This year, Sofis proudly celebrates 40 years of linear key valve interlocking, a major milestone in mechanical safety innovation. But while the spotlight is on the product, there’s another story worth telling: the internal systems and infrastructure that quietly support everything from production planning to global logistics. For over two... read more →
Aug
05
Aug
02
At a Brazilian refinery, ensuring smooth operations and worker safety is a top priority. However, one recurring issue posed both operational inefficiencies and safety hazards: accessing an 8-inch gate valve for the clarifier tank bottom drain. This challenge slowed down processes and increased the risk of accidents. Sofis partner ASELCO... read more →
Jul
20
To mark '40 years of linear key valve interlocking', we sat down with Tan Sri Moh Wung Sing, Managing Director of Multi-Engineering & Management, for an inspiring conversation about a partnership built on trust, innovation, and shared success. Since the early 2000s, Multi-Engineering Management has been a cornerstone of Sofis'... read more →
Jul
09
At the entrance of nearly every industrial site, you’ll find a simple counter, updated daily, meant to promote awareness, caution, and pride. But what happens when that number resets? Every zero tells a story: of an injury, of equipment damage, of something that went wrong. The number should stay high,... read more →
Jun
24
On June 8, 2022, the Freeport LNG export terminal in Texas experienced a serious incident: a vapor cloud explosion and fire that shut down operations for several months. This facility, responsible for a significant share of U.S. LNG exports to Europe, suffered the consequences of a blocked relief valve, a... read more →
Jun
18
In 2020, a serious incident occurred at Valero’s Mereaux refinery in Louisiana when a hydrocracker unit released a flammable mixture of hydrogen and hydrocarbon gas. The gas ignited, triggering an explosion and fire that severely injured an operator and caused over $5 million in damages. The underlying issue: an emergency... read more →
Jun
16
In the oil and gas industry, safety is a regulatory requirement. And when it comes to valve interlocking systems, regular inspections are not optional. They are essential to stay compliant and avoid costly, dangerous oversights. System changes can lead to compliance gaps Valve interlocks are designed to enforce correct operational... read more →
Jun
15
Manual valve operations are a critical component of industrial plant safety, and valve interlocks play a crucial role in ensuring that these operations are carried out in the correct sequence. But without effective key management, valve interlock systems can fall short. Disorganization, lost keys, and knowledge gaps among operators create... read more →
Jun
15
"Before 1985, valve interlocking was quite basic," recalls Adrian Brown, Technical Support Specialist at Sofis. "It was mostly about putting locks on valves in a rudimentary way. Companies like Castell were welding brackets onto valves. But then Smith Flow Control revolutionized the industry by simplifying the process, making it possible... read more →
Jun
10
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 →