What started as a detour from an IT career became a defining journey in valve interlocking. Darren Trowsdale’s 23 years at Sofis reflect a legacy of loyalty, technical growth, and dedication to problem-solving in a rapidly evolving industry. As Sofis marks 40 years of linear key valve interlocking, Darren’s story... read more →
Jun
10
May
19
This year marks 40 years of linear key valve interlocking, a milestone that underscores the power of long-term partnerships built on safety, trust, and innovation. Teksal and Sofis have been partners for over two decades, but their roots run even deeper. Joe Hischar, Managing Director at Teksal, vividly remembers the... read more →
May
19
Ian Binney has been a valve interlock specialist since 1982, when he joined Castell. With decades of experience, he has witnessed firsthand the evolution of valve interlocks and their impact on industrial safety. The origins of valve interlocking "The concept of interlocking goes back to the early days of the... read more →
May
07
Hydrogen is a clean, sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuels. However, adopting hydrogen as a marine fuel involves overcoming significant technological and regulatory hurdles. The sHYpS project addresses this challenge by developing a swappable liquid hydrogen storage system. This solution is designed to enable vessels to efficiently exchange empty hydrogen... read more →
Apr
08
April 10, 2025, marks the 40th anniversary of the linear coded key valve interlocking concept, introduced by Smith Flow Control in 1985. The Smith Flow Control valve interlock revolutionized the industry by providing a solution that allowed valves and other equipment to be integrated into process safety systems without requiring... read more →
Mar
18
The LNG industry operates in a high-risk environment where safety, reliability, and precision are paramount. Advanced valve interlocking solutions prevent operational errors, enforce correct valve operation sequences, and integrate seamlessly with safety and process control systems. Valve interlocking systems help LNG facilities maintain operational integrity, reduce risks, and optimize efficiency,... read more →
Mar
03
Enhancing water management with Sofis FlexiDrive: A smart solution for remote manual valve operation
Effective water management is crucial for the sustainable operation of reservoirs and dams. However, traditional methods often present challenges that can lead to inefficiencies, excessive water discharge, and safety risks for operators. In a recent project at a Texas dam with a 1,350-acre reservoir, Sofis, in collaboration with their partner... read more →
Dec
02
The global supply of clean water is facing unprecedented pressure due to industrialization, growing demand, and increasing biological and chemical contamination. This strain presents a serious threat to the environment, public health, and the well-being of both current and future generations. Water treatment facilities play a critical role in delivering... read more →
Nov
25
Sofis recently partnered with a leading customer in the Botlek area of Rotterdam, The Netherlands, to tackle a critical safety challenge at their liquid hydrogen loading stations. The objective was to reduce risks during hydrogen trailer loading operations in ATEX Zone 1, where safety and precision are essential. Addressing potential... read more →
Oct
29
In process industries, the consequences of over-pressurization incidents can be catastrophic. A notable example in the oil and gas industry is the Piper Alpha disaster, where incorrect handling of pressure relief systems contributed to massive loss of life and assets. In the alumina industry, similar risks exist, as shown by... read more →