Valtorx were recently asked to assess an existing valve interlock system on a chemical delivery application at a water treatment works.
We found these interlocks which seemed to be lacking a bit of care and attention. Most brands of valve interlock are virtually maintenance free and will give many years’ service. But without the occasional check, they can fall into disrepair. That was the case here.
These interlocks are a hybrid which uses an Ellis Interlock body with Castell key portions.
Castell were the original inventor of the trapped key interlock which was designed for sequential electrical switching on railway systems.
Castell are still a dominant player in electrical switchgear and machine guarding interlocks, but never developed an all-encompassing range for valve applications.
Ellis Interlocks were formed in the 1970’s and based in Colchester, Essex. When Ellis joined the Halma interlock family in 1993, this enabled Castell to offer a wider range of product solutions for process interlocking. And so this hybrid model emerged.
At first glance in the photos, they look in poor condition. But with a full strip-down, clean up, tighten up where needed, some fresh seals and screws, they’re all fit for more years of service.