Reliable valves and actuators: Improve safety on tank terminals

Published on 5 August 2025 Reading time : 4 minutes

In environments where hazardous materials are stored, handled, or processed, such as tank terminals, safety is not optional. It is imperative. The key to achieving and maintaining this safety lies in reliability, especially when it comes to your valves and actuators. At Bray Controls Benelux, we provide high-performance flow control solutions that are engineered to protect your assets and your people.

Why safety systems demand reliable components

Automated isolation valves are fundamental components of Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS), particularly in industries like oil and gas, chemical processing, and utilities. These valves don’t regulate the process itself; their purpose is to isolate critical zones during hazardous events, preventing escalation and damage.

According to the IEC 61508 and IEC 61511 safety standards, systems that handle such scenarios must meet stringent reliability benchmarks. Bray valves and actuators are certified to Safety Integrity Level (SIL) 3, providing the necessary risk reduction and performance for the most demanding environments.

Designed to perform in the most critical moments

When an emergency occurs, reaction time is everything. Bray’s emergency shutdown valves (ESDVs) and Series 98 scotch-yoke actuators are built for speed and resilience. Capable of full stroke in less than one second, these actuators can immediately isolate flow in response to a control system trigger.

Key features include:

Zero leakage shutoff with Tri Lok triple offset butterfly valves and Flow-Tek ball valves
Fire-safe certification per API 607
Low fugitive emissions certified to API 641 and ISO 15848-1
Manual and automatic reset options
Electronic and mechanical partial stroke testing for in-process diagnostics

These valves are cycle-tested beyond industry standards, making them a robust solution for applications including pump suction isolation, compressor discharge isolation, flare block, and turbine trip valves.

Actuators built for emergency shutdown performance

Bray’s Series 98 actuators are not just fast, they are smart. Designed with Emergency Shutdown (ESD) functionality in mind, they integrate hydraulic dampeners that prevent valve slamming and vibration. This protects both the valve seat and adjacent piping from shock damage during rapid operation.

A proprietary mechanical partial stroke device enables technicians to perform ESD verification tests without halting ongoing operations. By limiting valve travel during the test, the actuator can confirm function readiness, ensuring your shutdown system is always prepared to act.

Read more on our Emergency Shutdown solitions in this brochure.

Bray’s Valve Automation Center: Turnkey safety solutions

With over 30 years of expertise in flow control, Bray Controls Benelux offers a streamlined experience through its Valve Automation Center (VAC). From valve and actuator selection to complete system integration, our specialists deliver fully tested, documented, and traceable automation packages.

VAC services include:

Actuator sizing and control package modeling
Complete documentation: certificates, datasheets, test records
Field calibration and system verification
Full traceability for all components
Global support and a 3-year product warranty

By working with a single source supplier, you reduce lead times, simplify coordination, and ensure that every component works in harmony.

Engineering for extreme conditions

Bray valves are tested up to 110% of rated pressure and built to withstand temperatures from -196°C to +450°C. With designs that meet API, ISO, and ATEX standards, they are ready for even the harshest tank terminal environments.

Material traceability, positive material identification (PMI), and leak-free sealing provide the confidence required for safety-critical systems. For example, Bray’s Tri Lok valves offer independently replaceable seats and seals, while Flow-Tek ball valves feature trunnion support and cavity fillers to extend operational life and reduce maintenance.

Application highlights for tank terminals

Bray’s high-performance products are tailored to specific needs commonly found in tank terminals:

Flare block valves that must fail open and maintain zero leakage while closed
Compressor isolation valves designed for rapid fail-closed operation
Turbine trip valves for backflow prevention
Overpressure protection valves that open under extreme conditions

Additional offerings include pressure/vacuum relief vents, tank blanketing valves, flame arrestors, and deflagration/detonation arrestors, all manufactured and tested to meet global explosion protection standards.

Your safety partner in Flow Control

At Bray Controls Benelux, we understand that every second matters when safety is on the line. That’s why our complete portfolio, from triple offset valves and SIL3-certified actuators to smart diagnostics and flame arrestors, is engineered to keep your tank terminal operating safely and efficiently. You can read more about what Bray can do for you in the tank terminal sector on this page or in our brochure.

Do not leave safety to chance. Partner with Bray Controls Benelux for reliable, field-tested flow control solutions built to perform when it matters most! Contact us today.