Smith Flow Control Ltd - www.smithflowcontrol.com

Valve actuation ideal for use in oil, gas and chemical processing industries

Erlanger, KY (November 26, 2012) – Smith Flow Control has ushered in an affordable way for companies to safely manage valve operations. The Easi-Drive portable valve actuator securely and effectively operates valves in power plants, oil refineries, paper mills and chemical processing facilities.

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 because of high torque or location.

Easi-Drive is a lightweight, portable and adaptable tool that can be powered by air, electricity or battery. The tool’s reaction device protects the user from the “kick” normally associated with other torque tools. Easi-Drive also features a variable output torque adjustment that is available in sizes of maximum output from 350 to 8,500 foot pounds. Unlike an impact wrench that can damage a valve, the Easi-Drive is a continuous drive system.

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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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Erlanger, KY (August 8, 2012) –Smith Flow Control (SFC) has remodeled its U.S. manufacturing facility to meet current and future demands for its valve operators and mechanical interlocks. The remodel satisfies the requirements of SFC’s ISO 9001:2008 accreditation, ensuring high quality and lead time improvement for customers.

Smith Flow Control’s newly remodeled manufacturing facility.

The remodel brings the facility in line with SFC’s U.K. headquarters. Work flow has been streamlined through the facility, allowing higher output of the Flexi-Drive and Easi-Drive valve operators, assembled and tested on location. Safety upgrades have also been made, including improvements to facility lighting and flooring.

In addition to the Flexi-Drive and Easi-Drive valve operators, SFC’s complete line of mechanical valve interlocks are also available for sale from the facility to customers in the U.S., Canada and Central/ South America.

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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.).

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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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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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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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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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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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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