Trust Your ESDV: Have FAITH
19 February 2007
The EIC 51608 and 51611 tell you how to upgrade your SIL level. This means, in most cases, increase your test intervals. One of the issues is: How can you test the ESDVs without having to shut down? Closing an ESDV is closing your production line, which immediately affects your output.
The solution is testing the ESDV while the plant is live. How? Simple: integrate a mechanical test device in between valve and actuator and do your test whenever you prefer.
A FAITH system, which stands for Fail Action Integrity Test Handling, is a mechanical 20º stop. No wiring, software or training is required to improve safety.
The FAITH has an integrated smart-locking device that can be unlocked and operated in a test mode with a uniquely coded key. This key is trapped in the control room cabinet by means of a solenoid. The position of the key in the control room is measured by a PLC. The PLC alerts when a test interval is required.
With the FAITH the test is done locally. All elements are tested: solenoid, quick exhaust, coupling, valve and actuator. With a FAITH installed you do the test in the real closing speed. Since the system is mechanically stopped you will never have to be worried that the valve would close completely.
Keep it simple, and have FAITH.
