BASF's valve workshops keep old and new valves in perfect shape, say Andre Kaiser and Wolfgang Klein Initially you get a real sense of history on entering BASF's valve workshops in Ludwigshafen, Germany. Perhaps it comes from the wonderful old buildings themselves, or maybe it is because of the magnificent posters adorning the walls that reveal the workshops as they were during the late nineteenth century. But on second thought you realise how today the craftsmen and women combine the tradition of one hundred years of valve technology with innovational techniques. By keeping old and new valves in perfect shape, they ensure the long-term success of their center of expertise through their commitment. On arrival at BASF's Electrical & Instrumentation Unit, Valve World was given a quick run-down on the unit's overall responsibilities by Senior Automation Manager Mr. Wolfgang Klein. It is immediately clear that staff here handle a huge range of items, such electronic cards, digital and analogue gauges, sampling systems as well as automated valves and control valves, of course. In doing so they perform a wide range of activities, from R&D, engineering and consulting to manufacturing, construction and maintenance. In addition, specific industry topics such as SIL (Safety Integrity Level) SIF (Safety Instrument Function) and PFD calculations (Probability of Failure on Demand) are addressed by special interest groups.
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