A valve chain wheel operator is a mechanical device used to manually operate valves located in high, hard-to-reach, or hazardous locations. It consists of a wheel or sprocket attached to the valve’s handwheel or stem, connected to a chain that hangs down to a reachable height. By pulling the chain, an operator can rotate the wheel to open or close the valve without needing direct access to the valve itself.
Key Points about Chain Wheel Operator
Purpose - Enables safe and convenient operation of overhead or remote valves, reducing the need for ladders or scaffolding.
Components
Components
- Chainwheel - Typically made of materials like cast iron, ductile iron, aluminum, or stainless steel, designed to attach to the valve’s handwheel or stem.
- Chain - A looped chain (welded link or single loop) that engages with the wheel, allowing the operator to turn it by pulling.
- Attachment Hardware - Clamps or pins to secure the chainwheel to the valve.
- Optional Features - Some models include a “hammer-blow” mechanism to assist with sticky or high-pressure valves, or safety devices like chain storage or cables to prevent hazards.
How It Works
The chainwheel is clamped to the valve’s handwheel or pinned to the valve stem.A continuous loop of chain is fed through the wheel, hanging down to an accessible level.
Pulling one side of the chain rotates the wheel clockwise or counterclockwise, opening or closing the valve.
