Company Profile Sofis (130 FTE) is a merged organization between Netherlocks Safety Systems, headquartered in Alphen a/d Rijn, the Netherlands, and Smith Flow Control, headquartered in Witham, United Kingdom. Sofis is part of the Process Safety Division of Halma Plc, a UK based leading global technology group with 50 subsidiaries... read more →
Jul
04
Jan
09
Sofis valve operation has installed a safety system for bulk handling at logistics company Limpens Elsloo. The system prevents contamination due to incorrect filling of silos. Thanks to the smart key system, Limpens Elsloo can now rest assured that no errors will be made when filling and emptying over 100... read more →
Dec
21
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 →
Dec
21
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 →
Dec
21
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 →
Dec
21
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 →
Dec
21
For a multinational oil and gas company in Norway, Sofis recently designed a key management solution. The design includes an integrated PC, software and touch screen and allows for easy logging and authorization of the use of your interlocking keys. It also offers operators detailed interlock information and provides insight... read more →
Dec
20
Sofis agent in South Africa, Zonke Engineering Ltd, adopts a local approach to service support, in line with the Sofis strategy to increase its local presence. Within this approach, one of their major clients is offered a made to measure mechanical valve interlock maintenance contract. This contract offers flexibility and allows minimizing... read more →
Dec
11
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 →
Nov
28
In the process industry, awareness of the valve status is essential to avoid injury and equipment damage. A recent market research conducted by Sofis revealed that many companies apply self-made or ‘bracket type’ solutions for valve position indicating. They often experience serious issues with the use of these kinds of solution. What... read more →