Valves ensure chemical safety

When a major UK chemicals manufacturer decided to update one of its plants in Eastern England, it was imperative that the process equipment chosen offered the utmost reliability in order to promote efficiency and safety. 

it was clear that the valves at its 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 The equipment was now outdated, with only basic safety systems in place to prevent solvents travelling into the incorrect tank.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 instrumentation provider Process Instrument Sales to source new equipment for the overhaul with provision of new control valves a priority. Process Instruments recommended two Bürkert solutions.

Control valves specifically are a vital component of any modern chemical manufacturing plant. Usually consisting of a valve body,actuator and positioner, they play a crucial role in achieving the desired end product, by controlling flow, levels, temperature and pressure. 

The valves had to reach exacting safety and quality standards to ensure they are ready to take on substances that are potentially hazardous.

Bürkert’s Type 2651 flanged ball valves were selected to replace the outdated valves in use. Produced from stainless-steel, the Type 2651 has high resistance to chemicals, which thus provides 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 best safety applications were 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 chemical manufacturer client 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.”