Closure Door
Access into pressure vessels is a potentially hazardous exercise. Residual pressure, volumes of residual gases or liquids can all be harmful.
Typical examples of these potential hazards include pig traps, filter housings and autoclaves.
Locking the vessel closure in the closed position with a DL3 interlock ensures access into the vessel can be achieved: only under controlled, safe conditions.
The operating key is held in a secure place, e.g. the control room or supervisors office or is retained in another interlock elsewhere in the sequence (often the vent valve lock).
In a typical system, the key can only be retrieved when the vent valve is opened, thereby reducing the pressure within the vessel. The system can be extended to include interlocks on all isolating valves and a drain valve
Key Cabinets
Having implemented a good interlock control system, the next most important step is to apply a good Key Management System.
For storage, ease of access and issue, SFC key cabinets provide all that is required.
A key cabinet should be located in a safe place; typically a control room whereby initiating keys are issued by the Shift Supervisor, Offshore Installation Manager (OIM) or other person in authority.
Cabinets vary in size and can accommodate from 1 - 227 system initiating (or spare) keys.
Lock Out - Tag Out
Introduction
Many of the valves on site require a simple to use locking device to prevent accidental or unauthorised operation. The ATL has been developed to be fitted directly to valves in place of the normal handwheel or operating lever with little machining which can easily achieved by the customer.
Construction
The ATL is available in two sizes covering all valve sizes. Available in 304 Stainless Steel for standard monitored areas offering a secure lockout tag-out device. For remote unmonitored areas a carbon steel case hardened option is available which will withstand the toughest vandalism.
Operation
With the unit fitted to the valve, the standard SFC tamper-proof coded card key can be inserted allowing valve operation. Depending of operational requirements the valve can be operated to any position, once the key has been removed the unit free wheels preventing valve operation.
Ordering
The units are available ``off the shelf`` allowing the customer to undertake the simple machining operation, thus reducing order times and offering an instant security solution.
ATL Security
Introduction
Many of the valves on site require a simple to use locking device to prevent accidental or unauthorised operation. The ATL has been developed to be fitted directly to valves in place of the normal handwheel or operating lever with little machining which can easily achieved by the customer.
Construction
The ATL is available in two sizes covering all valve sizes. Available in 304 Stainless Steel for standard monitored areas offering a secure lockout tag-out device. For remote unmonitored areas a carbon steel case hardened option is available which will withstand the toughest vandalism.
Operation
With the unit fitted to the valve, the standard SFC tamper-proof coded card key can be inserted allowing valve operation. Depending of operational requirements the valve can be operated to any position, once the key has been removed the unit free wheels preventing valve operation.
Ordering
The units are available ``off the shelf`` allowing the customer to undertake the simple machining operation, thus reducing order times and offering an instant security solution.
Flexi-Drive
Valve location a problem? ... No problem!
Flexi-Drive is a very versatile product consisting of two stations, joined by a unique patented linear drive cable.
This equipment enables valves and other wheel-operated devices in remote, hard to reach or hazardous locations to be operated easily from a conveniently located handwheel.
1. Anchor
All units must be securely anchored to a permanent fixture.
2. Valve Station Actuator
The valve station serves as the torque-producing component located at the valve end of the mechanical Remote Valve Operator system. Linear motion of the steel helix cable is converted back into a rotary motion at the valve operation.
3. Operator Station
Input torque at the operator station turns a pinion shaft that drives a cable gear. Flexi-Drive Operator stations are available in a variety of gear ratios, providing a wide range of torque capabilities. A helically wound steel cable has a pitch the same as that of the cable gear. This precision gear-cable interface provides a positive force to the helix cable, which travels through the flexible conduit to the valve station actuator.
The cable system can be passed around and through walls, bulkheads, floors and any other obstacles to reach the valve.
Smith Flow Control Flexi-Drive Remote Valve Operator (RVO) systems comprise of four basic elements.
1. Operator Station Actuator
2. Helical Drive Cable
3. Valve Station Actuator
4. Valve Drive Coupling (designed to suit the host equipment)
