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Ellis™ interlock systems

Procedural control using mechanical valve interlocks and activity management systems

Handwheel Operated Valve Interlock (GL)

SFC GL valve (inter)locks suit all types of handwheel operated valves, including, gate, globe and gear operated valves. They form part of a comprehensive range of process interlock safety systems. Available with tailor made concentric mounted bespoke valve attachment or with universal (wheel mounted) mounting kits.

The interlock can be fitted to the valve during live process without the need to shut down the system nor does it compromise the certified pressure envelope of the system. When used with other SFC interlocks, operators are compelled to follow the correct sequence of operation of all valves within the sequence.

Lever Operated Valve Interlock (QL)

SFC QL valve (inter)locks suit all types of handwheel operated valves, including, gate, globe and gear operated valves. They form part of a comprehensive range of process interlock safety systems.

Available with tailor made concentric mounted bespoke valve attachment or with universal (wheel mounted) mounting kits.

The interlock can be fitted to the valve during live process without the need to shut down the system nor does it compromise the certified pressure envelope of the system. When used with other SFC interlocks, operators are compelled to follow the correct sequence of operation of all valves within the sequence.

Actuated Valve Interlock System

Where valves are actuated by means of Pneumatic, Hydraulic or Electrical power sources, SFC interlocks can be integrated into the actuator operation to provide complete control of the valve.

The same basic principles of interlocking apply; establish and prove the position of the valve and immobilise the valve in that position.

There may be two or more means of operating the valve and all need to be accommodated within the interlock scheme. The high torque applied during valve actuation means that physical (mechanical) restraint of the valve is not practicable. Instead, mechanical interlocking of the actuator control mechanism is preferred.

DL3 Access Door Interlock

Access into pressure vessels is a potentially hazardous exercise. Residual pressure, volumes of residual gases or liquids can all be harmful. Typical examples of these potential hazards include pig traps, filter housings and autoclaves. Locking the vessel closure in the closed position with a DL3 interlock ensures access into the vessel can be achieved only under controlled, safe conditions.

The operating key is held in a secure place, e.g. control room or supervisors office or is retained in another interlock elsewhere in the sequence ( often the vent valve lock). In a typical system, the key can only be retrieved when the vent valve is opened, thereby reducing the pressure within the vessel.

The system can be extended to include interlocks on all isolating valves and a drain valve. In such an arrangement, the interlock devices compel the operator to completely isolate, vent and drain the vessel prior to opening the closure door.

ATL Anti Tamper Lock (Security or Safety)

Many of the valves on site require a simple to use locking device to prevent accidental or unauthorized operation. The ATL has been developed to be fitted directly to valves in place of the normal handwheel or operating lever, with little machining which can easily be achieved by the customer.

ATL is available in two sizes covering all valve sizes and is available in 304 Stainless Steel. For remote unmonitored or higher security risk areas, a carbon steel, case hardened option is available, which will withstand the toughest forms of vandalism.

Stroke Test

The Stroke-test group of products has been specifically designed to provide partial stroke testing of quarter turn valves with failsafe pneumatic actuators.

This sandwich mounted gearbox is located between the pneumatic actuator and the valve and mechanically limits valve stem rotation to 20 degrees standard or 15 degrees as a field selectable option. They can also be customized to any customer’s exact rotational requirements at our plant.