Sofis applications Taking the risk out of steam line valve operations Taking the risk out of steam line valve operations How to avoid high risks during manual valve operation in steam systems? Operating valves in highpressure steam lines is never a routine task. These systems run at extreme temperatures, often several hundred degrees Celsius, and under immense pressure. A sudden release of steam can cause severe burns in seconds, while hot pipe surfaces radiate enough heat to make nearby work hazardous even without direct contact. The high risks of manual valve operation in steam systems Many valves are mounted in awkward locations: high up on pipe racks, tucked behind thick insulation, or in narrow passages where movement is restricted. Operators often have to climb ladders, stretch into confined spaces, or balance in unsafe positions, just to reach the handwheel. Once there, the job itself can be physically demanding. In an emergency, these challenges become even more critical. A valve that takes too long to reach can delay shutdowns or isolation procedures, putting both operators and the plant at risk. Steam leaks and poor accessibility create a hazardous combination that plants can no longer afford to overlook. Why safety and accessibility are critical In many plants, valves on steam lines must still be operated manually. This means operators must physically enter areas close to hot pipes, where the risk of burns or exposure to steam leaks is very real. In emergencies, these risks are amplified: a valve that takes too long to reach, or is too difficult to operate, can slow down critical response times. While full automation of valves

Taking the risk out of steam line valve operations is one option, it is often too costly or impractical, especially for valves that are used less frequently. Sofis FlexiDrive is designed to bridge the gap between manual operation and costly automation. Instead of requiring operators to work directly at the valve, FlexiDrive relocates the handwheel to a safe and accessible location using a robust, flexible drive cable. The system is purely mechanical, requiring no electricity or external power supply. Its design allows torque to be transmitted reliably over distances up to 30 meters, even around...

Taking the risk out of steam line valve operations FlexiDrive provides a straightforward way to relocate valve operation away from danger. FlexiDrive allows valves to be operated from a safe distance. FlexiDrive is applied to bypass and control valves that require frequent adjustments but are difficult to reach. FlexiDrive relocates the handwheel to a safe and accessible location minimizing operator exposure to high-temperature areas, as well as ensuring safe access to critical valves in case of emergency. FlexiDrive supports compliance with these requirements by providing a straightforward way...