When it comes to choosing the correct air shut off valve for your diesel-powered equipment, how it compares to a cellphone probably doesn’t cross your mind, but should it?
At first glance, the iPhone X doesn’t have much in common with an air shut off valve. You can make the argument that both products improve everyday life and typically they can each be found on or near oil and gas job sites, but the similarities seem to stop there. However, if you dig a little deeper into the specs, you’ll notice the two do have something in common: their IP ratings.
With the iPhone X featuring an IP67 rating (source) and the AMOT XT featuring the same along with an IP69k rating, both devices separate themselves from their competition with their ability to withstand the elements.
What is an IP Rating?
Abbreviated for Internal Protection, IP ratings are a set of standards used to determine a piece of equipment’s ability to protect its internal parts from outside dust and water. With the first number indicates the level of protection from solids, and the second number indicates the level of protection from liquids, this rating is important to understand when selecting an air shut off valve.
The chart below provides a detailed explanation of the numbers and the protection associated with them:
As mentioned earlier, both the AMOT XT Butterfly Valve and Apple iPhone X are IP67 rated, which means they are protected against dust ingress and short periods of water immersion.
Clear Winner – AMOT XT
So, how does the XT separate itself from not only the iPhone X but as well its industry competitors? The air shut off valve’s IP69K rating that was mentioned above. This allows the valve to withstand both high pressure and high-temperature spray downs. Keep reading below to see why this is beneficial for those in the oil and gas industry.
The Importance of IP Rating
When operating diesel-powered equipment in hazardous environments, like those found in the Oil & Gas industry, it’s important that your diesel engines are equipped with an air intake shut off system. In the event of engine runaway, these systems will close off the air entering through the intake and shut off the engine before devastating consequences occur.
In addition to installing these systems, you want to be confident that the system will perform regardless of the environment or work conditions. That’s why choosing an air shut off valve that is IP69K and IP67 rated, like the AMOT XT Butterfly Valve, is the most reliable option.
Why IP Rating Matters in the Oil & Gas Industry
With most air shut off systems featuring electrical components, it’s critical to limit or, if possible, eliminate the amount of debris and moisture that come in contact with those components. This may sound simple enough, but anyone who’s ever worked in an oil and gas environment knows how hard this can be.
For example, many fracturing and drilling sites are located in windy, dry climates with an abundance of dust and debris in the air. The XT was designed to resist intrusion of these particles which can interfere with internal parts during working conditions.
After work is completed at this site, the equipment is typically cleaned and prepared for the next job. This often includes spraying the equipment down with a pressure washer to ensure dirt and debris are removed to keep the equipment clean and ensure weight requirements are met. Because the XT was designed to withstand close-range high-pressure spray downs, you can clean your equipment without the worry of damaging your air shut off system and its internal components.
Image source: Morris Pressure Washing
Choosing the Most Reliable Option
When it comes to selecting the correct air shut off system for your application, reliability should be at the top of your list. The AMOT XT Butterfly Valve has been rigorously tested to ensure that it is the most reliable air shut off system on the market and withstand whatever environment you place it in. To learn more about the AMOT XT Butterfly Valve contact AMOT today and visit our product page.
