Innovative Approach to Add Manual Failsafe Handles for Large Quarter-Turn Valves

Kinetrol manual failsafe unit

Let's assume you have an application where it's critical that a large, pneumatically actuated valve cannot be left unattended in the wrong position (opened or closed). Or maybe your application requires the use of a manual operator with a fire-safe fusible link. The problem though, is the valve you want to control has torque requirements much greater than the output of any manual failsafe unit can provide. 

Here's an innovate and effective way to incorporate a manual failsafe unit on large size ball, butterfly, or plug valves. 

Retrofit your large valve with a 3-way "L" port ball valve and a manual failsafe spring handle on the large valve actuator's inlet air supply port. 

This allows the opening of the valve with the manual failsafe handle. When the handle is released, the valve shuts automatically by venting the air to atmosphere, and allowing the springs in the actuator to close the valve. 

Size limitations on the valves are no longer an issue, and this will work on anyone's pneumatic spring return actuator (spring return required, will not work on double acting actuators). 

Manual Override for Larger Valves

Limit Switches for Your Rotary Vane Actuator in Hazardous Areas

This Explosion Proof Limit Switch Box offers a wide range of signaling options in a compact corrosion resistant aluminum alloy housing available for close - mounting onto Kinetrol actuators or discrete mounting via a Kinetrol 05 square or industry standard VDI/VDE interface onto any make of rotary actuator. Easy to wire and set up with true industrial robustness.

Internally fitted options include AS interface digital communication and a 4-20mA, 2-wire, modulating angle retransmit circuit. The range of switches and terminal arrangements includes 2 or 4 switches and extra connections - allowing single point termination of wiring for limit switches and solenoid valves. This product is available to mount on Kinetrol models 03 - 30.

Kinetrol Explosion Proof Limit Switch from Kinetrol USA

Vane Actuator for Pneumatic Power on Roll Lifting Machine

Kinetrol vane actuator on roll lifter.

There are many examples in machine design where the need for pneumatically driven, 90 ° rotation is required. One such application is a coil/roll lifting machine used to lift heavy rolls of material.

The machine is pneumatically operated and provides an expandable shaft that grabs and holds on to the center hole of the roll. The expandable shaft also prevents spiraling while lifting.  The roller can be tilted 90 ° so that it will be retrieved horizontally and vertically. A Kinetrol pneumatic vane actuator is used for the 90 ° movement because it provides very smooth rotation and has exceptional long cycle life.

See the equipment in operation below. Note the function and use of the vane actuator.

Thanks to the equipment manufacturer, JLM Teknik.

Kinetrol Actuators Chosen to "Bust Myths" on Popular TV Show

A mechanical "soldier" busting myths.

Kinetrol actuators have a great reputation in many heavy industries such as power generation, chemical processing, and pulp and paper, but here's one industry that's easy to overlook - special effects engineering for television and movie production.

Case in point, the very popular science entertainment show "MythBusters" (produced for the Discovery Channel).

In an episode challenging the concept of destructive harmonics caused by an army marching in unison, MythBusters decided to create an "army" of mechanical feet to march in over a mock bridge. An important requirement was a mechanical rotational movement device that would allow for synchronized movement (simulating the legs of soldiers). Accurate and smooth control of multiple actuators so the cadence could be controlled was crucial.  Enter Kinetrol.

To see a 4 minute clip of the setup, test and results, see Kinetrol in action on the Breakstep Bridge Minimyth here.

Below are some images from the broadcast.

The "army" of marching feet.

One of the test rigs.