New Unique Patented Non-Reusable Shipping and Commissioning Key - The Q-Card!
23 January 2004
Netherlocks Safety Systems BV has designed and patented a unique shipping & commissioning key, known as the “Q-card”.
Netherlocks Managing Director Albert Buschgens said, "It is a well know problem that it is very difficult and time consuming to pressure test pipelines fitted with valve interlocks”.
Interlocks are fitted to process control valves to ensure the valves are opened and closed in a predetermined and safe sequence; as a result and for safety reasons, you can not change the operating sequence, which means that in some cases not all of the valves in the system can be closed during pressure testing.
This is a problem". He continues," Too often clients ask for ‘Master Keys’ to resolve this difficulty however, this also creates another problem. Master keys can be extremely dangerous if used without the proper control procedures”.
In order to eliminate this problem Netherlocks have designed the Q-Card which is used as a commissioning key which can only be used once. With the Q-Card the locks start to be "invisible", all tests can be done without the key sequence dilemma. After the valves are commissioned the Q-cards are replaced with the appropriate in service keys that will ensure the predetermined key exchange sequence can only be followed in the correct direction. Once a Q-Card is released it is not possible to use it again.
A second advantage of the Q-Card is shipping flexibility. Interlocks mounted to the valve prior to shipping are normally coded to the key exchange sequence. To avoid locking out the valve and to facilitate commissioning, gate and butterfly valves are often shipped with the valve open and the spindle or disc extended. Using the Q-Card enables the valves to be packed and shipped in a safe and economical condition and ready for installation on arrival.
Additional benefits of the Q-Card include better logistic control and cost savings on larger projects. Project engineers can buy the locks as a package from the valve manufacturer, have the interlocks factory fitted to the valves and to bulk ship the consignment to it destination.
