Smith Flow Control Ltd - www.smithflowcontrol.com

Smith Flow Control’s FlexiDrive valve actuator can be applied to any conventional wheel-operated device in oil, gas or chemical processing plants to make them constantly accessible and safe. The FlexiDrive is a dependable, versatile and cost effective remote valve operator.

FlexiDrive for oil, gas and chemical

The FlexiDrive system allows a user to locate a point of operation in a place of safety or convenience.  It is adaptable to any conventional valve with no modifications needed.  A patented flexible linear drive cable effectively delivers rotary torque for distances up to 30 meters depending on the output torque required. The system can be passed through and around walls, bulkheads and floors, and is completely sealed and permanently lubricated for maintenance-free, continuous loop operation.

The FlexiDrive is suitable for underwater use and is constructed from corrosion-resistant 316 stainless steel. It is designed to withstand temperatures from -22 to 347 degrees Fahrenheit and is delivered as a complete unit.

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Matt Mains has been hired as project manager for Smith Flow Control.

Mains has more than 10 years’ experience as a project manager in the steel fabrication and landscape architecture industries. As project manager for Smith Flow Control’s U.S. operations, he will oversee technical support for users and distributors of Smith Flow Control products, inside sales and continued development of the company’s valve interlocks and FlexiDrive and EasiDrive valve operating systems.

Mains most recently was a project manager for a landscape architect firm in Cincinnati. His previous work experience includes lead project manager for a custom steel fabrication company where he helped the company double its revenue from 2010 to 2011. Mains has also worked for landscape architecture and consulting firms.

Mains’ role is a new one for Smith Flow Control, which continues to expand its U.S. operations in the oil/gas, power and paper industries.

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We are exhibiting at the AchemAsia show in Beijing on May 13-16. Our main demonstration will be the new version of EasiDrive.

EasiDrive is great for opening and closing manual valves in chemical process industries. It does all the work so operators don’t fatigue or get injured.

Along with EasiDrive we will be showing our FlexiDrive remote valve operating system and our range of valve safety interlocks. Hope to see you at Booth S23!

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Managing water and waste water plants is a complex operation where safety and efficiency are key considerations for water operatives.  Smith Flow Control’s EasiDrive is a portable valve actuator that allows effective and secure valve operation across all water applications, without the need for permanent dedicated valve actuators.

EasiDrive is a practical and cost efficient solution that supports the operation of multiple valves across the water network.  It is effective on valves that are infrequently used and those that are difficult to operate, providing the user with absolute control when working different size valves with varying torque requirements.

SFC’s EasiDrive system protects personnel by preventing injury and operator fatigue as movement is fully controlled by the EasiDrive tool.  It provides complete protection from the ‘kick’ typically associated with other torque devices through its specialist proven reaction device; the operator experiences no jolt effect when using this system. The reaction device provides ease of operation to fully open and or close a valve and is uniquely designed to offer total safety and security, despite the number of turns required to operate.

EasiDrive also features a variable output torque, controlled by a choice of limited pre-set Filter Regulator Lubricator (FRL) packs, which prevents excessive torque being applied and ensures proper and safe operation, even in situations where operatives are under pressure to respond quickly.  One operator can effectively operate multiple valves with a single tool providing great cost saving potential.

SFC’s EasiDrive provides a lightweight, portable and practical solution, enabling key personnel to operate valves with ease and provides an efficient method of portable valve actuation.

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Shipping coordinator Joe Blunt plays a vital role in ensuring our valve control products reach our customers wherever and whenever they want them.

Smith Flow Control recently sponsored Joe to do an Advanced Apprenticeship in Customer Service and the dividend is already paying off.

By taking a customer-focussed approach to shipping, Joe is responsive to our customers’ project requirements and can respond quickly if their needs change, such as requiring valve interlocks delivered sooner or to a different location.

“If we didn’t have Joe our goods wouldn’t leave the premises, it’s as simple as that,” comments Clive Lyme, SFC’s Customer Services Manager. “Not only that, he’s also the key link between the company and the customer – an important and often underrated role. He’s the person who ensures our customers get what they want, where they want and when they want – whether they’re in the Niger Delta or the north coast of Alaska.”

“Sponsoring Joe to do the apprenticeship was a great investment. By adding customer service to his shipping coordinator’s role, we’re adding real value to what he does and what our customers experience.”

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Erlanger, Ky. (April 16, 2013) – Smith Flow Control will feature three of its core product groups at Valve World Americas Expo & Conference 2013.

The company will display its FlexiDrive and EasiDrive valve operating systems, as well as its valve interlocks, in booth No. 748 from June 25 to 26 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston.

FlexiDrive allows remote operation of valves in hard-to-reach or exposed areas. Its flexible linear drive cable connects a hand wheel to a valve up to 100 feet away, and can operate in water up to 50 feet and temperatures from -65 to +400 degrees Fahrenheit.

EasiDrive, a portable valve actuator, is ideal for use wherever there are manually operated valves with high-operating torques or valves that take hundreds of hand-wheel turns to operate.

Smith Flow Control’s valve interlocks ensure potentially hazardous valve operations are performed in the correct sequence, eliminating the possibility of operator error or deliberate sabotage.

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Pig trap accidents caused by operator error can be prevented using Smith Flow Control’s (SFC) key interlock systems.

Mechanical key safety interlocking is the only technology that can meet the universally accepted safety requirement for loading and unloading pig traps by ensuring that the vessel is vented before it is possible to open the vessel closure. Operators cannot bypass the safety system and this eliminates the risk of ‘operator error’.

SFC interlocks can be specified to ensure the minimum safety arrangement of interlocking the vent valve with the pig trap closure; this guarantees that the vent is open and depressurised before the operator is permitted to open the closure door.

Pig trap with SFC interlocks (in yellow)

Motor operated valves (MOVs) are frequently used and interlocked as part of the pig trapping procedure because valves are too large and cumbersome for manual operations. When power actuated valves need to be interlocked with manually operated valves and the vessel closure, the key interlock system verifies the valve’s position (open and/or closed), independent of any on-board instrument indication. In the event of a power failure during these procedures, the integrity of the key sequence is maintained even if the valve is to be operated manually. This is achieved by inserting a coded key into the interlock fitted to the manual override hand-wheel assembly which engages the drive mechanism; other coded keys in the sequence are only released once the valve has completed its full stroke.

Sometimes operating sequences on launcher/receiver systems can include complex variations. The range of process applications to which SFC interlocks can be applied is unlimited and tailored systems can be designed for specific client process requirements. For example, the simplest interlock system is linear but, on occasion, non-linear sequences are necessary to incorporate the control of complex Nitrogen purging, pressure equalisation, venting and draining. For this SFC has designed a Sequence Control Unit (SCU) which is a mechanical key issuing device located close to the valve. It differs from the traditional key exchange units in that, upon inserting a permit key, a selector knob is rotated to a fixed position before the next key is issued. In this way, complex sequences can be accommodated, using the same safety principles.

Sequence Control Unit for complex sequences

The final, major part of the sequence involves interlocking the vessel door. SFC’s DL3 interlock device is customised to suit any make or type of enclosure door and completes the safety interlock solution for the safe operation of a pig launcher/receiver system. The DL3 interlock ensures total isolation before the vessel door can be opened. When the DL3 is incorporated into vessel access safety procedures, total equipment and personnel safety is assured.

coded key (green) allows the vessel closure to be opened

Smith Flow Control has included information about pig trap interlocking with detailed animations on its website. For more information, please visit www.smithflowcontrol.com

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Erlanger, KY (January 11, 2013) – Smith Flow Control has an affordable tool for companies in the power industry to safely and economically control valve operations. The Easi-Drive portable valve actuator securely operates valves in power plants. One user can easily operate multiple high-torque or high-turn valves with a single torque driver while reducing risk of injury caused by fatigue or valves located in hard-to-reach areas.

Easi-Drive is a lightweight, portable tool that can be powered by air, electricity or battery and costs less than a dedicated actuator. Unlike an impact wrench that can damage a valve, the Easi-Drive is a continuous drive system. The tool’s reaction arm protects the operator from the “kick” common in other torque tools by safely transmitting the torque to the valve and away from the person using it. Easi-Drive features a variable output torque adjustment that is available in sizes of maximum output from 350 to 8,500 foot pounds.

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EasiDrive portable valve actuator securely and effectively operates valves in oil refineries. Smith Flow Control’s Singapore-based agent, Triple-Max Engineering Pte Ltd, has supplied hundreds of the EasiDrive Systems to large Petrochemical Refineries in the region to ease operation and improve efficiencies.

“Workers were straining themselves while operating the valves and we offered the EasiDrive System as a solution to their problem.” Cynthia Xu, General Manager of Triple-Max Engineering Pte Ltd said. “It is time consuming to open and close large valves that are not actuated. Two operators can spend almost 20 minutes working together to open just one 14” 1500# gear operated gate valve. By using the EasiDrive system, the time taken to operate each valve is reduced to approximately 5 minutes with just one operator, making it almost effortless.”

Mike Fynes, Sales and Marketing Director at Smith Flow Control comments: “It is great that we have been able to manufacture a portable solution as an alternative to a dedicated valve actuator. Many of our customers are excited about the range as they can already see the benefits they will gain from using the EasiDrive system.”

EasiDrive is a lightweight, portable and adaptable pneumatic tool. The tool’s custom engineered reaction device protects the user from the “kick” normally associated with other torque tools, eliminating the possibility of any injury associated with its operation. One operator can efficiently operate multiple valves with a single tool while reducing fatigue and injury risk. The tool is especially effective on valves that require a high number of turns or are otherwise difficult to operate.

EasiDrive also features a variable output torque, controlled by a choice of limited pre-set Filter Regulator (FRL) packs, which prevents excessive torque being applied and ensures proper and safe operation of the valve.

For more information, please call +44 (0)1376 517901.

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Safety engineering company Smith Flow Control recently attended the Valve World Conference and Exhibition, held at the Düsseldorf Exhibition Centre from 27 to 29 November 2012.

The show, which saw a total of 10,300 trade visitors from more than 50 countries attend, was the perfect opportunity for Smith Flow Control to demonstrate its range of key-interlock products, of which SFC has become synonymous, in addition to product solutions for special applications and tailored requirements. The EasiDrive, portable valve actuator system and FlexiDrive, remote valve drive system generated a large amount of interest and visitors were able to speak directly with experts at the stand and demo the systems.

Smith Flow Control’s team of experts was supported by CEA, Chemie- und Energie- Armaturen GmbH of Germany and PNE Teknik A/S of Denmark, providing an opportunity for SFC to work collaboratively with its network of international agents and distributors.

Sander van den Bos, SFC’s Netherlands Manager states: ‘The support provided by our agents has been exceptional and we would like to thank them on behalf of everyone at Smith Flow Control for their continued commitment and passion towards the brand and help in making the show such a success. The show offered the opportunity to strengthen relationships with our existing customer base and successfully opened new opportunities for growth.’

A full list of global agents and distributors, including CEA and PNE Teknik, can be found at http://www.smithflowcontrol.com/distibutors-and-agents.html

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