Anti-Vandalism' Actuator Lock
17 January 2003
In certain countries it is important that actuators are physically locked to avoid vandalism, says global supplier of safety systems and valve control devices, Netherlocks Safety Systems BV.
The company's design engineer, Albert Buschgens, said: 'oil exploration companies recognised that their product was stolen after the actuator closed the production valve. An in-depth examination made evident that locals opened the actuator/valve with a hand pump.'
To eliminate this, Netherlocks designed the AVL. This AVL, the designer explains, is an actuator lock that is fully integrated in the actuator-valve-mounting bracket. It assures that torque's applied with hand pumps cannot open the actuator anymore to steel oil. A second feature to this device is the partial stroking. With a second key it is possible to test the actuator on its integrity by operating it over 20 degrees only. The last mentioned feature is a requirement mentioned in the IEC 61508.
The AVL is a purpose designed unit that can withstand any imaginable torque and is manufactured in any material the client requires.
