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Smith Flow Control (SFC) has released FlexiDrive, a new remote valve operating system for valves that are positioned in inaccessible locations or unsuitable for operation with conventional actuators. FlexiDrive is a mechanical cable-drive system which can operate valves at distances up to 60m from the operating station and is capable of accommodating bends exceeding a total of 500 degrees within those limits.
Its mechanical design provides a versatile and cost-effective alternative to actuators for valves positioned in hazardous locations or cumbersome rod linkages that are maintenance-intensive.
FlexiDrive suits use in naval and commercial shipping applications as well as onshore and offshore oil and gas installations, power stations and water treatment plants.
The system can be routed through bulkheads and walls, positioned above or below the operator's working location and can be adapted to work even on submerged equipment.
In addition, FlexiDrive can operate in temperatures from -30 up to +175C and is manufactured to IP65 as standard, although higher ratings are available to special order.
The FlexiDrive system is an assembly consisting of two stations connected by a linear drive cable.
One station is supplied with an adaption kit that mounts directly onto the host valve input shaft, substituting the original hand wheel.
The other is positioned and secured at a convenient location where the operator can most efficiently and safely operate the valve.
This operating station is available as standard on a 1:1 gearing ratio.
The maximum torque output from the operating station is 225nm which can increase to 500Nm with 4:1 gearing.
The operating station also incorporates a valve position indicator which provides a dial reading of the actual (distant) valve position. FlexiDrive can be adjusted simply with different gearing ratios to deliver a wide range of torque capabilities to meet special or nonstandard applications. |
