Valve Assist, Portable Valve Actuator

Total Lockout (Safety) Ltd has launched ‘Valve Assist’, a new valve actuation device that is ideal for operating difficult valves.

Valve Assist is a mobile portable valve actuation device. It has been developed to solve a number of valve operation issues that may exist on site. These can include:

• Valves that are seized due to inactivity or infrequency of operation.
• Valves that are stiff to operate.
• Valves that have a high number of hand wheel revolutions that could otherwise take workers a long time to operate.

Valve Assist comprises three basic elements, the power tool, the reaction device and a valve mounting kit.

The power tool is available in a choice of power options. Either pneumatic, electric, cordless battery or petrol motor variants. The valve mounting kit is a purpose-designed adaption that inter-connects the power tool with the existing valve hand wheel or drive stem. A choice of mounting kit configurations allows the actuator to be used either on an ad-hoc temporary basis or semi-permanent retrofit basis. The reaction device protects the operator from kick-backs if the valve encounters a tight spot.

Valves which are seized can be freed using Valve Assist. The power tool outputs can vary but typically can deliver up to 500Nm breakout torque.

Valves which are stiff to operate can now be operated with ease. Once the actuator is fitted the power tool effortlessly delivers torque while the operator stands by. When operation is complete the actuator can be moved to the next valve or stored for future use.

Large valves with high hand wheel revolutions can now be operated in a fraction of the usual operating time. The power tool can operate at up to 125rpm.

Significant health and safety benefits.

By effortlessly operating manual valves, Valve Assist significantly reduces the risk of manual strain injuries to workers. A valve key is often used to apply extra turning torque to the valve wheel. But even using the valve key can involve over-reaching and exertion to operate the valve. These activities can result in strain injuries to the workers. With Valve Assist, the worker can observe from a safe distance, avoiding further risk of contact with rotating wheels while the actuator does its work.