Netherlocks Safety Systems has supplied pneumatic hand actuators to SBM to help the operators on the Falcon FPSO, which will be located along the West African coast. SBM recognised that the pig launchers and receivers on the Falcon FPSO were equipped with gearbox operated gate valves in the main and kicker line. And as these valves require a large number of turns, this is an ideal application for an actuator. Netherlocks proposed its unique KMS pneumatic hand actuator. This type of actuator can be mounted to any type of hand-wheel operated valve without changing the original valve and/or hand wheel. Netherlocks simply adds an adapter plate to the non-modified hand wheel. This adapter plate is permanently fitted, and the actuator can be connected whenever required. A great advantage is the fact that the hand wheel remains as it is, so the valve can also be manually operated in emergency situations. KMS portable pneumatic hand actuators are especially designed for use in narrow or hazardous areas where high torque or a large number of hand wheel turns make valves difficult or dangerous to operate.
