Product news

GEA expands LoTo valve locking during maintenance of aseptic processes

06 Nov 2023

GEA now also equips the aseptic double-seat valves of the Aseptomag range with lockout-tagout (LoTo) devices. The Group is thus expanding its range of safety devices for process plants with valve technology. LoTo devices are mechanical locking systems that isolate machinery from potentially hazardous energy sources prior to maintenance or servicing activities.

Fig. 1: Inadequately secured process plants are often the cause of accidents in production. This is why GEA now also equips the aseptic double-seat valves of the Aseptomag range with lockout-tagout (LoTo) devices. Source: GEA

Inadequately secured process plants are often the cause of accidents in production. This is why GEA now also equips the aseptic double-seat valves of the Aseptomag range with lockout-tagout (LoTo) devices. Source: GEA

Occupational health protection via LoTo

Inadequately secured process plants are often the cause of accidents in production. If machines are switched on without authorization during maintenance, the stored energy, may it be hydraulic pressure, compressed air, gas, steam, electrical energy, or fluids, can be released and significantly damage the operating personnel and the equipment itself. Since the GEA Aseptomag double chamber valves act as a transfer points between process steps, they can be used to control the plant’s energy supply and secure it very effectively with LoTo.

“An increasing number of companies prefer this comparatively simple protection against the sudden release of residual energy, although legal obligations may differ from country to country,” explains Pascal Bär, Senior Director of Product Management for GEA's aseptic valve technology. “Our Aseptomag valve is locked with a socket pin. The system doesn't even require removing the control top."

Fig. 2: The double-chamber valves GEA Aseptomag DK now have a modified valve actuator for LoTo, which uses a special lantern and piston rod extension for the socket pin. Source: GEA

The double-chamber valves GEA Aseptomag DK now have a modified valve actuator for LoTo, which uses a special lantern and piston rod extension for the socket pin. Source: GEA

This is how LoTo works for aseptic double-chamber valves

For the aseptic double-seat valves, LoTo also comprises a mechanical lock (lockout) and a visual tag (tagout): The double-chamber valves GEA Aseptomag DK are equipped with a modified valve actuator that includes a special lantern and piston rod extension for the socket pin. To safely lock the valve, the operator inserts the socket pin into the lantern opening until the metallic stop is reached. This so-called disk lock principle prevents any movement of the actuator and valve disk. A red safety clamp around the threaded ring indicates that the subsequent process area is locked. In addition, a padlock is used for seamless identification and documentation.

GEA had already introduced the LoTo system for hygienic valve technology in 2021 and is now expanding its range to include the entire valve portfolio. Dairies, beverage, food, and new food manufacturers that process products at the highest level of hygiene can thus secure their plants consistently with LoTo.

Contact

Fanny Förster

Phone: 49 211 9136 1504

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Ta międzynarodowa grupa technologiczna specjalizuje się w produkcji maszyn, instalacji oraz technologii i komponentów procesowych. GEA dostarcza zrównoważone rozwiązania energetyczne na potrzeby skomplikowanych procesów produkcji na różnych rynkach użytkownika końcowego oraz oferuje wszechstronne portfolio usług. Około 70 procent przychodów grupy pochodzi z sektora żywności oraz napojów i alkoholi, w którym obserwowany jest długoterminowy i zrównoważony wzrost. Zgodnie ze stanem na 31 grudnia 2018 roku firma zatrudnia na całym świecie około 18 500 osób. GEA jest liderem rynkowym i technologicznym w segmentach biznesowych, w których prowadzi działalność. Spółka jest notowana na niemieckim indeksie MDAX (G1A, WKN 660 200), indeksie STOXX® Europe 600 Index oraz wybranych indeksach MSCI Global Sustainability. Więcej informacji można uzyskać w witrynie gea.com.
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