VALVES ENHANCING RELIABILITY & SAFETY
BÜRKERT
Bürkert valves update UK chemical plant to latest safety standards
Chemical manufacturing , by its very nature , involves the use of potentially hazardous fluids . It is therefore imperative that chemical manufacturers choose process equipment that offers the utmost reliability to promote efficiency and safety . This was the approach taken when a major UK chemicals manufacturer decided to update one of its plants in Eastern England , where Bürkert valves and switch boxes were fitted to enhance reliability and safety .
Control valves are a vital component of any modern chemical manufacturing plant . Open and closing to various degrees , the valves help to control flow , levels , temperature and pressure . Control valves play a crucial role in achieving the desired end product .
A CHEMICAL DELIVERY SYSTEM OVERHAUL
A control valve usually consists of the valve body , an actuator and a positioner . Of course , control valves in the chemical industry must reach exacting safety and quality standards to ensure they are ready to take on substances that are potentially hazardous .
To one chemical manufacturer , it was clear that the valves at its Eastern England 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 The equipment was now outdated , with only basic safety systems in place to prevent solvents travelling into the incorrect tank .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
Produced from stainless-steel , the Type 2651 offers an innately high resistance to chemicals , which unlocks an extended service life .
reliability and safety , Process Instruments recommended two Bürkert solutions .
UPDATING THE VALVES
Bürkert ’ s Type 2651 flanged ball valves were selected to replace the outdated valves .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 , which unlocks an extended service life . 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 . It is incredibly versatile , with multiple versions available and an adjustable bracket allowing it to be used with actuators of various sizes .
Once the central system was fitted by Lark Technology , any risk of leakage and spillage had been successfully minimised . Compliancy with all the stringent health and safety standards and insurance requirements was also achieved . Ultimately , plant operators now had total reassurance that the very best safety applications were now in place for the delivery system of volatile and flammable substances at the facility . This ensured increased efficiency and a greatly reduced environmental risk .
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 . The supply of these high-quality Bürkert valves from Process Instrument Sales has been second to none with absolute attention to detail every step of the way .”
For further information , please visit www . burkert . co . uk
112 PECM Issue 51