Somas LDC and LDO
For some time now, Somas has been offering a locking device for our actuators. There has been more and more demand for this product among our customers. It can sometimes be vital to be able to lock a valve that is handling hazardous chemicals or similar, in order to be able to carry out repairs unimpeded and to ensure safety for all personnel working in the same area. This product has been developed with safety in mind and complies with the “lock out, tag out” standard.
Somas’ design and solution
Service Manager Henrik Johansson explains that Somas’ design and solution is unique and has been developed to make it easy to operate, at the same time as ensuring optimum safety. An example of an area of use is in the case of repair and maintenance work in highly risky environments, where fatal accidents have occurred before. In such scenarios, we are now able to offer a safe and secure solution that is both straightforward and effective.
Distinguishing features between our design and others on the market include:
- the locking device is always attached to the actuator, which means that it is time-efficient
- all you need to change from the open to the locked position is a wrench and a padlock
A successful project
One customer working on a large project at a pulp and paper mill in Sweden wanted to use a regular control valve as an on/off valve, and using Somas’ solution, they were able to use the valve as an on/off valve. This cut costs for the customer, as they did not need to invest in two different types of valves.
Somas’ actuators and locking units
Somas’ actuators are designed to provide optimum function in both control and on/off applications. Type A actuators have been developed and adapted for Somas’ valve range in the first instance, but can also be used on other types of valves with 90° of movement. The locking device is made of anodised aluminium, is sealed against dirt, and is easy to both install and use. The new design is more adapted to vibrations compared to the older version. The locking device can be purchased directly as an option and be installed by Somas’ own personnel, although it can also be purchased separately and then easily be installed by the customer.
In order to lock the actuator in the closed position, the LDC variant is available. The LDC locking unit is offered for Somas’ type DA and SC actuators, and can be retrofitted on actuators without a locking device.
In order to lock the actuator in the open position, the LDO variant is available. The LDO locking unit is available for Somas’ type DA and SO actuators with double cylinders. This product can also be retrofitted on actuators without a locking device.
Key words for our product are simplicity, safety and efficiency.