Sofis, a leading British manufacturer of valve control systems, recently implemented a comprehensive valve management solution for Oiltanking Malta. This system was designed to prevent accidental valve misoperations, significantly reducing both operational and financial risks for the Malta Oil Storage Company. As a subsidiary of Oude Oil Storage Co., Ltd., Malta Oil Storage is recognized as the world’s largest independent oil storage tank operator.
Sofis’ advanced valve management system has proven highly effective in minimizing operational risks and improving safety standards at Malta Oil Storage.
During the process of loading oil onto a tanker from specific tanks, the piping connections must be carefully managed—some lines are opened while others remain closed. The Distributed Control System (DCS) communicates with the Key Management System (KMS), identifying which storage tanks are being used. The KMS then releases the necessary keys to operate the manual valves involved in the loading process. Once a key is used to open a valve, a secondary key is released and must be returned to the system. After all valves are properly secured, the KMS confirms this to the DCS, which then initiates the automatic oil loading process.
Historically, valve misoperation has posed serious safety risks to operators, often due to incorrect instructions or unintentional actions. Recognizing these dangers, Malta Oil Storage conducted a thorough risk assessment and sought a customized solution to enhance safety and efficiency.
By integrating their existing DCS with Sofis’ valve interlock and key management system, Malta Oil Storage significantly reduced the chances of errors. Additionally, the new system allows valve operators to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, streamlining the entire valve switching process.
David Muscat, Assistant Technical Manager at Malta Oil Storage, commented: “Everyone in the oil and gas industry understands that an incorrect sequence of valve operations can lead to dangerous situations. I truly appreciate the support from the entire Sofis team. Their innovative solution met our exact needs for safe valve operation and ensured the project was completed on time.â€
About Sofis and Hammer:
Sofis is the result of the merger between Smith Fluid Controls (SFC) and Netherlocks, two subsidiaries of British Hamco. Both companies are renowned for their expertise in valve safety equipment. Sofis combines their technical knowledge, service teams, and global partners to continue driving innovation in the valve safety market.
Sofis is a subsidiary of Halma, a UK-based company that operates within the Process Safety Division. Hammer is a multinational investment holding group specializing in security, medical, and environmental sectors. Listed on the London Stock Exchange, Hammer has maintained a dividend increase for 38 consecutive years. With nearly 50 subsidiaries and over 6,000 employees worldwide, the company has a strong presence in China through offices in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Shenyang, as well as R&D and production facilities in Beijing, Shanghai, Wuxi, Shenzhen, and Baoding.
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