The Easi-Drive portable valve operator from Smith Flow Control Inc. is engineered for one person to open and close valves quickly and safely. The drive is available in electric-, hydraulic-, pneumatic- and battery-powered options. It weighs from 6 to 39 pounds, and delivers 350 to 8,500 foot-pounds of torque.
The tool can be used on any size valve, says Kim Swinford, U.S. business manager for the manufacturer. The system includes an adapter and reaction set for safe operation. The adapter stays fixed to the drive stem of the valve, enabling a technician to actuate any number of valves with a single gun.
The reaction arm allows the drive to be completely self-supporting and transfers any reaction from the gun back onto the valve or a fixed point, rather than to the operator. The continuous-drive gun has an adjustable torque output level, which protects the valve from damage by preventing over-torque.
Introduced last year to the wastewater industry, the system has many applications on large gate and sluice valves. “For valves that are difficult or virtually impossible to operate manually, the Easi-Drive’s high-torque output makes it an excellent solution,” Swinford says. “Or, if you have a gearbox-operated valve, which is easy to operate but requires numerous turns, the Easi-Drive would significantly reduce the time involved to operate that valve.”
A remote-control option is available, enabling the operator to be a safe distance from high-heat or high-decibel areas. For information, call 859/578-2395 or visit www.smithflowcontrol.com.
