Looking for an alternative 110v Portable Valve Actuator?

As providers of portable valve actuators, each new enquiry we receive is rarely the same. The industry environment, the types of valves and the existing method of operation always conspires to require something a little different in the composition of the portable valve actuator package.

While a petrol (gasoline) motor actuator is great for out-door applications, sometimes this option is discounted because of concern of spillage of fuel and contamination of the water ways.

A pneumatic portable valve actuator can negate this concern, but work sites in remote locations often won’t have a live air supply needed to operate the tool. This can be overcome using a mobile compressor, but this can present logistical challenges.

A cordless battery powered valve actuator is perfect for many work sites because it carries its power onboard. However, work sites classified as Hazardous Area due to the presence of flammable gases cannot use this version as it is not intrinsically safe.

In recent times, we’ve seen an increased demand for a 110v mains supply portable valve actuator. Customers familiar with the E.H. Wachs P-2 (Pow-R-Drive 2) actuator have recently turned to Total Lockout for an alternative choice. The P-2 has very high torque output (500ft/lbs – 678Nm). While this is a capable and widely used power tool, we advise caution with any portable actuator where the operator must resist the opposite turning torque.

To manually restrain 500ft/lbs torque, the handle of the actuator would need to be very long, placing the operator some distance away from the valve, and out of sight of the work task.

During operation, the valve will eventually stop turning or may hit a tight-spot. When this happens, an unrestrained portable actuator will start to rotate in the

opposite direction. If the worker is holding the actuator, he or she may, at the very least but pushed to the ground with risk of injury.

To protect the worker against such risk, Total Lockout offer their EVA1 (106Nm – 78ft/lbs) and EVA6 (550Nm – 405ft/lbs) models. Both are available in 110v or 230v. Because of the ergonomic shape of the power tool, customers sometimes call them a ‘valve drill’. The likeness is easy to see but the comparison with a drill ends there. The output drive shaft speed is 76 rpm (EVA1) or 21 rpm (EVA6). We’ve never yet found a valve we can’t turn, with this range of torque and speed at our disposal.

Where valve operation can be completed in a relatively short period of time and low torque demand, a JA73E or JA73S from Modec is even more suitable. These actuators are battery powered which means they can be used in the most remote locations. If turning valves in public places, the task can be completed quickly and efficiently with minimum disruption to pedestrian or vehicle movements.

Importantly, the actuators incorporate a torque management system which anchors the power tool against the fixed structure of the valve, or some other local anchor point. This means that any opposite rotational torque load bypasses the operator preventing any risk of injury.

Total Lockout was founded in 2010 and offer expertise on all matters concerning portable valve actuation. We offer a full range of power options i.e. petrol (gasoline) motor, pneumatic, battery and main electric supply. We offer simple and convenient drive plates from Modec which are quick and easy to deploy, but can also design and manufacture more complex adaptions and integrations.