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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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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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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Erlanger, KY (October 15, 2012) – Smith Flow Control (SFC) has introduced its ISO-pattern IML intermediate lock with universal mounting. The IML lock uses an operating key to lock the actuator in an open or closed position so that the valve cannot turn — no matter what. No custom brackets are required; any valve or actuator with ISO standard mountings is compatible with the IML lock.

The Smith Flow Control IML intermediate lock prevents valve from opening or closing in any situation

In normal operations, actuated valves respond to process commands in a pre-determined way. But during maintenance, the command architecture may need to be stopped. Ensuring that the valves are set in their failsafe position enables work to be done safely. The IML intermediate lock is available as a key-operated system from the control room or as a standalone lock-out system. Lock Boxes are available with base tags that match up to each lock-out key for ease of identification.

The IML lock is made of sturdy 316 stainless steel built for harsh environments. All ISO 5211 patterns –- F05, F07, F10, F12, F14, and F16 –- are covered by the IML’s six models.

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EasiDrive is a valve operating system that actuates hard-to-operate valves in power plants, chemical processing facilities and oil refineries. It is ideal for use wherever there are manually operated valves with high operating torques, hundreds of hand-wheel turns to open/close or are just difficult to operate.

To ensure the correct amount of torque is set to the EasiDrive system, Smith Flow Control (SFC) has now introduced a series of Filter Regulator Lube (FRL) packs. FRL packs manage the output available to drive the valve, preventing human error that can result in improper use of the system.

FRL packs have been designed in a range of colours so they can be identified and applied correctly to a range of valve systems. Packs can be factory set on a second regulator to limit the pressure to the specially calibrated torque device, reducing the output available to drive the valve. This now means that even though an operator can adjust the first regulator, the second will be set to a maximum pressure point, which can never be surpassed.

Mike Fynes, Sales & Marketing Director at Smith Flow Control, comments, “This product has been designed to address the issues associated with applying incorrect torque at sites and will ensure the safe operation of the valve. The new packs have been adapted to include storage for the pneumatic gun- this makes it easy to carry the equipment and assemble the system on site.”

The new series of Filter Regulator Lube Packs will be launched at Valve World, Düsseldorf 27-29 November.

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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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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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