Functional Safety Delivers Results in Cost-Constrained Times; DNV GL Issues First Product Related Functional Safety Certificate to FMC

HOUSTON, TX--(Marketwired - October 27, 2016) - In an ever changing market, oil and gas companies are seeking new ways to execute, reduce risk, and cut costs simultaneously. Given these conditions, companies are still actively looking for assistance with regards to the management of functional safety for systems and safety related products. DNV GL, working with clients globally, recently awarded the first functional safety capability assessment (FSCA) certificate to Rockwell Automation Ltd, for their Functional Safety Management (FSM) system, and the first Functional Safety Product (FSP) certificate for the safety related product designed and developed by FMC Fluid Technologies (FMC).

Recently, DNV GL issued its first Functional Safety Product (FSP) Certification for a selection of FMC's compact ball valve models, demonstrating their capability of being implemented into a safety system with a defined level of integrity. The assessment focused on the bare stem floating ball valve and bare stem trunnion mounted ball valve (Models B, 1B and 2B), developed by FMC. DNV GL started by assessing FMC's quality management system and completed a detailed assessment of the hardware design and engineering processes against the requirements of IEC 61508:2010-2.

Crystal James, DNV GL's Project Manager based in the U.S. said, "Congratulations to FMC on receiving the functional safety product certification of the bare stem floating ball valve and bare stem trunnion mounted ball valve (Models B, 1B and 2B). Working with FMC through this project, it's clear that they have a solid commitment to safety and delivering quality products that directly impact the oil and gas industry."

Jeffrey Chalifoux, a Compact Valve Engineer at FMC, actively led this project and stated, "the certification process was a very smooth and pleasant experience, I appreciate the flexibility in accommodating our timeline; your diligent work supported the project."

Andrew Derbyshire, Principal Safety Engineer with DNV GL, adds, "The key advantages to certifying a product, system or process against the International Standards for Functional Safety are that it is increasingly being seen as a contractual requirement. Certification, whilst not defined in the standard, gives a competitive edge and helps to develop more rigorous design and development processes through a third party periodic assessment. However, key to the process is that it gives reassurance to stakeholders."

Key Facts
The Functional Safety Certificate was issued to FMC for their capability in meeting the following requirements:

• Functional Safety Management: Compliance with IEC 61508:2010 Part 1 Clause 6
• Systematic Capability: SIL 3 Capable (SC3) as per IEC 61508:2010 Part 2
• Hardware Safety Integrity: Type A Device, Route 1H as per IEC 61508:2010 Part 2

About DNV GL

DNV GL is the technical advisor to the oil and gas industry. We bring a broader view to complex business and technology risks in global and local markets. Providing a neutral ground for industry cooperation, we create and share knowledge with our customers, setting standards for technology development and implementation. From project initiation to decommissioning, our independent experts enable companies to make the right choices for a safer, smarter and greener future.

One of the first foreign companies to open an office in the U.S. DNV GL opened its first office in 1868 in New York. Since then we have grown to over 2,000 employees within Region Americas and more than 70 offices.