Safety is a matter of FAITH

Published: 18-Nov-2005


Netherlocks, a Dutch process-interlocking and valve-control specialist, has developed the Fail Action Integrity Test Handling (FAITH) system, a method of testing emergency shutdown (ESD) and high-integrity pressure-protection system (HIPPS) valves during normal operation of a plant and of consequently avoiding the loss in productivity caused by conventional testing methods.

Typically, valves used in ESD and HIPPS fail-safe procedures that have not been operated for a long period of time can run the risk of becoming immovable due to the actuator and valve seals becoming stuck together, potentially resulting in an extremely dangerous situation. Conventionally these valves have been tested by closing them completely, but this leads to costly downtime involving complete plant shutdown. Since complete shutdowns are very rare events, plants tend to install an expensive, over-sized actuator to "crack" the sticking valve. The FAITH system removes the need for such an actuator and enables tests to be performed more frequently and conveniently. It replaces the standard bracket and coupling between the actuator and valve and will allow the valve to be partially operated only once the correct linear key has been inserted. It also limits the stroke of the valve-actuator combination to just 20°, which is enough to guarantee the reliability of the valve without affecting production. Operating on a completely mechanical principle, the system obviates the need for wiring, software or a PLC, and can be used with both linear and rotary actuators.

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