Distribution network valve status indicators

[ashtree]

I typically do most of my work in an around the treatment plants the utility i work for owns/operates so this is not generally my area of concern. But we have recently had a couple of near incidents where the network guys have had valves in the wrong position during upgrades and maintenance causing all sorts of problems.

Whilst there are plans and informal procedures about opening and closing valves in the network, generally it relies on the memory of the network operator to remember which valves were closed to unddertake the repair and then to re-open them afterwards. You can imagine what happens if different people have to be called in or a repair extends beyond a few hours.

Does anyone have a practical way of tagging , marking or documenting the position of inground valves to heklp overcome this problem.

Regards
Ashtree
"Any water can be made potable if you filter it through enough money"

 

[LittleInch]

A lock out / Tag out procedure??

Permit to work system maybe?

https://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/etools/08-003/P08-00301B.pdf

Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.

 

[mk3223]

Normally, the operation has a good process record, such as P&ID, with proper operation manual as well as the maintenance procedures. If not, it's a good starting point to have. The typical issue was how to enforce these items into the routine work.

IMO, it's the Management role & responsibility to enforce these procedures into the routine work practices with all the parties involved, i.e. Operation, Maintenance, and Contractor.

 

[ashtree]

Just to clarify what I am talking about are below ground valves generally in the street or sidewalk and are not related to a treatment plant.

Ou teams are currently talking about having a map that is marked up every time the valve is operated. It would work but would be laborious to keep updated. Likewise many of these operations are conducted during incidents such as line bursts , any time of the day or night in amy kind of weather. Just wondering what other people may use.

Regards
Ashtree
"Any water can be made potable if you filter it through enough money"

 

[mk3223]

Depending on the process efficient and risk, operation budget and priority, etc., the automated system may be added to the valves with the electronic actuator, position indicators, etc., which may reduced the required operation surveillance for the routine work.

 

[JGard1985]

Agree with LittleInch and mk3223 you need some sort of configuration control program. If it's maintenance and control of hazardous energy, you're really talking lock-out tag-out procedures.

I'd suggest looking to a central dispatcher or plant operator to have overall responsibility for keep track of valve configurations and tag-outs.

You could have individual teams tag-out/re-align individual sections of your system, but you really need a central dispatcher or operator to understand the aggregate system response. Also a single shift individual can ensure that all tags are removed when individuals go home, and the system is restored to operational configuration

This kinds of systems are common in the railroad where many switches are re-aligned by maintenance personnel and there isn't position monitoring. The system works paper tag-outs and call-in's to a central dispatcher that issues and keeps track of tagged out sections



Jeff
Pipe Stress Analysis
Finite Element Analysis

http://www.xceed-eng.com

 

[SunnyOaks]

Can you use some sort of GPS App on a phone that all can access where when the valve is opened they pin it as open, when closed they pin it as closed?
This could also be used to pin a "needs maintenance"!