Blog

A fatal incident on June 25th 2012 at a production facility of one of the globally leading oil companies in the United States proves the need for guaranteeing safe pigging operations. During a preparation of a pipeline inspection using a pigging operation, a temporary pig launcher that was attached to... read more →

The proposed changes to the BSEE’s SEMS (Safety and Environmental Management System) summed up in the new SEMS II rule have been a major topic of discussion in the US offshore industry. As a response to the oil spills and accidents that have occurred in recent history, the new revisions... read more →

Mechanical valve interlocks guarantee strict adherence to procedure and thus avoid human error. They are particularly useful for operations that are generally recognized as highly dangerous, such as pigging. Valve interlocks are a cost-effective measure that results in extremely high safety levels. New developments create intelligence that allows each step within... read more →

As part of the Sofis installation and engineering support programs, Sofis offers various practical training courses. These courses enable valve technicians to train basic skills on installing, setting and troubleshooting valve interlocks. The ‘advanced interlock technician training’ is particularly beneficial to offshore facilities; small and relatively simple adjustments and repairs can be... read more →

As part of an overhaul operation of one of its plants, Dutch-based Shin-Etsu PVC, part of Shin-Etsu Chemical Ltd., recently replaced all refrigeration compressors using freon with compressors using propylene in their Botlek plant. The pressure safety valves (PSV's) on these compressors were safeguarded by valve lockout systems. Michel Immerzeel,... read more →