Valve-control company Netherlocks has developed a product that provides an indication of the position of all handwheel-operated valves. An integral and universal switchbox, the Valve Position Indicator (VPI) is mounted immediately below a valve’s handwheel without modifications to the valve itself. The VPI delivers a signal to the distributed control system or control room from hand-operated gate, globe or rising stem valves by positioning and protecting switches internally. This system avoids the weak welding, loose wiring and fragile brackets that can interfere with traditional monitoring devices and lead to process disruptions, false alarms, product contamination and irritation among operators and maintenance personnel. The VPI’s casting is made of AISI 316 stainless steel and is suitable for all standard types of switch.
