OPW has designed the Drylok to provide “unprecedented” safety during the transfer of hazardous, corrosive and volatile liquids such as acids, solvents and petrochemicals. Featuring an interlocking handle, the Drylok averts accidental spills by preventing uncoupling while the valve is open. In addition, the Drylok’s flat face minimises fluid loss, further reducing exposure to risk during operation.
Additional benefits include: the “driest disconnect in the industry” – less than 1-cc of fluid loss from a 3ins unit; ideal for high-pressure line applications – can be opened and closed against 150 psi maximum head pressure; optimum flow rate – less obstruction in easy-flow interior optimises the flow rate in highpressure or high-viscosity applications; simple lever action connects valve to coupler and opens and closes the flow. No clamps, clips, loops or tabs that can cause operator error.
Drylok couplers are available in 1ins, 2ins and 3ins sizes and are manufactured from a range of materials, including 316 stainless steel, Alloy 20 or Hastelloy C with NPT, BSP, ASME Flanged, BW and SW end connections. Drylok’s have also been manufactured with an adjustable packing nut with V-type material that provides a continuous compression, an emission-free seal on the handle shaft and a standard O-ring seal for longevity.
In addition, OPW Engineered Systems has manufactured its Visi-Flo 1400 and 1500 Series Sight Flow Indicators to provide a quick, reliable and inexpensive way to verify flow rate and direction while monitoring colour and clarity in fluid lines. Dollar for dollar, OPW sight flow indicators are the most cost efficient and effective way to monitor visually the flow of fluids and to determine where, if any, problems exist at certain points along the industrial process line.
Visi-Flo’s radial seal creates a constant and uninterrupted sealing force between the body and outside diameter of the glass lens. This sealing method provides a longer lasting and better seal than conventional flat seals. Visi-Flo’s bolt-on-body design requires no special maintenance or torqueing sequence to be followed to prevent leaks. This is claimed to result in a safer, more reliable sight flow indicator than units using tie rods to fasten lens and seal to body.
Visi-Flo’s are available in two series – the Standard 1400 Series and the 1500 High-Pressure High-Temperature Series. Both the 1400 and 1500 Series are available in threaded or flanged configurations and are tested at 150 percent of the rated pressure to ensure maximum reliability in harsh operating conditions. Additional features include an exclusive 3-year ‘no-leak’ guarantee; maintenance-free design; dimensional interchangeability; full vacuum service rating; adequate horizontal and vertical range; and four different indicator styles: propeller, bi-directional flapper, bi-directional plain and drip tube.
Ross Pliska has been appointed vice president of the Transportation Business Unit of OPW Fluid Transfer Group. As part of OPWFTG’s strategic growth initiative, in 2009 the company was organised into two global units: OPWFTG Global Transportation and OPWFTG Global Chemical & Industrial. Pliska will oversee the global Transportation Business Unit that markets Civacon, Knappco, Sure Seal, Hiltap, OPW Engineered Systems and Midland brand products.
Pliska earned his BSc in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Alberta, and his MBA from the University of Tennessee. He joined Dover in 2003 as a manufacturing/ applications engineer for Alberta Oil Tool (AOT), in Edmonton. He was named technical services Manager in 2005 and promoted to VP sales and engineering in 2007. In March of 2010, he was named VP of international sales for Norris Production Solutions, another Dover Company and provider of oil and gas artificial lift solutions.