The MRL Multi Rotation Lock from Netherlocks has been thoroughly tested and awarded the Fire Test Certificate according to ANSI/API and ISO standards. This means that customers can be assured that even in the event of a fire it will continue to function safely as intended, and will not cause additional disruption to the normal procedure of operation afterwards.
The MRL Multi Rotation Handwheel Interlocks from Netherlocks has been awarded the Fire Test Certificate
The interlock was subjected to temperatures of nearly 1000°C for around 20 minutes, and after cooling back down functioned correctly to safely lock and unlock the handwheel valve according to specification.
The test, performed by Yarmouth Research and Technology, LLC, found the MRL to be compliant with ANSI/API Standard 607 Sixth Edition – 2010 and ISO 10497:2010. During the test the lock was burned with one key in the lock; after cooldown the lock remained securely locked unless both keys were inserted, whereby it unlocked and operated smoothly as intended.
Netherlocks’ MRL is an interlock for multi rotation handwheel -operated valves. Following the interlocking principle, it only allows the handwheel to be turned when two keys are inserted into the lock, ensuring that it can only be operated when it is safe to do so. For example, key 1 might only be released when a relief valve has been opened, thus making it safe to close the main process valve. Once closed, it will release key 2, which can then be used to unlock the next stage of the operation, ensuring compliance with safe procedures.
SABIC, the major plastics, chemicals and innovative plastics producer in Europe, has been using the Netherlocks Power Wrench as an effective and efficient alternative to multiple actuators for operating its hand wheel valves. The two companies have also cooperated to produce a video about how it can be used to save time, effort and cost:
Using pneumatic pressure (4-8 bar) the Atex-certified Power Wrench is a mobile tool for operating any size of handwheel valve, with up to 515 Nm of torque available to the user with a twist of the throttle – making light work of even the heaviest handwheels. “It really allows me to do my job faster and more easily – which is great because I’m not that young any more!” explained G. Knepper (Dayshift Operator, HDPE Polymers – Production) of SABIC Europe B.V.
Weighing only 10.2 kg, Netherlocks has designed the Power Wrench to be easily portable and operable by anyone, and has integrated, enforced ‘2-hands’ operation for added safety.
SABIC Europe uses Netherlocks Power Wrench to easily operate multiple valves
J. Habets (Senior Dayshift Operator, HDPE Polymers – Production) of SABIC Europe commented: “SABIC’s relationship with Netherlocks is very good. The people there are very cooperative and always look for a suitable solution to the various valve safety issues we experience. The Power Wrench is a great device for us, because we can open and close our manually operated valves much more quickly and safely.”
Houston, Texas (March 18, 2013) –Netherlocks Safety Systems has launched a new website that continues to improve upon its customers’ access to industry news and product information. Visitors to the site, www.netherlocks.com, can easily navigate to the valve safety products for their specific needs.
Netherlocks has launched a new website.
Besides improved navigation and accessibility, the new website is compatible with a variety of platforms and mobile devices. It has also been optimized to better support multimedia presentations such as videos. Visitors can expect frequent updates to case studies and previous customers’ insights that allow them to make more informed decisions on valve safety products.
ISI Touch Screen displays required safety and environmental information
Houston, Texas (February 13, 2013) –The Interlock System Information (ISI) Touch Screen from Netherlocks enables offshore oil and gas facilities to comply with new mandatory guidelines from the American Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE).
The ISI Touch Screen from Netherlocks.
The ISI Touch Screen stores all relevant information about interlocks, flow charts, instrument diagrams and other plant specific information in a central place, as required by the mandatory BSEE regulations. It is used in conjunction with Netherlocks key interlocking systems, integrating into the key cabinet or mounting separately. Combined with the Netherlocks key interlocking system, ISI eliminates human error and clearly displays information about each specific key and its corresponding interlock. Information is easily accessible to every operator in every location.
The regulations are part of the Workplace Safety Rule on Safety and Environmental Management Systems (SEMS), which covers all offshore oil and gas operations in federal waters. SEMS also mandates the previously voluntary requirement that facilities develop and maintain a Safety and Environmental Management System as outlined in the American Petroleum Institute Recommended Practice 75 (RP 75). This includes making safety and environmental information available at every facility, including design data, flow charts of facility processes, and diagrams of mechanical components and instruments.
Power Wrench is ergonomically designed for safe operation and employee comfort
Houston, Texas (December 10, 2012) – The Netherlocks Power Wrench portable valve actuator facilitates operation of manual valves for process industry employees while contributing to safe working conditions. It is capable of opening and closing any size, type or number of manually operated valves, making it a cost effective alternative to multiple actuators.
The Netherlocks Power Wrench portable valve actuator.
The Power Wrench connects to valves by a bolt-on universal drive plate, allowing a single Power Wrench to operate multiple valves. It is pneumatically powered (4-7 bar) and safe for use in applications where explosive and/ or flammable liquids or gasses are present.
An integrated safety lever and throttle valve enforce two-handed operation of the Power Wrench, eliminating the possibility of injury during usage even at maximum power. Variable speed control allows operation at the user’s comfort level. The device is lightweight at 22 pounds and easily operated from a comfortable standing position, reducing operator fatigue.
Designed in response to customer demand, Dutch valve safety product manufacturer Netherlocks has developed the facility for entirely remote operation of its FAITH Partial Stroke Test (PST) system for ESD and HIPPS* valves. This means that the mechanically-safe, fully-online testing of these critical valves can now be initiated and performed from the safety and convenience of the control room, without having to manually access the valve.
Netherlocks adds remote operation to its FAITH Partial Stroke Testing system
Netherlocks’ commitment to innovative design and customer satisfaction has enabled the company to now make this product remotely operable without affecting usability or functionality. Traditionally, an operator would have to access the valve itself to manually insert a key to start a test. The new development means that the whole process can now be done remotely from the control room, making it significantly easier and faster.
The FAITH system at all times facilitates the partial stroke testing of valves, without any risk of overshoot or process interruption. The test is never aborted without getting results, and the unique design means that tests can be performed at real speed – just as it would be for real operation in an emergency. The mechanical limitation on the degree of valve closure guarantees there is no danger of actual shutdown or upsetting the plant due to overshooting of the test angle.
The FAITH’s simple mechanical design is key to the reliability of the system. It is a universal add-on product which is fitted directly between the valve and the actuator and replaces the original couplings. During partial stroke testing, FAITH’s mechanical steel blocking pins ensure that the valve can only turn to the preset test angle (i.e. 20 degrees). This also allows for maintenance during production.
All FAITH systems can be customized to fit directly between the valve and actuator without additional brackets. Models are available for both linear and rotating actuators, and electronic switches can also be added to the FAITH system to allow the control room to monitor the test.
*Emergency Shut Down and High Integrity Pressure Protection System
Device mounts on new and existing valves with no modifications required
Houston, Texas (June 20, 2012) – Netherlocks Safety Systems’ Valve Position Indicator (VPI) provides process facility control rooms with a reliable remote signal, allowing personnel to maintain awareness of handwheel-operated gate valves’ current position.
The Valve Position Indicator from Netherlocks Safety Systems.
In the process industry, awareness of valves’ current status is essential to avoiding injury and equipment damage. The VPI uses a mechanical counter to convert a valve’s open and closed positions to electronic signals. This ensures the accuracy of valve status signals sent to the control room.
Each VPI is custom built, allowing customers to choose whichever electronic switch they prefer. The device mounts immediately beneath a valve’s handwheel without modifications to the valve. The VPI’s design eliminates externally mounted switches, weak welding, loose wiring and fragile brackets that cause false alarms in traditional monitoring systems. It can be mounted on both new and existing valves.
1160 wireless VPI units have been ordered from Dutch valve safety specialist Netherlocks by Bilbao Petronor Oil Refinery, part of Spanish oil and gas giant Repsol. Following a very successful three year pilot program, the new equipment will replace existing valve position signalling at the 220,000 barrels-per-day refinery.
Netherlocks supplies over 1000 VPI handwheel valve position indicators to Petronor Bilbao Oil Refinery
The VPI (Valve Position Indicator) was designed by Netherlocks to provide a reliable feedback signal from hand wheel operated valves, converting the open and closed positions to a digital signal by way of a mechanical counter system. Overcoming traditional issues about mounting strength and signal reliability, both the VPI’s mounting method and counter use well-tested and proven designs, which have been used successfully in Netherlocks’ mechanical interlock systems for over 15 years.
The VPI is an ‘add-on’ product, and can be mounted to either new or existing hand wheel operated gate, globe or rising stem valves without interrupting normal process. Coupled with the mechanical counter system, Netherlocks uses an ATEX-approved switch as standard – though customers are able to change this specification if required. Once mounted in place, the ‘open’ and ‘closed’ set points are adjusted and the result is a completely reliable system for valve position indication.
For the Bilbao Petronor Oil Refinery, Petronor wanted a wireless solution, which posed no problem using the VPI technology. Because the counter works simply and mechanically, the valve position tracking will always be reliable at the point of detection – to make the feedback to the control room wireless, it simply required a wireless transmitter to be fitted along with the switch, as per the customer’s specification.
Key operated interlocks remove human error from valve operation sequences
Houston, Texas (February 23, 2012) – Improper operation of pigging system valves can result in equipment damage, injury or death. Netherlocks Safety Systems Closure Locks eliminate the danger to personnel and equipment by ensuring that correct operation procedures are followed every time pigging operations take place.
Netherlocks’ Closure Locks ensure proper operation of pigging systems.
Pigging systems are used to insert a pipeline inspection gauge (PIG) into a live system transporting gas or liquid media, in order to perform various maintenance operations. Dealing with such high pressure levels, pigging operations require that a precise sequence of valve operation is followed in order to avoid disastrous consequences. Netherlocks’ Closure Locks protect against improper operation of a pigging system’s most important valve, the closure door.
Common accidents that occur during pigging operations often involve the system’s closure door. These incidents include opening the closure door while pressure still remains inside the vessel, opening the main process valve while the closure door is not fully closed, and opening the closure door while a high concentration level of toxins still remains inside the vessel.
Closure Locks are operated using a series of keys that lock into place, and can’t be removed out of sequence. This guarantees that workers always follow the correct valve operation procedure.
Dutch interlock specialist Netherlocks has now launched its new Interlock System Information (ISI) Touch Screen key management device. As a standalone unit or integrated into either a key cabinet or control panel, the ISI Touch Screen stores all relevant information about an interlock system in a digitised, centralised, user-friendly format that is easily accessible by any operator without a need for specialised training.
New Touchscreen Interlock Management System from industrial and valve safety expert Netherlocks
All relevant interlock keys are shown on screen, and simply touching them will display detailed information about the key itself and the related system: system name, operating sequence logic, P&ID and Location. Additional buttons are present for on-screen instructions, general interlocking information and Netherlocks contact details; company-specific content can also be added if desired. If a printer is connected, operating sequence instructions can even be printed out for future reference away from the console.
By making clear information about the lock system and safety procedures easily available to everyone in the workplace, the ISI Touchscreen helps to keep all workers well-informed to reduce confusion, enhance productivity and improve plant safety.
Netherlocks is a leading supplier of safety and valve control systems for major industrial operations as well as smaller firms.
The company's mechanically enforced procedures minimize the risk of human error in production and maintenance processes which could otherwise be dangerous and costly.
Netherlocks is a Halma Company. Halma makes products for hazard detection and life protection and is a market leader in specialist electronic, safety and environmental technologies. Visit the Halma web site at
www.halma.com
Company Contact
Netherlocks Safety Systems
J. Keplerweg 14
2408 AC Alphen a/d Rijn
The Netherlands
Tel: +31 (0)172 471 339
Fax: +31 (0)172 491 342
Email: sales@netherlocks.com
Press Contact
Peter Bangham
Halma PR Services
Misbourne Court
Rectory Way
Amersham
HP7 0DE
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)1494 789 154
Fax: +44 (0)1494 728 032
Email: pbangham@halmapr.com
Website: halmapr.com
