(55aj) Mechanical Safeguards for Emergency Isolation Valves

Emergency isolation valves (EIV) or emergency shutdown valves (ESV) are critical to the containment and mitigation of fires, explosions, and chemical releases. Operation of these valves is typically within a battery limit or fire zone, and it must be anticipated that these valves will need to operate under adverse conditions. Inherently safer design calls for innovation in the operation of these critical valves under adverse conditions, while protecting operators from the risks inherent in operating the valve in situ. This presentation will address the use case for backup remote mechanical operation of EIV/ESVs, consider some best practices and design philosophies for such operation, and discuss the risks of relying on motorized actuation as seen in incident reports and case studies.