ATEX solenoids boost safety in offshore cleaning 30 June 2010

Ultra high pressure water jetting plant for offshore platforms is using ATEX-compliant solenoid valves so that it can be used in Zone II hazardous areas.

Developed by Parker Hannifin in conjunction with Norson Power, the solenoids are now integral parts of the safety system installed in high pressure and ultra high pressure water jetting units from Denholm MacNamee.

These units are connected to the offshore platform Yellow Alert shutdown system, so that, in the event of detection of an explosive gas by the platform gas sensors, power to the valves can be disconnected. That, in turn, vents the safety system air to atmosphere, so preventing a potential explosion.

Brian Ritchie, operations manager of Denholm MacNamee, explains: "With our latest fleet of water jetting units, we needed to make sure the pneumatically-operated safety systems could be vented immediately.

"We asked Norson to provide us with a solution to this problem and, together with Parker, they recommended the latest generation of Parker solenoid valves, which were ideal for our needs," he adds.

Aberdeen-based Norson, which specialises in hydraulics and fluid power, chose 24V dc and 110V ac Exd solenoid valves, so that operators could select the correct voltage setting for their location or platform, while also making the units fast and simple to install.

These are precision-made, stainless steel, zero maintenance valves for safety systems, designed to react quickly and reliably in the event of an emergency shutdown.

Brian Tinham

Related Companies
Norson Services Ltd
Parker Hannifin

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