August 2011
Erlanger, KY (August 29, 2011) – Smith Flow Control (SFC) will feature hands-on demonstrations of its Flexi-Drive valve operator at the ISA Automation Week exhibition, booth 214. The show takes place from October 17-20 at the Arthur R. Outlaw Convention Center (Mobile, Ala.).
- Smith Flow Control’s Flexi-Drive at ISA Automation Week, booth 214.
The Flexi-Drive allows remote operation of valves in hard-to-reach or dangerous areas. Its patented flexible linear drive cable connects a hand wheel to the valve up to 200 feet away, and can accommodate up to 540 degrees of bends in the cable run.
The device is designed from corrosion-resistant 316 stainless steel to withstand harsh environments. It can operate in water up to 50 feet and temperatures from -65 to +400 degrees Fahrenheit.
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July 2011
Valve operator allows single worker to manage many valves
Erlanger, KY (July 21, 2011) – Smith Flow Control’s portable Easi-Drive valve operator actuates hard-to-operate valves found in power plants, chemical processing facilities and oil refineries.
The Easi-Drive portable valve operator from Smith Flow Control.
Easi-Drive requires no separate power supply, providing a cost-effective alternative to a dedicated actuator. It features electric, pneumatic and hydraulic powered models to best fit each application. Easi-Drive’s reaction arm transfers torque away from the operator, providing safe valve operation.
Easi-Drive is suitable for use in all hazardous areas and climatic conditions. It is adaptable to any size or type of valve, and has a wide torque capability with variable torque adjustment as standard. A single operator can manage a number of valves with one Easi-Drive.
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May 2011
Erlanger, KY (May 5, 2011) – To expand its line of safety interlocks to engineering and construction companies across its Texas/ Louisiana territory, Smith Flow Control (SFC) has appointed Bert Johnson to Sales Manager. In his new position, Johnson will work with area sales representatives to directly address customers’ needs and find new applications for SFC’s products within the engineering and construction industries.
Smith Flow Control Sales Manager, Bert Johnson.
Johnson brings over 15 years of sales experience to his new position. Prior to his SFC appointment, Johnson was Sales Manager for VAC Systems (Houston, Texas). He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Industrial Business and Economics from Sam Houston State University (Huntsville, Texas).
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April 2011
Flexible drive system operates inaccessible valves
Erlanger, KY (April 8, 2011) – Allowing remote operation of valves located in hard-to-reach or dangerous areas, Smith Flow Control (SFC) offers the Flexi-Drive valve actuator. Flexi-Drive has proven effective for use in the power industry and chemical, petrochemical and oil processing industries.
The Flexi-Drive remote valve operator for power and process industries.
Flexi-Drive attaches to the host valve with no modifications required. A patented flexible linear drive cable connects the valve to a hand wheel up to 200 feet away, accommodating 540 degrees of bends in the cable run. The system can be passed around and through walls, bulkheads and floors, and is completely sealed and permanently lubricated for maintenance-free operation.
Flexi-Drive is completely submersible, operating in water up to 50 ft. It is constructed from corrosion-resistant 316 stainless steel, and designed to withstand temperatures from -65 to +400 degrees Fahrenheit. The Flexi-Drive’s clutching system replaces the sheer pins used by similar products, ensuring reliable operation throughout its 20,000 valve cycle service life.
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March 2011
Erlanger, KY (March 4, 2011) – To investigate new opportunities and applications for its line of safety interlocks, Smith Flow Control (SFC) has named Dan Kelly its General Manager for North American operations.
Smith Flow Control North American General Manager, Dan Kelly.
As General Manager, Kelly’s primary responsibilities involve sales and marketing efforts to seek out opportunities and drive growth in new and existing sectors. He will also continue to improve upon customers’ sales experiences by managing SFC’s distribution channels.
Kelly brings over 30 years of sales experience to Smith Flow Control. Prior to his appointment, he worked with Diebold, Inc. (Canton, Ohio) and Cardinal Health, Inc. (Waukegan, Ill.). Kelly holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from The Ohio State University (Columbus, Ohio).
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December 2010
Sander van den Bos has been appointed as Country Manager at Smith Flow Control (SFC) in Holland, replacing Martin van den Heuval who spent 35 years with SFC.
New Country Manager, Sander van den Bos
Sander has more than 14 years experience in international business to business and will manage the Dutch satellite office, SFC Netherlands, which is responsible for the sales and technical support of Benelux, Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic. This is not the first time Sander has worked for Smith Flow Control, having worked there previously for three years during the 1990’s.
Sander commented on his new appointment:
“It is a pleasure to return to SFC. My goal is to build a fresh, modern image of Smith Flow Control in the Netherlands. In addition, I also hope to expand SFC’s business into Central and Eastern Europe, and increase current sales in Germany and German speaking countries.”
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November 2010
Smith Flow Control (SFC) celebrates twenty-five years of operation this month, providing engineered safety systems for hazardous valve operations in the Oil & Gas and chemical processing industries since 1985.
Since its inception SFC has had a great deal of influence in the implementation of safety guidelines for valve operation in the Oil & Gas industry. SFC is responsible for introducing the coded-card linear-key concept, developing a range modular key-operated interlocks that regulate operating procedures on host process equipment. Typical applications include every form of valve (including motorised and instrument valves), switches, vessel closures, access guards, pressure and temperature sensing systems and rail/road/sea tanker loading systems. SFC’s solutions in hazardous processes reduce the scope for operator error and ensure safe continuous plant operation.
Most offshore installations in the North Sea have been equipped with SFC systems as well as the majority of related onshore processing facilities throughout Europe. By 1990, SFC became the generic term for key interlock safety systems in the international Oil & Gas industry and its client base now includes most of the major operating companies in all five continents.
Today SFC continues to be managed by its founders, who remain committed to providing quality assured safety products that protect lives and prevent accidents by eliminating human error. Mike Smith, Founder and Vice-Chairman of SFC said “In principle Smith Flow Control has stayed the same; our guiding principles, our people and in essence, our products. Our greatest success story has been our influence in the Oil & Gas markets, promoting the principles of interlocking for pig launchers and receivers.”
The founders of Smith Flow Control (from L to R) Mike Smith, Malcolm Brown and Mike Danzieri
Smith Flow Control Specifically developed a coded-card key interlock system to ensure the total isolation of pig trap vessels. These key interlocks mechanically prove their ‘closed and isolated’ status that enables venting and draining of pig trap vessels before the opening of closures for loading or unloading operations. These principles have been adopted by UK pipeline regulators, Operating Companies and integrated into international standards such as API (American Petrochemical Institute) and ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers).
Mike commented: “We are very proud of what we have achieved over the years and the contributions we have made to the safety of workers in the Oil & Gas and related industries. For 25 years Smith Flow Control has never failed to provide a viable technical solution to a client’s safety operating problem.”
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August 2010
Interlocks safeguard against improper process execution
Erlanger, KY (August 10, 2010) – The process of loading and unloading pipeline inspection gauge (PIG) launchers and receivers can have catastrophic consequences if performed incorrectly. A specific sequence of valves must be operated, pressurizing and depressurizing the PIG chamber in the same order every time, to avoid damage to equipment and injury to personnel. To protect this process, Smith Flow Control offers its full line of key interlocks.
Smith Flow Control’s interlocks for PIG launchers and receivers.
Smith Flow Control’s interlocks are single or dual-keyed mechanical locking devices used to control the sequence in which process equipment may be operated. Using a ‘key transfer’ principal, operational control over safety-critical processes can be ensured. The use of interlocks is recommended by a number of internationally recognized standards for specific process applications, causing wide acceptance by many of the world’s oil, gas and chemical majors.
SFC interlocks are constructed of stainless steel and lubricated for life. Each interlock is quickly installed on any standard sized valve or associated equipment with no modifications required. SFC also offers customized solutions to customers with specialized requirements.
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November 2009
Wastewater treatment plant can operate valves in event of power outage
Erlanger, KY (November 24, 2009) – To provide emergency operation of valves in the event of a power failure, the Brush Creek wastewater treatment plant (Cranberry Township, Pa.) has installed a custom-designed Easi-Drive valve operator from Smith Flow Control (SFC).
SFC Easi-Drive Portable Valve Operator
Plant manager, Mike Sedon, had concerns over how to close electric actuated valves during a power outage to protect against overflows. To address this problem, SFC provided an Easi-Drive portable valve actuator with custom-designed brackets to fit the plant’s host valve. In the event of an outage, one worker can use the Easi-Drive, powered by an electric generator, to make required valve movements until power is restored.
Easi-Drive is a fully portable, lightweight and adaptable tool available in electric, pneumatic and battery powered modes. The tool’s reaction device protects the operator from the “kick” normally associated with a torque wrench. Easi-Drive also features a variable output torque adjustment, available in various sizes of maximum output from 350 to 8,500 foot pounds. Unlike an impact wrench, which could damage a valve, the Easi-Drive is a continuous drive system.
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September 2009
Drive system suitable for use in all hazardous areas
Erlanger, KY (September 25, 2009) – Providing a safe means of valve actuation in hazardous areas, Smith Flow Control introduces the Easi-Drive portable valve actuator. With the Easi-Drive, numerous valves in oil refineries and chemical plants can be operated by a single worker, without multiple dedicated valve actuators.
Easi-Drive is a fully portable, lightweight and adaptable tool available as electric and battery powered, or in pneumatic mode for safe operation around combustible fumes. The tool’s reaction device protects the operator from the “kick” normally associated with a torque wrench. Easi-Drive also features a variable output torque adjustment, available in various sizes of maximum output from 350 to 8,500 foot pounds. The Easi-Drive is a continuous drive system unlike an impact wrench, which could damage a valve.
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