Emergency Shutdown Valve : Advantages

The advantages of Emergency Shutdown Valve (ESDV), controls process media flow and is responsible for isolating the supply of hazardous gasses and fluids within the pipeline in the event of an emergency.

As a result, these valves provide more reliable performance than standard on-off valves.

Also Read : What is Emergency Shutdown System (ESD) ?

Emergency Shutdown Valve

Advantages of Emergency Shutdown Valves

1. Tight Shut Off : With a double-seated design, ESDV’s are rated up to ANSI Class VI shutoff providing bubble tight shutoff.
2. Fire Safe : In the event of an emergency, your assets may be exposed to fire, all ESDV’s are rated to API 607 Fire Safe.
3. Fast-Acting : Quick response is critical to reducing escalation of hazards, ESDV’s can go from full-open to full close in less than a second.
4. Manual and Automatic Release Options : Users have flexibility on resumption of system operation after shutdown.
5. Rugged Design : Designed to withstand shocks and vibrations that could cause false trips, ensuring your systems is up and running when it needs to be
6. Certified Safety Integrity Level (SIL) per IEC 61508 : The ESDV has been evaluated by an independent third party, those that have not been evaluated are relying solely on manufacturers’ product claims
7. Capable of Both Local and Remote Partial Stroke Test : Users can minimize system disturbances to prevent and diagnose potential operational problems

ESDV features are designed for accuracy and dependability

• Trunnion-mounted ball valve
• Fail-safe spring return actuator
• Low emissions design
• Anti-blow out stem configuration
• Fast response time
• Suitable for use in SIL 3 applications

Partial Stroke Test Assures Reliability

Since the Emergency Shutdown Valve remains open and not in use for prolonged periods, the system’s performance and reliability should be checked periodically but without interrupting the operation.

Without proper testing, the probability of this component failing when called upon increases over time. Recent technology offers test procedures, such as partial stroke testing, an effective and practical method for testing device functionality.

Also Read : What is Partial Stroke Test ?

A device that does not have this option is at risk for false trips and potential failure to react when require. Additionally using devices without this capability may required complete shutdown and potentially removing equipment from the line. These types of methods are labor intensive and therefore prone to human error.

Emergency Shutdown Valve is capable of both local and remote partial stroke testing through pneumatic configurations. Using a device that can perform partial stroke testing provides the following benefits

• No operation disruptions
• Eliminates need for bypass line
• Improved SIL rating
• Prevention and diagnoses potential problems
• Even while testing, the valve will still shut if emergency signal received

SIL 3 Certified

The Emergency shutdown valve is rated to Safety Integrity Level 3, or SIL 3. This standard is governed by the International Electrical Committee (IEC).

SIL 3 certification validates valve technology has met:

• Risk reduction requirements
• Limitations for random hardware failure
• Quality and engineering procedures to prevent systematic design errors

To achieve a given SIL, the device must have less than the specified probability of dangerous failure and have greater than the specified safe failure fraction. These failure probabilities are calculated by performing a Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA).

Also Read : Safety Integrity Level (SIL)

The targeted SIL level depends on parameters such as likelihood of an event, device complexity and redundant configurations. PFD (Probability of Failure on Demand) and RRF (Risk Reduction Factor) for SIL levels set forth in IEC61508 are:

While risk can never be completely eliminated, using SIL-rated equipment is one means of reducing risk and improving system safety.

The SIL calculations provide a third-party statistical evaluation of the unit’s long-term reliability and integrity.

Reference : geoilandgas