Netherlocks Safety Systems B.V. News - www.netherlocks.com

Houston, Texas (September 23, 2011) – Netherlocks’ TVL (Throttle Valve Lock) allows users to secure a throttle, choke or control valve in any position. The TVL is an ideal process control tool for ensuring that specific calibration settings are not changed without the proper clearance.

Netherlocks’ TVL throttle valve lock.

The TVL is integrated onto the valve and controlled by a single key which, when removed from the lockbox, renders the valve inoperable. Products like wires and chains to secure a valve allow small movements even while the lock is applied. When the TVL is used, it leaves no room for “play” and protects the valve’s calibrated position.

The TVL is constructed from corrosion resistant 316 stainless steel and designed to withstand extreme operating environments. It features maintenance-free operation and an integrated safety system to prevent unlocking without the designated key.

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CKC-Touch Screen provides centralized storage for all interlock information

Houston, Texas (August 5, 2011) – Netherlocks will feature its new CKC-Touch Screen display for key interlocking systems at ChemInnovations 2011 Conference and Expo, September 13-15 at the George R. Brown Convention Center (Houston, Texas). The company will offer hands on demonstrations of the CKC and other process safety interlocking systems at its booth 3020.

Netherlocks’ CKC-Touch Screen, on display at ChemInnovations booth 3020.

Netherlocks’ CKC-Touch Screen is designed to be integrated into interlock key cabinets, or can be mounted separately as a standalone feature. All cabinet keys are displayed on the screen and one touch provides detailed information about that specific key and its corresponding interlock system. The touch screen also includes additional information buttons that provide access to factory contact details, operating manuals, general product information and training instructions.

Netherlocks will also feature demonstrations of its key-operated valve interlocking systems and FAITH partial stroke testing system.

For more information, visit the company’s booth 3020.

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Customized systems available for all type of valves

Houston, Texas (June 7, 2011) – Many industrial processes require valves to be secured in a locked-open or locked-closed position.  Netherlocks’ mechanical valve interlocks eliminate human error to ensure that critical valves are locked in the proper position.

Netherlocks mechanical interlocks safeguard critical industrial processes.

Standard interlocking products use a padlock and key, and provide no information about the current position of the valve.  Netherlocks’ mechanical valve interlocks are operated with two color-coded keys, which through a trapped key mechanism, control the open and closed position of a valve and communicate its current state.  When the green key is released, the valve is locked in the “locked-open” position.  For the red key to be released, the valve must be locked in the “locked-closed” position.  If a valve is left in a midway position between open and closed, both keys are trapped in the device.  Through this system, the current position of the valve is guaranteed.

Netherlocks’ valve interlocks are fully mechanical with no need for electronic wiring.  They are easily incorporated into new construction and are ideal for retrofitting older installations to mitigate potential safety issues.

Netherlocks manufactures a wide range of interlocking devices to fit all types and sizes of valves. All interlocks feature a simple and robust design. For dependable longtime operation all valve interlock components are made from corrosion resistant 316 Stainless Steel.

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Dutch interlocking and valve safety system provider Netherlocks has now expanded with the founding of a new subsidiary: Netherlocks Safety Systems GmbH, based in Stockstadt, Germany. The company is a world leading provider of industrial and valve safety interlocking systems, servicing many industries including petrochemical, oil and gas, and many other processing operations.

Valve safety and interlocking device manufacturer Netherlocks has opened a new subsidiary office in Germany

All staff, stock and ongoing projects from the valve interlocking division of GST-Systeme GmbH will now be transferred seamlessly into the new Netherlocks Safety Systems GmbH business. Existing customers will experience no disruption to their service, and will now benefit from the added availability of the full range of Netherlocks products, spare parts and support services.

Stephen Sadowski, who will be heading up the new enterprise, said: “This is an exciting opportunity, and it’s great to be bringing Netherlocks’ proven technology and expertise to an even broader market.”

Netherlocks is a leading name in interlocking and valve control technology including valve position indicators and partial stroke systems, with major projects around the world in the oil and gas, petrochemical, and process industries. In addition to the Netherlands and Germany, the company also has offices in the USA, China and the Middle East.

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FAITH system from Netherlocks features simple design for reliable operation

Houston, Texas (May 4, 2011) – For partial stroke testing of valves without overshoot risk or process interruption, Netherlocks offers the FAITH test system.  FAITH allows online testing of emergency shutdown (ESD) or high integrity pressure protection system (HIPPS) valves, to reduce degradation and ensure that they operate properly should the need arise.

The FAITH partial stroke testing (PST) system from Netherlocks.

FAITH’s simple mechanical design delivers reliable operation.  The system integrates into a valve’s static and dynamic couplings, replacing the original coupling and spool piece.  During partial stroke testing, FAITH’s mechanical steel blocking pins ensure that the dynamic coupling can only turn to the preset test angle (ie 20 degrees) to allow flow to continue through the valve during the test without risking overshoot. 

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.  Electronic switches can also be added to the FAITH system to allow the control room to monitor the test.

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Corrosion-resistant lock ideal for work in corrosive environments

Houston, Texas (March 18, 2011) – Providing secure lockout for all types and sizes of manual valves, Netherlocks offers the NL-H Hybrid Lock.  The NL-H can secure valves in every position, and its universal compatibility eliminates the need for maintaining an inventory of assorted lockout products for each type of valve on-site. 

The NL-H universal valve locking device from Netherlocks.

The universal NL-H uses a flexible steel cable to immobilize a valve’s handwheel or lever.  The unit secures to the valve with a padlock, to ensure the valve cannot be operated.  The NL-H is made entirely from corrosion-resistant 316 stainless steel for reliable operation in harsh environments such as in offshore or chemical applications.

Netherlocks’ NL-H saves maintenance personnel’s time, by eliminating the need for scouting trips into the field to determine the correct lockout product for a valve.  By bringing an NL-H to the job site, workers can be assured any valve will be safely locked out so that work can be completed.

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1600 safety interlocking devices from Dutch industrial safety specialist Netherlocks B.V. have been successfully installed at the Shell Eastern Petroleum (Pte) Ltd. (SEPL) Ethylene Cracker Complex in Pular Ular, Singapore. The main applications for the interlocks are for the decoking process, and on isolation valves for PSVs (Pressure Safety Valves).

1600 Valve safety interlocks from Netherlocks B.V. have been installed at the new Ethylene Cracker Complex in Singapore.

Netherlocks’ interlocks use a linear key transfer system to ensure that processes can only be carried out in the correct order, ensuring each part has been safely completed before the next can be started. Safely completing the previous step in the process sequence will release a unique key that then unlocks the next step; only when a mistake is made will the operator be prevented from proceeding by a key that doesn’t fit or a valve locked in position. This simple principle can be propagated to more complex procedures, but in every case it physically ensures that safety protocols and work orders are followed exactly, leaving no scope for human error.

Projected to produce 800 kt/a of ethylene, 450 kt/a of propylene and 230 kt/a of benzene, the facility consists of an Ethylene Cracker Unit, a Pygas Hydrogenation/Benzene Extraction Unit, a C4 Selective Hydrogenation Unit and various associated utilities. Opened in March 2010, the complex links the nearby SEPL Refinery with downstream chemical units, forming an integrated petrochemical ‘super site’ in Singapore. With plant safety such a critical issue, Netherlocks is proud to offer both its range of high quality, reliable products and many years of experience and expertise in the industrial safety field.

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Netherlocks B.V., leading manufacturer of valve safety and interlocking systems, has launched a new website and brochure. The website (www.netherlocks.com) now features more extensive details about the company’s products, services, and general information from the experts about various forms of safety in the workplace.

New website for valve safety specialist Netherlocks B.V.

A new ‘downloads’ section has also been added where visitors can find the new brochure, as well as product datasheets, official certificates and fill-in forms for correct specification when ordering certain safety products.

There are dedicated sections for core safety product ranges in Process Interlocking, Valve Control, Lock-Out/Tag-Out and Position Indication. These contain information about the products themselves, various applications they are useful for, technical details, frequently asked questions, and references from existing clients about past installations.

The new brochure sets out the Netherlocks mission: “To provide reliable products to create a safe working environment throughout the world. We strive to do this by offering good advice, excellent service, high quality products and creative solutions.” The company is keen to offer not just its products, but also the expertise that comes from over 15 years as a leading supplier of industrial and valve safety systems.

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The FMEDA report showed the NETHERLOCKS partial stoke system FAITH (Fail Action Integrity Test Handling) to be very reliable, with 0 Fail Safe Detected, Fail Safe Undetected and Fail Dangerous Detected conditions recorded from the tests. For most cases, the FAITH is suitable for use in SIL3 applications.

Netherlocks Partial Stroke Tester Gets FMEDA Report from Exida - Suitable for SIL3 Applications

The FAITH system makes it possible to carry out a manually-initiated partial stroke test on ESD (Emergency Shut Down) valves during normal operation, without interrupting process flow. It limits, with mechanical stops, the angle of the stroke of the valve-actuator combination to a set percentage – ensuring the ESD valve ‘works’, without actually shutting down the operation. By operating mechanically rather than relying on electronic contacts or signals, reliability and simplicity is maximised.

An FMEDA (Failure Modes, Effects, and Diagnostic Analysis) assessment has been carried out by Exida on NETHERLOCKS’ FAITH system. The product was subject to a thorough examination according to IEC 61508 to determine Probability of Failure on Demand (PFD) statistics for this device. The failure rates of the FAITH System must be added to the failure rates of the valve-actuator combination when determining the PFD AVG and Safe Failure Fraction (SFF) for the final element.

More details, a summary and the report itself are available to customers upon request from sales@netherlocks.com or at www.netherlocks.com.

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Netherlocks B.V., the Dutch industrial and valve safety expert, has been chosen to supply its trapped key interlocking safety systems by India’s largest engineering and construction conglomerate, Larsen & Toubro Ltd.

The company has ordered Netherlocks products to secure and safeguard ‘pigging’ operations for two major projects. One, in conjunction with Cairn Energy India, involves 39 pig launcher and receiver systems along a cross country pipeline. The other project is from L&T’s Qatar office, with Qatar Petroleum for the SGP project, where initially 12 of the pigging systems will be protected by the interlocks.

Industrial and valve safety systems from Netherlocks B.V. for L&T pigging operations

Pigging is undoubtedly a very effective and efficient cleaning method for pipelines, not interrupting process, but it does carry a potentially high risk factor due to the high pressures and dangerous gasses involved. Although nothing should go wrong if the safe procedures are followed correctly, there is always the chance (mostly attributable to human error) that the procedure itself will not be followed exactly. The trapped key interlocking systems from Netherlocks ensure that each stage of the process can only be started – that each valve can only be operated – once the stage before has been safely completed. In this way, the system mechanically enforces a strict and absolute adherence to safe procedure.

The exact number of locks required varies according to each individual pigging system and client specification, as their processes will be subject to differing numbers of variables – vent, drain, kicker, main, throttle, balance and so on. This then requires different complexities of interlocking systems such as locks on manually operated valves, closures and MOVs. Because pigging procedures are often non-linear processes, requiring steps that may need to be repeated at different stages, or that are dependent on several previous actions, Netherlocks designed the MPCU. The MPCU acts as a ‘mechanical PLC’, checking each stage of the process and releasing keys according to pre-programmed parameters, meaning that the operation can only be performed according to safe procedure.

Interlocking systems such as these provide such an effective baseline safety standard that they are rapidly becoming standard for pigging systems. The simple principle of mechanically enforcing safe working methods significantly reduces risk by essentially taking the ‘human factor’ out of the equation, without negatively affecting performance.

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