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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June 2009
Erlanger, KY (June 10, 2009) – To provide more local sales and service support to a wider range of customers, Smith Flow Control (SFC) has announced five new representatives. AMD Solutions, BL Anderson, Instrument and Supply Inc., TEMSCO and Waterworks Systems & Equipment will supply customers with SFC’s mechanical valve control equipment for hazardous operations in the municipal wastewater industry. The Flexi-Drive remote drive system, Easi-Drive portable drive system and SFC’s complete line of valve interlock systems will be available from the new representatives.
AMD Solutions (www.amdsolutionsinc.com) will cover North Carolina and South Carolina. The company specializes in technology solutions for potable, waste and reuse water treatment requirements, and has over 25 years of experience.
BL Anderson (www.blanderson.com) will service Indiana. BL Anderson is a professional manufacturer’s representative firm serving municipal markets since 1961.
Instrument and Supply, Inc. (www.isiequip.com) will handle customers’ needs in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Mississippi, Kentucky and Colorado. The full service equipment and services provider has over 28 years of experience.
TEMSCO, Inc. (www.temscoinc.com) has a sales territory that includes Alabama, Georgia and the Florida panhandle. Temsco has been serving the municipal water and wastewater industry for over 10 years.
Waterworks Systems and Equipment, Inc. (www.waterworkssystems.com) will cover Michigan and northern Ohio. The company has 23 years of experience.
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May 2009
Safey Engineering Company Smith Flow Control has promoted Mike Fynes to Sales and Marketing Director.
Mike joined SFC in 2002 as Sales and Marketing Manager and has been instrumental in driving the company’s strong sales performance, particularly in China and USA. Mike is also responsible for promoting SFC’s latest valve operating products into new markets.
Mike has over 26 years’ experience within the interlock industry and within the Halma group of companies, previously holding senior sales and marketing positions for Fortress Interlocks, Castell Safety and Ellis Interlocks in the UK and Castell Inc in the USA.
Commenting on his promotion, Mike said: “SFC is the acknowledged world leader in valve key-exchange interlocking technology. My aim for the future is the same; to ensure the continued growth of the company by focusing on new markets as well as consolidating our position in areas where we are already strong.”
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February 2009
Portable, versatile drive system is cost effective alternative to dedicated valve actuators
Erlanger, KY (February 11, 2009) – Easing valve operation for workers, Smith Flow Control introduces the Easi-Drive for the water and wastewater industries. The portable drive system is adaptable and can operate many different valves, including the largest gate and butterfly valves, with a single tool. This versatility makes the Easi-Drive a cost-effective alternative to installing permanent dedicated actuators for every valve.
The lightweight Easi-Drive’s adaptor and reaction set provides safe operation of valves for water and wastewater personnel by transferring reaction away from the operator. Its variable torque outlet ensures that it will operate numerous valves with varying torque requirements from 350 to 75,000 foot pounds, and the operator can select torque output to avoid over-torquing the valve. The tool features continuous drive, which doesn’t damage valves like an impact wrench. The Easi-Drive is available in different power options; electric, hydraulic or pneumatic, for maximum convenience.
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December 2008
Remote drive system provides safe operation of valves in hard to reach areas
Erlanger, KY (December 4, 2008) – Increasing safety for workers and easing operation of valves in inaccessible and hard to reach locations, Smith Flow Control introduces the Flexi-Drive remote drive system for oil, gas, refinery and petrochemical applications.
The Flexi-Drive is a cable-driven remote operator for valves in inaccessible or hard-to-reach locations. It can operate valves as far as 200 feet away, accommodating 540 degrees of bends in the cable run. A hand wheel connected to a patented linear drive cable, which is flexible and can be passed around and through walls, bulkheads, floors and any other obstacles, transfers drive to the host valve. The Flexi-Drive uses a clutching system that replaces the sheer pins system used by similar products for more reliable operation.
The Flexi-Drive is completely sealed and permanently lubricated so it never requires maintenance. It has a service life of 20,000 valve cycles and is designed to withstand the most severe conditions, ranging from -65 degrees to +400 degrees Fahrenheit. Its corrosion resistant 316 stainless steel construction means it’s completely submersible and will even work under water to a depth of 50 ft.
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August 2008
Flexi-Drive and Easi-Drive valve operators among featured products
Erlanger, KY (August 13, 2008) – To showcase the latest in valve drive systems for wastewater engineers and operators, Smith Flow Control (SFC) is exhibiting at the Water Environment Federation Technical Exhibition and Conference (WEFTEC) in Chicago, IL from October 19-22. At SFC’s booth, 30188, attendees will be able to see demonstrations of the Flexi-Drive and Easi-Drive valve drive systems.
The Flexi-Drive is a cable-driven remote operator for valves in inaccessible or hard to reach locations. It can operate valves as far as 200 feet away, accommodating 540 degrees of bends in the cable run. The flexible cable system can be passed around and through walls, bulkheads, floors and any other obstacles to reach the host valve.
In addition to the Flexi-Drive, Smith Flow Control will feature its Easi-Drive valve operator. The Easi-Drive is a fully portable valve operating system for use in applications where valve size, pressure rating or work environmental conditions would normally require a permanent dedicated actuator or work crew.
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July 2008
Larger manufacturing and assembly areas accommodate company’s growth
Erlanger, KY (July 16, 2008) – To accommodate for its continued growth, valve drive system and safety interlock manufacturer, Smith Flow Control (SFC), has moved to a new location in Erlanger, KY.
Besides providing a larger 2000 square foot office space for the growing company, the new 5100 square foot facilities also provide a more spacious 3100 square foot area for manufacturing and assembly of the Flexi-Drive remote valve operating system. In addition to the Flexi-Drive, all other SFC products will be available for sale from the new location to customers in the United States and Canada.
“This move was necessary to make room for our expanding business and stateside assembly of various SFC products,” said Kim Swinford, SFC Regional Business Manager. “The new manufacturing area will allow more space for us to streamline our operations and improve on our already top-of-the-industry lead times.”
The company’s new address is 1390 Donaldson Road, Suite E, Erlanger, Kentucky 41018. Its current phone number and website address will remain the same.
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June 2008
Smith Flow Control’s family of interlocks ensures proper execution of processes
In the oil, gas and chemical processing industries, many routine procedures involving process equipment are potentially dangerous if executed incorrectly or in unsafe conditions. To ensure that these routine procedures are executed correctly, Smith Flow Control’s (SFC) valve interlocks systems control the sequence in which process equipment is accessed and operated.
Valve interlock systems are single or dual-keyed mechanical locking devices that control the sequence in which process equipment may be operated. They are widely accepted as an effective safety management tool and are being adopted by many of the world’s oil, gas and chemical majors. Valve interlocks are also recommended in a number of internationally recognized standards for specific process applications.
These interlocks systems use a ‘key transfer’ principle to ensure operational control of safety-critical systems involving worker intervention. SFC’s QL interlock fits all types of lever-operated quarter-turn valves including ball, butterfly and plug valves. The GL interlock is made for handwheel-operated valves including gate, globe and gear-operated valves. The SFC DL3 interlock, made specifically for pigtrap/ pressure applications, is adaptable to all types of vessel or access closures.
SFC interlocks are constructed of stainless steel and lubricated for life. Each style of interlock is quickly installed on any valve or associated equipment with no modifications required. SFC also offers customized solutions to customers with specialized requirements.
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