Understanding Air Rams Shut Off Systems or Shut Off Valves
Shut off valves are also called air rams shut off systems, lockout valves, cut off valves, shutdown valves, emergency valves, ball valves, and exhausting valves.
Shut off valves are designed to safely manage compressed air used for pneumatic applications. They are also used to block compressed air in any industrial automation process during emergencies or to isolate sub-systems that are not in use.
How do shut off valves work?
This type of valve is often used as a safety-related precaution as part of an air preparation unit. Having a shutoff valve as a safety valve can save time and money and is considered best practice in terms of safety. Shut off valves also allow for quicker servicing of specific equipment without affecting the rest of the system by quickly stopping compressed air from reaching the part of the application being serviced.
Shut off valves are easy to use and operate, and can be used in the event of a safety risk, emergencies, equipment failure, and to carry out emergency maintenance.
Some shutoff valves have the option to be locked in the closed position and be tamper-proof with the aid of a padlock. Others can have the lock out, tag out (LOTO) system wherein a machine cannot be restarted until repair work is all finished.
Selecting the correct shut off valve
There are different sizes and types of shut off valves available depending on the operation or application they are needed for. To select the correct type of shut off valve, you need to consider in your industry:
- Environment and temperature.
- Port size, position, and type.
- Pressure.
- Range.
- Size and weight.
- Type of application or requirement.
Automatically activated
Automatic shut off valve systems will recognise when a machine or engine begins to overheat and will activate automatically. This requires no physical action from equipment operators or other workers. They are available in pneumatic actuation and can monitor RPMs or air intake from the machine or engine to detect an emergency. These valve systems are recognised as the most reliable and safest way to protect any application.
Manually activated
Manual shut off valves require human intervention for activation. However, it can still effectively do the job of shutting down a runaway machine or engine. The most common manual shut off valve systems are activated by pull cable, toggle switch, or handle.
MasterMac 2000
MasterMac 2000 P/L was founded in 1989 and has now become one of Australia’s leading privately-owned distributors of pneumatic and process automation systems such as air rams, flow control valves, and pneumatic valves. We have complete solutions for your industry needs from quality brands like Rotoflux, American, Piab, Tolomatic, Mack, and Univer. Call us on 07 3344 4711 for your queries. You can also send us a message HERE.
About MasterMac2000: Your Trusted Pneumatic & Process Automation Partner.
LEADING THE INDUSTRY: Established in 1989, MasterMac2000 has grown to become one of Australia's largest privately owned pneumatic and process automation companies. We stock top-quality brands like Univer, Mack, Tolomatic, Mac, Piab, American, and Rotoflux in Brisbane.
SERVING QLD & NORTHERN NSW: We proudly service Queensland and Northern New South Wales for all your pneumatic and process equipment needs. Our mission is to provide the best pre and post-sales support while actively expanding our client base.
SOURCING HARD-TO-FIND PARTS: Not only do we stock quality components, but we also excel at sourcing those elusive, hard-to-find parts. With our extensive database and global network of contacts, getting the parts you require is as easy as a call to our highly skilled, professional sales team.
DEDICATED TO YOUR SUCCESS:
- Decades of expertise in pneumatics & process automation
- Carefully curated selection of world-class brands
- Exceptional sourcing capabilities for speciality parts
- Knowledgeable sales staff dedicated to finding solutions
- Unwavering commitment to customer service excellence
About The Author
Stuart Havill
Stuart Havill is the owner and manager of MasterMac2000, Queensland's largest privately owned pneumatic and process valve company.
With his early working career as a maintenance fitter for Boral in 1992, Stuart has spent his life in the field of pneumatics and process equipment. He gained extensive experience in plant design, maintenance, repairs, fabrication, and site management.
In 1996, he transitioned to a pneumatic sales technician role at MasterMac2000, where he excelled in key account management, providing cost-effective solutions, and managing a sales team of 9 employees.
Since 2002, Stuart has been the manager at MasterMac2000, overseeing the company's growth and establishing it as a leader in pneumatic automation and process valve engineering. His expertise spans customer training, CRM setup, industrial compressor sizing and installation, and turn-key project management.
Under Stuart's leadership, MasterMac2000 has been servicing the industry since 1988, with 5 full-time sales representatives covering northern rivers NSW, Queensland, Northern Territory, and PNG. The company prides itself on providing the best-priced solutions to all customers in the marketplace.
View Stuart’s LinkedIn profile to learn more about his expertise in pneumatics and process equipment.