HSP Valves and Imtex Controls: transforming plant safety and efficiency with smart valve technology

The oil and gas industry never stands still. Nor does its approach to plant safety and operational efficiency. At HSP Valves, we’re spearheading this evolution, partnering with innovative companies like Imtex Controls to bring cutting-edge solutions to our customers around the world.

As the Senior Business Development Manager for HSP in the Middle East, part of my role is seeking out the latest innovations in valve technology to help our customers do what they do better, faster, more safely, more simply, or more efficiently. And it’s in this context I want to talk about a game-changing solution that’s redefining how we approach emergency shutdown valves (ESDVs). And the solution in question? Imtex Controls’ Type V Smart PST Valve Controller.

A new way of thinking

For years, the oil and gas industry has relied on traditional positioners for partial stroke testing (PST) of ESD valves. But this approach has two significant drawbacks. First, many ESD valves rely on flap-and-nozzle positioners. These bleed air which, as well as being energy inefficient, can also cause stickiness if they’re not tested regularly enough. And second, and more critically, running a PST on the valve doesn’t test all the elements of the control system.

A smart solution for comprehensive safety

Imtex Controls’ Smart PST Valve Controller, which is suitable for use in SIL 3 environments, addresses these challenges head-on. Unlike traditional systems, it mimics a full ESD stroke, testing not just the valve and actuator but also the solenoids, pilot valves, and other critical components on the control panel. This comprehensive approach adds a whole new level of safety reassurance that if an emergency shutdown is needed, customers can be confident that every part of the system will respond as it should.

Another unique feature I really like about Imtex Controls’ smart controller is its ability to create a “fingerprint” of the system upon installation. As my Imtex expert explained, “When it’s installed, we make a fingerprint of that full system. It’s basically just a reference stroke, which is stored in the system directly and allows customers to compare any subsequent strokes to that fingerprint and identify early-on any potential maintenance issues down the line.”

The predictive maintenance possibilities this reference information provides is a game-changer for plant operators, because it enables maintenance teams to spot and proactively address issues before they lead to potential failures or unplanned shutdowns.

Efficient, easy to integrate, and affordable

Beyond its system-verification features, the Smart PST Valve Controller offers major advantages in terms of efficiency, ease of use, and costs. As I mentioned, unlike traditional positioners that continuously bleed air this solenoid-based system is energy efficient, only activating when needed.

The Smart PST Valve Controller is also straightforward to integrate with existing systems. The controller comes with Device Type Manager (DTM) software that generates a control dashboard within a customer’s DCS system that’s compatible and compliant with all major DCS systems. So whether your DCS is from Honeywell, ABB, or Yokogowa, for example, you have all the information you need to control the valve or run a partial stroke test. Even better, and unlike most other existing solutions, Imtex Controls’ DTM comes at no extra cost.

Also impressive is the fact that the Smart PST Valve Controller is incredibly easy to retrofit to existing ESD valves. All you do is replace your existing switch box with the Smart PST Valve Controller because it has the same mounting. Then you just connect that solenoid and you have partial stroking testing with a push-button cabinet, that offers simple pass-fail partial stroke testing locally. So for a small investment, a plant can upgrade its safety levels very cost-effectively.

A partnership for progress

At HSP Valves, we’re proud to be the exclusive distributor for Imtex Controls’ Smart PST Valve Controller in the UAE and Qatar, building on a long-standing relationship stretching back many years. It’s a partnership that’s been crucial in bringing this innovative technology to our market and securing important approvals from key regional players including, among others, ADNOC (Abu Dhabi National Oil Company).

In fact, our collaboration with Imtex Controls goes beyond mere distribution and we’re working closely together to push for adoption by more major end-users in the region. This synergy between HSP Valves and Imtex Controls means we’re in a position to offer not just cutting-edge products, but also complete solutions for our customers. Solutions that come with local support, unrivalled expertise, and system integration services to ensure our customers get the full benefit of this transformative technology.