Safety in the Plant
exercise has its limitations. Comparison with previous reporting periods indicate a positive trend in overall performance, but it is difficult to draw clear conclusions on the basis of figures that refer to different or unknown frequencies or reference periods, or where the relevant provisions in the directive give a wider time-frame for the various actions, such as for ‘tests’ of emergency plans, information to the public, or for inspections. The increase in tested emergency plans, for example, rising from around 40-60 per cent, indicates positive progress, but “does not enable any conclusions to be drawn about the quality of the plans, the tests or the response arrangements”. While the overall performance on information supplied
to public has increased, the EU says it is still not optimal. Moreover the bare figures show a wide variation between member states, and information is lacking about the ways how information is supplied and measured. The results raise doubts whether information on safety measures and the requisite behaviour in the event of an accident has in fact reached all the people liable to be affected. The Commission notes that this topic, and the possible need to strengthen and improve the effectiveness of the existing provisions, will be addressed in the current review of the directive that is being carried out. As regards inspections, it is interesting to note that the
overall percentage of inspected establishments is practically unchanged over the last three reporting periods. The figures reveal nothing about the quality and effectiveness of inspections. Furthermore it is unclear whether or not any improvements are necessary or would be feasible. The Commission notes that a relatively high number of establishments remain uninspected in a given year. It assumes that this may be due to inspection frequency being followed
in line with the flexibility provided by the directive relating to programmes of inspections. However, some improvements to ensure better inspections and more coordination, also at EU level, may be warranted. Finally, the Commission notes that the quality and
volume of the data submitted to the Commission has not changed much in recent reporting periods and that this exercise produces only limited meaningful results. Therefore the Commission intends to address the reporting system itself in the review, with a view to ensuring more coherent and effective arrangements for all information obligations under the directive, without imposing unnecessary additional burdens on operators and authorities. In terms of the way forward, the commission will take
the findings of this report into account in the review of the directive, which is expected to lead to a legal proposal for a revised or new directive later this year. The review will address the overall effectiveness of the directive and examine possible improvements taking into account the conclusions of this report. This summary is the penultimate report under the existing
directive. The questionnaire for next reporting period 2009- 2011 has already been agreed. Member states are invited to report about the application in the current period by 30 September 2012. Future reporting beyond that period is likely to be subject to the next directive. Finally, the Commission says it will monitor progress on implementation closely, and take action as appropriate. In particular, it will continue to support and assist member states in their implementation activities, and encourage them further to improve their level of performance where necessary. n
Low-pressure relief valve is fully certified to the PED P
arker Hannifin’s Instrumentation Products Division is launching a versatile pressure relief valve for
low-pressure instrumentation applications up to 400psi (27.6bar). CE marked and certified to the highest Category-IV level of the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED), the new HPRV valve is supplied pre-set to any of six pressure ranges from 10-400psi (0.7-27.6bar). The chosen cracking pressure is laser etched onto the valve body at the factory. Another variant of this relief valve design is available for higher pressure applications.
Parker says the HPRV valve is a simple
‘fit and forget’ device for adding reliable safety, environmental and/or equipment protection to a wide variety of process and laboratory instrumentation applications. Moreover, the comapny says the valve needs no testing or calibration by the end user.
In addition, parker says that each HPRV low-pressure valve is supplied as a complete item - including the spring that determines the cracking pressure - under a single order number
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www.engineerlive.com
to simplify purchasing. The valve is fully PED certified and requires no additional paperwork or approvals. Parker has additionally set up its manufacturing and assembly process to ensure short lead-times.
The valve has a 5.2mm (0.203inch) orifice and, as standard, it comes with either twin- ferrule A-LOK or single-ferrule CPI compression tube fitting ends, thereby eliminating the need for threaded connections and the potential problems that are associated with using thread sealants such as PTFE tape. Other types of end connection may be specified to suit the installation.
Over-pressures form the outlet port can be released to atmosphere, or the valve may be configured to duct media to a safe place. The cracking pressure is determined by one of six factory-fitted springs. These provide a choice of six cracking pressure ranges: 10-25, 25-50, 50-100,100-150,150-225 or 225-400psi (0.7-1.7, 1.7-3.4, 3.4-6.9, 6.9-10.3, 10.3-15.5 or 15.5-27.6bar). A locking wire may be fitted to secure the
chosen pressure setting and guard against tampering.
O-ring seals adapt the HPRV valve
for different types of media, and operating temperatures are -57 to 204˚C (-70 to 400˚F). Five choices of material are available: fluorocarbon rubber and nitrile rubber for general- purpose use, ethylene propylene or neoprene rubber for compatibility with a range of chemicals, or highly fluorinated fluorocarbon rubber for compatibility with a wide range of chemicals. Charles Harris, the business development manager for Parker Hannifin, comments: “The introduction of these low-pressure options rounds out Parker’s range of relief valves for process instrumentation applications, providing users with the means to select optimised and accurate protection for pressure-containing systems operating from 10-6000psi. The European Directive approval also gives us a distinct advantage over many of our key competitors.” n
For more information, visit
www.parker.com
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