Dust plugs and vinyl bags for extreme environments

When operating in extreme environmental conditions, such as deserts or offshore, keeping valves free from sand and salt can be a thankless task.

To help operators deal with this issue Smith Flow Control has developed a range of dust plugs and vinyl bags to keep interlocks free from the worst of the elements, even in the most hostile environments.

Dust plugs

Dust plugs are a simple and highly effective way to prevent dust and dirt ingress into key interlocks. Made from high density polyethylene (HDPE) and fitted with a ‘soft sealing’ aperture gasket, the plug is inserted into the key aperture as soon as one of the coded keys is removed. By creating a tight fit, the plug seals the aperture and will not become dislodged, allowing the operator to complete the assigned task.

Dust Plug on a safety interlock.

Vinyl bags

A simpler solution, these robust covers envelop the complete interlock unit and protect key aperture points and lock bodies. They are weather- and dust-proof and also have UV protection so they don’t deteriorate in the sun. The bags can be fitted to both handwheel- and lever-operated valves and a drawstring allows then to be tightly closed and firmly attached to the interlocked valve.

Vinyl bag covering an entire valve assembly.

Both of these products are simple to use and provide a powerful physical barrier, whatever the elements are throwing at valve interlocks, giving operators peace of mind.

Adapted from press release by Katie Woodward

Read the article online at: https://www.oilfieldtechnology.com/product-news/09072014/smith_flow_control_products_80/