The VPI position indicator (VPI) provides process facility control rooms with a reliable remote signal, keeping personnel aware of the current position of hand wheel-operated gate valves. Accurate valve status for new and existing valves In the process industry, awareness of valves’ current status is essential to avoid injury and... read more →
Sep
05
Sep
05
Pigging systems are used to insert a pipeline inspection gauge (pig) into a live system transporting gas or liquid media, in order to perform various maintenance operations. As they involve such high pressure levels, pigging operations should follow a precise procedure to avoid disastrous outcomes. Mechanical interlocks safeguard normal pigging... read more →
Sep
05
A pigging operation is dangerous, as opening a pig trap closure while there is pressure in the barrel can shoot the pig out of the launcher at high speeds. Attempting to pass a pig through a partially open outlet valve, or prematurely opening the pig trap in the presence of... read more →
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
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 →