Netherlocks interlocks

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About process interlocking
Accidents in process industries are fairly infrequent. However, when they do
happen, they tend to be serious in scale and nature. Operator error and failure to
follow procedures or bypassing steps, carry great risks. The start-up, shut-down
and shift hand-overs are all examples of where one small slip in due diligence,
can have severe consequences.

Guarantee predefined operating procedures

Using Netherlocks (NL) interlocks, you eliminate human Using our interlocks:
error by only allowing nominated valves to be opened • You create a safer working environment for your team
or closed in the correct sequence. There are no short- of operators and those around them.
cuts. This means you guide your operators through safe • You promote adherence to safe working procedures
work procedures. and reduce downtime.
• You protect the environment through minimising risk.
• You reduce potential costs by preventing product loss
and reputational risk.

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 1. Take key A from the control room
A CONTROL ROOM D 2. Insert key A in V1 and close V1,
releasing key B
3. Take key B to close V2,
V-3 releasing key C
C D KEYCFREE
LC 4. Take key to open V3,
releasing key D
5. ReturnKEYkeyTRAPPED
D to control room

VALVE LOCKED OPEN

VALVE LOCKED CLOSED

B A C B

POT
A CONTROL ROOM D
V-1 V-2
LO LO

V-4 V-3 KEY FREE

C D
NC LC
KEY TRAPPED

VALVE LOCKED OPEN

VALVE LOCKED CLOSED

B A C B

POT

V-1 V-2
LO interlocks guide your operators through aLO
NL predefined valve operating sequence
with coded keys forV-4each step
NC
A process interlocking example - chemical dosing The valve interlocking sequence guarantees that the
Closed re-circulating water systems (heating or cooling filling valve can only be opened when the inlet and
water) requires dosing with chemicals on a regular basis. outlet are closed.
This can be completed using a dosing pot.

To prevent your operator coming into contact with

dangerous product flow, valve interlocks are fitted to the
inlet (return) (V1), outlet (flow) (V2) and filling (V3) valves.

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Applications

Plant efficiency will be important to you. Your operators Your operator's decision can lead to industrial accidents
work in potentially hazardous environments that are of varying magnitudes. Using NL interlocks, you
subject to fast pace change: They have a job to fulfill minimise these risks. We are able to work with you on
and often under time pressures. However, responding your applications and recommend an interlock solution
quickly may mean your operators risk misinterpreting to support your requirements. Using our solutions you
information, are more easily distracted, or any other will optimise valve operation at your plant, ensure safety
factor that could influence an action taken by your and reduce the risk of human error.
operators.

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How our solutions help you

Pressure safety valves (PSV) To guarantee that only one relief valve can be offline or under maintenance

To only allow the closure door to be opened when the vessel is depressurised, free
Pig launching / receiving
from product and isolated

Decoking To assure safe change over from cracking to de-coking of the furnace

Inert gas systems To prevent the inlet and outlet of a tank being closed simultaneously

Pump startup To guarantee that the suction valve is open during a startup

Flare system / lines To ensure there is always an open path to the flare

Boiler blow-down To prevent the drain and vent being opened at the same time

To assure that two out of three instruments (i.e. pressure gauge, level gauge) are
2 out of 3
always online

Chemical dosing pot To ensure that the pot is fully isolated before filling

Amine absorber To guarantee that the drain can only be opened when the vessel is isolated

HP fuel gas heater To ensure that one heater is always online

Closed drain drum To prevent simultaneous opening of the vent and liquid drains

Overfilling prevention To prevent overfilling of a vessel

To prevent cross connection of trains and assure that only the isolation valve of one
Gas train alignment
train can be opened at any one time

Pump routing To guarantee the correct valves are open when pumping from the vessel

Flare system To prevent air getting into a flare system when draining from a vessel or reactor

Drain system To ensure that only one drain line is opened to drain the vessel

Vessel filling To guarantee that only one route at a time is open during filling of the vessel

Vessel isolation To prevent hydrocarbon outbreak via a vent or drain

'We remove human error from the equation.'

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Mechanical interlocks

No modification to your Stand-alone or sequential

valves control

Our interlocks can be mounted without any Single key interlocks lock your valves in either the
modification to your valves. The interlock is installed open or closed position and are typically used for
with the original valve lever or handwheel removed and stand-alone valves. Double key interlocks lock your
replaced by the NL interlock with a new sliding lever or valves in both positions and form part of an interlocking
handwheel. sequence.

Robust and hard-wearing

We have eliminated nearly all rotating movements
from our lock designs. You insert a key linearly and
the internal locking mechanism consists only of
linear moving components. This reduces internal
wear and tear. Its robust design ensures only periodic
maintenance is required to keep your interlocks in good
condition.

'The NL linear key is robust and operator friendly.'

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Your quarter-turn and multi-turn valves
Our valve interlocks are designed to suit all your manually operated valves.
They can be used as a standalone, or more commonly, as part of an interlocking
sequence to guarantee your safe valve operation.

NDL (Ninety degree lock) MRL (Multi rotation lock)

NDL interlocks suit all types of 90° valves - including MRL interlocks suit all types of handwheel and gear
ball, butterfly and plug valves. Our interlocks are fitted operated valves. Our interlocks are fitted to your valve
to your valve using a custom-machined anchor and using a custom-machined anchor and adaptor.
adaptor.

Valve interlock registration

We register all the important information on every
individual lock we supply; this includes a record of
purchase and valve tag information to include valve
sizes, brands and line numbers. Key codes, serial
numbers, lock type and other related information are
also registered.

• We guarantee that key codes will not be duplicated

and they are unique to your plant.
• Lost keys can be replaced easily and quickly.
• New valve interlocks that are part of an existing
sequence can be easily supplied.

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Your interlocking solutions

ALS (Actuator locking system) ASLP (Actuator switch lock

Using the ALS, you can fully integrate your actuators panel)
into your valve interlocking sequences. You can lock
and regulate the operation of components of an The ASLP is an electronic locking system, used to control
actuator, using our linear key principle. your valves remotely. Using our linear keys, the ASLP
locks the control system of the MOV. With the correct
key inserted, you can operate your MOV remotely. Once
the MOV is fully operated, a second key is released in the
sequence.

ESL (Electrical switch lock)

The ESL is used when you need to include an electric
power source into your manual valve operating
sequence. You can only turn the switch when the
dedicated key is inserted. After turning the switch, a
second key is released, which continues the sequence
but prevents the switch being operated again.

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CL (Closure lock) CKC (Compact key cabinet)
The Closure Lock is suitable for every type and size of The CKC houses your interlock keys in your control
closure door. The CL prevents removal of the bleed room and gives you a visual indication of the status of
bolt to proceed to open the vessel door. Only when your valves and related systems. As each position is
it is safe to do so, and with the dedicated key, will hard-coded, you an only return your interlock key to its
you be able to access and remove the bolt.This key is dedicated cabinet position.
only released again after the door is closed and the
bleed bolt back in place guaranteeing safe working
procedures.

MPCU (Mechanical process

control unit)
The MPCU guides you to open and close all valves in a
safe order. While most mechanical interlocks enforce
a linear sequence, with the MPCU, you can complete
non-linear sequences. This is ideal for use in pigging
processes.

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Service support
You want the right people with the right skills and resources at a time when
you need them most. That is critical to efficient valve operations and getting
your plant fully operational as quickly as possible.

Our team of highly trained and experienced site

technicians is available to help you address your plant
needs. We offer practical support to cover the following
areas:

Installation and commissioning Stand by and turnaround services

We ensure your equipment is installed and handed back We are responsive to your plant needs and can work
over to you in the most efficient manner. with you in advance of your turnarounds to ensure
Valve topwork measurements everything happens as smoothly as possible and any
We take detailed measurements from site to ensure interlock issues are speedily resolved.
that we have the data right first time and there are no Training
hold ups or delays. We develop and design training to suit your needs and
Emergency call out and repair to empower your operators with practical skills and
We can help you to get your systems back up and knowledge.
running with minimal downtime.
Maintenance
We recommend regular maintenance of your equipment
to keep your assets in good working condition.

'Whatever your plant need, our site team are

here to help you.'
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Experience
Netherlocks’ interlock solutions
mitigate significant environmental
and workplace risks by removing
the ‘human factor’ element. With
our extensive track record, we retain
the confidence of our customers by
providing customised solutions that
greatly enhance safety and efficiency.

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Smith Flow Control and Netherlocks have merged. We are Sofis, the leading
valve operation specialists. With our combined expertise we offer smart
integrated solutions to optimise valve operation. Our products help create a
safer and more efficient working environment and are often regarded as the
industry standard. We work closely with our customers and provide simple and
reliable solutions.

Alphen aan den Rijn

Witham Stockstadt

Beijing
Houston
Erlanger Dubai
Vadodara

Mumbai

Lynbrook, Victoria

Contact Locations Stockstadt, Germany

For support: Alphen aan den Rijn, Netherlands +49 6027 4051221
[email protected] +31 172 471339 Vadodara, India
For enquiries: Beijing, China +91 265 234 1134
www.sofisglobal.com/contact +86 10 5879 7989 Victoria, Australia
Dubai, UAE +61 3 9771 5370
Online +971 4359 1988 Witham, UK
www.sofisglobal.com Erlanger, USA +44 1376 517901
YouTube: Sofis valve operation +1 859 578 2395
Facebook: @Sofisglobal Houston, USA Contact our nearest office for
Twitter: @Sofisglobal +1 281 547 7422 a distributor near you, or check
www.sofisglobal.com/contact.