New from Smith Flow Control is the Flexi-Drive, a versatile device for the remote operation of valves in hard to reach or hazardous locations.

Developed in association with the US Navy for operating valves in inaccessible areas of ships' hulls, the Flexi-Drive is ideal for virtually any type of industry where valves are in use. Easy to operate, it can be used in all weather conditions and is even suitable for underwater applications.

It consists of three elements: an operator station (comprising a geared handwheel and mounting facility), a valve station and a unique, patented cable linkage system. Due to the properties of the helically wound steel cable, turning the handwheel of the operator station simultaneously operates the valve station.

The cable system can transmit drive to a valve up to 60 m away and can accommodate up to 540 deg of bends between the two stations. This allows it to be passed around and through walls, bulkheads, floors and any other obstacles to reach the valve.

A further advantage of the Flexi-Drive is that the gearing system can be 'piggy-backed' to enable more than one valve to be operated at a time from a single operator station.