Kirk has developed the HD Type VL ball valve interlock to ensure that hazards such as air- and liquid-flow power must be isolated before operators or engineers can work on equipment.
Air and liquid flow can present high-risk safety issues during operation and maintenance of equipment and plant. Traditionally, these sources of energy have been isolated using lockout tagout procedures. As part of a comprehensive trapped key interlocking system, the HD Type VL ensures a predetermined sequence of operations that guarantees these energy sources are isolated and mitigates the risk to personnel and plant.
The HD Type VL valve interlock comes fully assembled with the valve and is designed to fit ball valves from ¼ inch to 3 inches in diameter. The interlock is made of heavy-duty 316 stainless steel, making it suitable for washdown or harsh industrial environments, and operated through a stainless-steel lever, not the key. The HD series dowel-pin key design is gasketed, preventing debris from impeding proper operation.
The HD Type VL is intended for machine guarding of pneumatic presses, hydraulic equipment, and systems with high-pressure air. Within any industrial environment and application where it is necessary to control risk and sequential safety processes, integrating a comprehensive trapped key interlock system eliminates human error, protecting employees and preventing equipment damage.
