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Knowledge Bank

What is an Automatic Shut Off Valve?

Knowledge Bank

What is an Automatic Shut Off Valve?

Often used as a generic term for any type of valve for flow isolation. The term has now become associated with the quick isolation of a drainage pipe to stop a pollution release during a pollution event.

During a major pollution spill or fire the surface water drainage is the first pathway for a pollutant to leave the site. For many sites shut off valves such as penstock valves have been the base line product. Failure of these manually operated valves has all to often resulted in a pollution release during a spillage or fire. Pollution is a crime and a site suffering a disaster is still likely to be prosecuted if it pollutes the environment.

When a pollution event occurs, the time taken to close the surface water pathway is critical. A shut off valve may be many 100s of meters from the spill or fire activity. When an emergency alarm is raised the time taken to then control the spill as well as close the shut off valve is critical.

To eliminate failure to control a pollution event Toggleblok™ has been developed to deliver a fully automated shut off valve. Toggleblok™ is designed to connect to any alarm or call point located in high risk areas. This function allows operators to activate the shut off valve from almost any location allowing them time to concentrate on managing the spill.

In the case of a fire it is essential to evacuate staff to a safe place. Relying on manual operation of pollution containment shut off valves poses a major issue for many industries. In the case of a major incident it is often unsafe for any employee to operate a valve. If mains powered automatic valves have been fitted there is a risk power will be isolated during a fire rendering the valve inoperable. Toggleblok™ automatic shut off valves are self-contained systems independent of site services designed to work directly from the fire alarm relays. During a major incident it is best practice to operate ToggleBlok™ remotely via the fire alarm or a security central button.

If spill containment and CIRIA736 compliance is currently a consideration for you please do not hesitate to call 0330 223 4372 or email us, we will be very happy to discuss our solutions with you.

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