It felt that the valves at the facility had reached the end of their service life. The equipment was now outdated, with only basic safety systems in place to prevent solvents travelling into the incorrect tank. This was compromising confidence in the chemical delivery system and overall efficiency at the plant, especially as it was processing potentially flammable and volatile substances. Therefore, plant operators decided to completely overhaul the facility, to ensure that rigorous chemical industry health and safety measures were absolutely adhered to.
The plant approached Process Instrument Sales, a high-quality instrumentation provider, to source new equipment for the overhaul. A priority was the provision of new control valves. To ensure the utmost reliability and safety, Process Instruments recommended two Bürkert solutions.
Bürkert’s Type 2651 flanged ball valves were selected to replace the outdated valves. Produced from stainless steel, the Type 2651 offers an innately high resistance to chemicals, it says. Suitable for shut-off or distributing medium flows, a mechanical interface allows easy connection of pneumatic or electrical rotary actuators. All valves and actuators now fitted at the plant are SIL safety certified.
To ensure the correct opening and closing of the valves, Bürkert Type 1061 ATEX switch boxes with integral pilot solenoids were fitted. Suitable for use in potentially explosive application areas, the Type 1061 combines the function of a position feedback and a solenoid valve in one box. Multiple versions are available, as is an adjustable bracket allowing it to be used with actuators of various sizes.
Once the central system was fitted by Lark Technology, risks of leakage and spillage were minimised. Compliance with all the stringent health and safety standards and insurance requirements was also achieved.
A plant operator from the UK chemical manufacturer said: “The total replacement and modernisation of our plant valves, solenoids and actuators has given us the reassurance that we now have the best safety applications in place.”