Safety interlock promotes safer tank loading/unloading

July 9, 2014

Kirk Key’s Eagle safety interlocking products provide process safety control in cargo tank loading and unloading operations.

Kirk’s Eagle trapped key interlocking systems ensure that users follow a pre-determined sequence of operation for activating road, rail, and marine tank control valves in oil refining, petro-chemical, pulp and paper, liquefied gas, and other industrial applications. Kirk Eagle Series valve interlocks integrate with its mechanical and electromechanical trapped key interlock series to form a comprehensive safety scheme.

Product transfer procedures that rely on manual control can lead to spills or leakage of hazardous gases or liquids, causing injury, property damage and potential fines. By controlling a defined sequence of equipment operation, these hazards are minimized.

Interlocking systems are designed to site requirements and ensure that safety processes move smoothly across a range of equipment including road, rail or marine barriers, hoses, gantry accesses, valves, and pump electrical switches. Each step in the scheme releases a uniquely coded key required to move safely on to the next step of the sequence. The robust oversized keys cannot be duplicated and the sequence cannot be circumvented.

The Eagle Series includes integral valve interlocks to fit every type and size of quarter and multi-turn valves, as well as bolt and electro-mechanical interlocks. For long-term use in harsh environments, all Eagle Series product offerings are manufactured from 316 stainless steel with keyways protected by a gasketed flip cover.

For more information, go to www.kirkkey.com, call (800) 438-2442 or email [email protected].