Mechanical valve actuator

multi-turnquarter-turncable

Product overview
The FlexiDrive remote valve operator is a mechanical system that relocates manual valve operation to a safe, ergonomic operator station. It enables remote actuation of manual valves without wiring or power, reducing the need for scaffolding and avoiding exposure to hazardous areas. Available in small and large versions to suit a range of valve sizes and applications.

How it works
FlexiDrive transmits manual valve actuation from the valve station to an operator station via a flexible mechanical cable run. The valve station mounts directly to the valve with a dedicated kit; the operator station can be wall-, rail- or pedestal-mounted. Local operation remains possible at the valve station when fitted with an optional handwheel or lever.

Key benefits

• Operate valves from a safe distance (up to 30 metres)
• Reduce scaffolding costs and eliminate scaffold permits and setup time
• Avoid operator exposure to hazardous atmospheres and physical risks (falling objects, heat, emissions)
• No electrical wiring or power required (purely mechanical solution)
• Flexible routing with a high number of allowed bends for adaptable plant layouts
• Centralise operation of multiple valves to a single operating point

Versions and suitability
FlexiDrive is offered in two sizes (small and large) to cover a wide range of multiturn and quarter-turn valves. Both versions are designed for use in hazardous environments and meet Zone 1 and Zone 2 requirements. IP68-rated valve station options are available for flood-prone or contaminated locations.

Applications
Typical applications include hard-to-reach valves in tank terminals, underground pits, submerged valves, high or elevated valves, through-wall installations and confined spaces. The system improves operator safety, ergonomics and operational efficiency in industrial and safety-critical installations.

Additional product features

• Operates ball valves and other manual valve types using the same mechanical principle
• Operator station positions controls ergonomically at a safe, accessible location
• Allows routing of multiple valve controls to one central point
• Optional visual indicators available to guide operators where specified

Technical characteristics / specifications

• Model family: FlexiDrive (small and large versions)
• Operating distance: up to 30 metres
• Cable run capability: up to 540 bends in the cable run
• Valve types supported: multiturn and quarter-turn (including ball valves)
• Mounting: valve station fitted to valve via dedicated mounting kit; operator station mountable on wall, rail or pedestal
• Local operation: optional handwheel or lever at valve station
• Ex/zones: suitable for Zone 1 and Zone 2 hazardous areas
• Ingress protection: IP68-rated valve station options available for flood/immersion and dust-prone environments
• Power: purely mechanical solution (no wiring or power required for remote mechanical operation)
• Typical applications: submerged valves, confined spaces, through-wall operation, high or awkwardly positioned valves, tank terminals, valve pits