What is a valve remote control device?

With a remote control device, valves located in dangerous or otherwise difficult-to-access places can be easily operated. The remote control device consists of two gear-driven operating units and a cable running between them. One operating unit is installed on top of the valve to be operated and the other where the valve is intended to be controlled from.

The remote control device is suitable for all valve models, whether screw or hand lever operated, and it is easy to install afterwards on an existing valve.

Selecting a valve remote control device

When constructing systems, valves cannot always be placed in locations optimal for operation; they are sometimes located on high pipe bridges, in low, narrow piping tunnels, or in areas where environmental conditions pose their own challenges to the normal operation of the valve.

If a valve placed in a challenging location is operated infrequently, its automation may be too costly. It is precisely for such cases that Smith Flow Control’s FlexiDrive manual remote control device, part of the Sofis Group, has been designed.

Thanks to the flexible cable, the operating point can be positioned up to 60 meters away from the valve itself. FlexiDrive installation sites may also include turns and bends of up to 720 degrees, which are not possible with chain wheels and extension bars.

In addition to the aforementioned pipe bridges, installations have been made on valves mounted on the walls of large terminal tanks and in the confined spaces of icebreakers. Installations have also been carried out, for example, in a nuclear power plant, where the operated valves are on the so-called radiation side and the operation is desired to be brought to a safe area.

We help select a remote control device that meets the requirements of the application. Ask our contacts for more information.