Integrity Controls Vendor Focus: Sofis

Sofis

Formed by the merger of Smith Flow Control and Netherlocks Safety Systems, Sofis' product offering is focused on process safety, valve monitoring, and drive systems.

We'll highlight individual products from Sofis over the coming weeks, but here's a high level teaser of solutions they provide:

Valve interlocks to avoid human error during critical valve operations
Portable actuators for manual multi-turn valves
Remote operators for the safe operation of hard to reach valves
Electronic valve position indication for manual valves

https://www.sofisglobal.com/

Sofis YouTube Channel

Valve Interlocks

75% of the accidents in the process industry happen during startups, shutdowns and maintenance. In 50% of these accidents, root cause is incorrect operation of manual isolation valves. There are many applications where interlocks are an added value by protecting people, the environment or company assets.

Example Applications:

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

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

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

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

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

6. HP fuel gas heater - To ensure that one heater is always online

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

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

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

EasiDrive Portable Actuator for Manual Valves

The EasiDrive portable actuator offers full actuation of all your hard to operate
and time-consuming valves without the need for expensive, dedicated actuators.

FlexiDrive Remote Valve Operator

The Sofis FlexiDrive remote operator offers safe operation of your hard to reach valves. By positioning an operator station away from your valves, you can work valves that are above, below, immersed or in tight and confined spaces.

Applications:

- Valves in remote or hard to reach places

- Submersed valves

- Valves in hazardous locations

Key Management Systems

'Valve interlocks improve process safety, but challenges may arise through poor
use of interlocks and limited operational knowledge. Time taken searching for
missing keys or taking the wrong one in to the field, can cause considerable delays. Additionally, in using mechanical interlocks alone, you cannot make use of all the data driven insights, with plants becoming more technologically driven.

Through key management, you can integrate digital information from across your plant. This will in turn, transform the way you operate – increasing productivity,
providing safer operations and resulting in significant cost savings.'