Anonymous
At the Galveston conference on May 2, 2012, a panel of refiners be speaking on Automatic Coker Valve Interlocks, Mitch Moloney leads off with ExxonMobil’s experiences.
1. ExxonMobil leads off the panel with a brief review of their history in developing improved valve operations integrity. Discussion of alternate systems and procedures to reduce risk of incorrect valve line-ups.
LOTO programs, guiding light, trapped key
Cost trends on such systems and how that affects their justification vs alternatives
2. ExxonMobil’s Motor-Actuated design with PLC oversight
Systems on 6 cokers, with 7th in progress
Review of motor actuator types and how they play into reliability of overall system
Review of design defect in some actuators that can cause unwanted valve movement
Review of past incidents at three refineries that caused unwanted valve movements due to not interlocking out power to valves
3. Maintenance responsibilities associated with interlock systems
4. Operations responsibilities
Review of automatic monitoring systems to maintain integrity
Other refiners are lining up to share their lessons learned with the community.
Jschroeder, Craig, Lucky, (posted in this thread) do some of you want to participate? Others reading this, pass on the invitation to your colleagues to contact us.