Need help error proofing valve. All ideas welcome.

[CliffK]

The valve in question relieves pressure on a container so the container can be opened for inspection.

Employees have forgotten to close the valve after buttoning the container back up. The results have been expensive spills.

Any thoughts on how to error-proof this operation?

Opening the container is not frequent, nor is it routine.

Thanks

[howste]

Can you install a valve that has to be held open, but closes on its own if let go? No one will have to remember to close it then.

[SteelMaiden]

Not sure what kind of container you are talking about, or exactly what "buttoning up" entails, but could you put some sort of "indicator" (you know the little round things that hang from your mailbox once the letter carrier puts your mail in the mail box) that would be very visual, or a sign on the container that is visible upon closing it? A checklist would be a last ditch effort because it adds a step, but maybe there is already a checklist for your inspection? I'm sure you'll find someone who actually has some idea of what they are talking about, but hey, I gave it a try

[Duke Okes]

Wire in a switch that is open if valve is open and does not allow actuating the fill portion for the container if it is open.

(Long shot without knowing more about the process)

[CliffK]

SteelMaiden,

I like the way you're thinking.

The container's a vertical cylinder about 24 inches in diameter. The valve in question comes out of the center of the top.

There are captive bolts around the periphery of the top.

To look inside, you loosen the nuts on the captive bolts and swing them out of the way. The top has a hinge which allows it to pivot up and a counterweight so it doesn't slam down on your head while you peer inside the cylinder.

To close it all back up, you push the lid back down, swing the captive bolts back into position and tighten the nuts.

Then (if all goes well) you remember to close the relief valve and restart the process.

[CliffK]

Originally Posted by howste

Can you install a valve that has to be held open, but closes on its own if let go? No one will have to remember to close it then.

Originally Posted by Duke Okes

Wire in a switch that is open if valve is open and does not allow actuating the fill portion for the container if it is open.

(Long shot without knowing more about the process)

Both excellent ideas. Thanks, Howste and Duke.

Not to impose further , but how about an idea we could implement for a cost ranging from free to cheap?

[SteelMaiden]

Originally Posted by CliffK

SteelMaiden,

I like the way you're thinking.

The container's a vertical cylinder about 24 inches in diameter. The valve in question comes out of the center of the top.

There are captive bolts around the periphery of the top.

To look inside, you loosen the nuts on the captive bolts and swing them out of the way. The top has a hinge which allows it to pivot up and a counterweight so it doesn't slam down on your head while you peer inside the cylinder.

To close it all back up, you push the lid back down, swing the captive bolts back into position and tighten the nuts.

Then (if all goes well) you remember to close the relief valve and restart the process.

Yeah, get one of your people who like to come up with wild and crazy ideas to create something that pops up, or out, when you swing the roof (or open the valve), and then you have to "tuck" back into the "firing" position when you have the valve closed. Yeah, that's the ticket! Just be sure it doesn't spring too far, too fast and create a safety hazard, lol!

[justncredible]

Lock out-tag out on the valve to turn back on.

Since the tank has pressure there should also be a torque spec. for the bolts. Who documents this spec is met?

Also maybe a pressure cutoff switch if the pressure drops to the tank. Linked to a shut off to the input of the tank.