GEA expands LoTo valve locking during maintenance of aseptic processes
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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.
Plant safety with aseptic valve technology
GEA expands LoTo valve locking during maintenance of aseptic processes
Düsseldorf (Germany), November 6, 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.
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."
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.
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About GEA GEA is one of the world's largest suppliers of systems and components to the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries. The international technology group, founded in 1881, focuses on machinery and plants, as well as advanced process technology, components, and comprehensive services. With more than 18,000 employees working across five divisions and 62 countries, the group generated revenues of more than EUR 5.1 billion in fiscal year 2022. GEA plants, processes, components, and services enhance the efficiency and sustainability of production processes across the globe. They contribute significantly to the reduction of CO2 emissions, plastic usage, and food waste. In doing so, GEA makes a key contribution toward a sustainable future, in line with the company’s purpose: "Engineering for a better world".
GEA is listed in the German MDAX and the STOXX® Europe 600 Index and is also among the companies comprising the DAX 50 ESG and MSCI Global Sustainability and the Dow Jones Sustainability Europe Indices.
More information can be found online at gea.com.
