Netherlocks Safety Systems - Valve Positioning and Access Control Locks, Lockout Devices and ESD Test Units

Netherlocks are recognised worldwide as a manufacturer of high quality ADD-ON safety packages for valve positioning and control, safety lockout devices, test units for ESD (emergency shutdown) actuators, remote controls for all types of valve and valve locks. Specific products and systems developed by Netherlocks include interlock systems and access control locks, portable pneumatic hand actuators, the FAITH partial stroke / maintenance device, the NL-H hybrid lock and the VPI (posimech) valve positioning and control tool.

VALVE POSTION DEVICE

A key aspect of Netherlocks valve postion device is an understanding of the inherent dangers to be found in chemical and process plants. Their devices are designed to keep the risk of accidents at an absolute minimum. Their safety principle relies on mechanical units, which are maintenance-free, independent from any power supply and, most importantly, eliminate human error. All this serves to provide a very safe valve positioning and control solution.

PROCESS LOCKS

Just one human error can lead to a terrible accident. Netherlocks' process locks guide operators from valve to valve following a pre-determined sequence. This greatly reduces the chance of human error in potentially dangerous situations.

Applications where trapped process locks are used include PSV switchovers, launcher and receiver procedures, pump start up logic, tanker loading and CO2 deluge systems, as well as many others.

KEY INTERLOCKS FOR MACHINE GUARDING

To protect workers from entering dangerous areas, machines need to be guarded. Netherlock's trapped key interlocks ensure that dangerous areas can only be entered when mains power is totally switched off, or after a robot has finished its cycle. As with the trapped key interlocks, everything is mechanical and maintenance-free. Netherlocks' trapped key isolators do not need a power supply and therefore critical and vulnerable wiring can be avoided.

Applications for use of trapped key isolators include conveyors belts, mixers, granulators, presses, switchgears, etc., equipment generally used in the paper, glass, rubber, packaging, concrete, tobacco and automotive industries.

LOCK OUT AND TAG OUT DEVICES

In events where valve or switch positions are less critical, lock out units are used. Lock out units include pad locks, hand wheel caps and the Netherlocks hybrid lock (NL-H). This NL-H lock out has a unique 'one fits all' design which makes it an extremely versatile lock out device for use in a wide variety of applications. NL-H lock out fits without any problem onto gate, globe, gearbox operated, ball, butterfly and plug valves, and switches. In fact, the NL-H lock put can be used to control everything that rotates.

FAITH SYSTEM - PARTIAL STROKE TEST

Valves get sticky, a side effect of which increases the valve torque. To assure critical ESD actuators will function in emergency situations, Netherlocks designed the partial stroke FAITH system. This partial stroke device is capable of testing the integrity of the actuator / valve package during production, as the valve is rotated over 20° only. After a 20° test the integrity of the valve-actuator package is guaranteed. The partial stroke FAITH is suitable for all valve torque and thrusts and can be used as an actuator ON-OFF trapped key lock also. The special emergency lever makes it possible to maintain control systems, while the valve remains open. NO DOWNTIME

GATE VALVE END POSITION CONTROLLERS

Creating a remote signal without the use of an actuator is not a problem for 90° valves, but difficulties can arise where gate and globe valves are concerned. Weak brackets support the switches while the wiring hangs loose. These valves carry an unreliable remote signal and can often be a nightmare for maintenance engineers. The VPI gate valve end position controllers eliminates all these problems and can be used for all sizes of valves with any type of switch. The VPI gate valve positioner is mounted to the valve without need for any modification. Also suitable for globe valves and gearboxes.

PNEUMATIC PORTABLE ACTUATORS

The KMS pneumatic portable actuators help the operator in operating large valves with high torque and many turns. These portable actuators reduce the operation time dramatically and also eliminate the occurrence of human injuries. The KMS pneumatic actuator can be mounted to the hand wheel without valve modification and can be used in dangerous zones because pneumatic air is used for a power source. One pneumatic actuator that operates many valves.