Posted to News on 22nd Aug 2007, 11:14
Torque gun used in novel handheld valve opening tool
A Norbar PTM-52 torque gun lies at the heart of the McKenna Hammerless Drain Valve, which has just won an award for improving health and safety.
The McKenna Hammerless Drain Valve from Alcoa World Alumina Australia has received the Highly Commended Award from Western Australia's Chamber of Minerals & Energy (CME) Occupational Safety and Health Innovations Awards.
Based on the Pneutorque PTM-52 pneumatic torque wrench (torque gun) from Norbar Torque Tools Ltd, the hammerless drain valve is a tool that makes the task of opening refinery drain valves easier and safer at Alcoa World Alumina Australia's mine sites and refinery operations in Western Australia's Peel Region.
The Awards showcase practical equipment modifications and new tools that contribute to the industry's ultimate goal of zero harm. According to the CME's Executive Officer of Safety and Health, Nicole Roocke: "A safe workplace is not an optional extra. It is fundamental to how we do business."
Dr David Smith, CME President, presented the Award to Alcoa's Rob McKenna for his Hammerless Valve. McKenna said: "It is a really simple solution. The torque gun turns a couple of gears that turn a larger gear that operates the valve, so in effect, a simple push of the gun's trigger replaces the need for repetitive hammering to get these valves to open and close."
Benefits of low vibration and low noise
Several features make the PTM-52 suitable for this application. Very low vibration levels of less than 1.5m/s2 mean that operators can use these tools for extended periods with negligible risk of hand-arm related health issues. Similarly, sound levels of under 85dB(A) when under load make the tool comfortable and safe to use.
The Norbar PTM-52 used in this application is lightweight, just 4.1kg, and has very compact dimensions for the torque output. The tool is therefore very easy to move around site from valve to valve.
