Remote-operating gear provides a means of operating certain valves from distant sta-tions. Remote-operating gear may be mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or electric. A reach rod or series of reach rods and gears may be used to operate engine-room valves in instances where valves are difficult to reach.

Other remote-operating gear is installed as emergency equipment. Some split-plant valves, main drainage system valves, and overboard valves are equipped with remote-operating gear. These valves can be operated normally or, in an emergency, they may be operated from remote stations. Remote-operating gear also includes a valve position indicator to show whether the valve is open or closed.

STEAM TRAPS

Steam traps in steam lines drain condensate from the lines without allowing steam to escape. There are many different kinds of steam traps. They all consist essentially of a valve and some temperature or liquid level sensing device or an arrangement that will cause the valve to open and close as necessary to drain the condensate without allowing the escape of steam. Some designs are suitable for low pressures and low temperatures, others for high pressures and high temperatures. Some examples of common types of steam traps are the mechanical, thermostatic, and orifice.