muscles or user fatigue. Using a portable valve actuator... read more →