Need help error proofing valve. All ideas welcome.

C

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

Thaumaturge
Trusted Information Resource
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

Super Moderator
Trusted Information Resource
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:biglaugh:
 
D

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)
 
C

CliffK

SteelMaiden,

I like the way you're thinking. :thanx:

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.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
C

CliffK

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.

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.:thanx:

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

SteelMaiden

Super Moderator
Trusted Information Resource
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!
 
J

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.
 

howste

Thaumaturge
Trusted Information Resource
Both excellent ideas. Thanks, Howste and Duke.:thanx:

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

Does the valve have to be open when you open the lid? Or can you open it and close it, then open the lid?

If the valve can be closed again before you open the lid, maybe you could attach something to the valve handle that interferes with one of the nuts if the valve is open. That way you would have to close the valve before you opened the lid.
 
C

CliffK

Does the valve have to be open when you open the lid? Or can you open it and close it, then open the lid?

If the valve can be closed again before you open the lid, maybe you could attach something to the valve handle that interferes with one of the nuts if the valve is open. That way you would have to close the valve before you opened the lid.

Excellent point. It can be closed after the pressure equalizes with the atmosphere.

Thanks again. It seems we have the creative juices flowing here.

I appreciate it.
 
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