Attempting to manually turn large industrial valves and valve hand-wheels can be injurious to your health with arm, back and repetitive stress injuries associated with workers performing this task. Left untouched, industrial valves — particularly water valves — have a tendency to stick or freeze, with the result they may not work at a critical juncture. An organization may have hundreds or even thousands of valves that must be controlled or, in some cases, “exercised.” This is the process of periodically running a valve through its full cycle to keep it from sticking or freezing. Professionals charged with maintaining pipeline infrastructure maintain valve exercising programs to prevent their deterioration.
Large industrial valves may require hundreds of revolutions to fully cycle, while other valves will take fewer turns but require high torque to operate. Attempting to manually turn large, stubborn or stuck valves can lead to severe fatigue from the repetitive motion or, in some cases, to injuries. Often two, three or more employees are used on tough valves to reduce the risk of injury. However, that’s a highly inefficient use of skilled manpower. Injury prevention and labor savings alone are compelling reasons to explore an automated solution. But the critical time saved using a hand-held valve operator in an emergency could be the difference between a significant or serious incident — or avoiding one altogether.
E.H. Wachs® powered hand-held valve turner/operators are built for quick operation and exercising of rising stem (RS-2) valves and nonrising stem (P-2) valves. The RS-2 is the most versatile hand-held valve operator on the market today as it’s designed to accommodate both rising and nonrising stem valves. It features a generous 4-inch (101.6 millimeter) opening to fit most valves from 6 inches to 60 inches (DN150-1500). Offering up to 800 foot pounds (1,085 newton meters) of torque, the RS-2 and P-2 are available in pneumatic, hydraulic and electric drive models. Cost effective, powerful and highly portable, they offer quick, efficient operation of most valves, handwheel valves and post indicator valves. Deluxe models equipped with VITALS feature adjustable torque control limits and auto reverse/auto shutdown, allowing even an inexperienced user to exercise valves like a pro.
One good turn deserves another. Equip your facility with Wachs RS-2 or P-2 hand-held powered valve operators to reduce the risk of injuries from manually turning industrial valves. Contact your local E.H. Wachs representative today and get the wheels turning.
For more information or to request a demonstration, visit www.ehwachs.com, email info@ehwachs.com or call (847) 537-8800 [(800) 323-8185 in the United States and Canada].
