Overview:
Although diesel engines are generally considered safer than gasoline engines in hydrocarbon-rich environments, they can pose ignition risks in specific scenarios. Diesel engine speed is regulated by an internal speed governor that controls the fuel supply. When flammable vapors are present in the atmosphere, they are drawn into the intake system alongside clean air, causing the engine to accelerate due to the additional fuel.
This acceleration leads to an increase in engine speed, resulting in the intake of more air and vapors, perpetuating the cycle until the engine starts running on unmetered vapors as its primary fuel source. If this cycle is not interrupted, it can result in engine overspeed or runaway, potentially becoming an ignition source for explosive vapors. This situation may lead to various hazards, including:
• Valve bounce
• Flames emanating from intake and exhaust pipes
• Elevated surface temperatures (auto ignition)
• Sparks
• Severe injury or fatalityThe ISOV functions as an air shut-off valve integrated into diesel engine air intake systems, effectively halting airflow into the engine cylinders, thereby immobilizing the engine and ensuring the safety of both personnel and equipment. It offers manual or automatic control options, capable of responding to various fault or hazard conditions.
Having gained widespread adoption globally, the ISOV demonstrates exceptional performance in diverse environments, including challenging locations such as the Canadian Arctic, the Gulf of Mexico, the North Sea, African deserts, the Middle East, and the Pacific Rim, both onshore and offshore. Our product consistently meets or exceeds the stringent standards set by our diverse customer base, which includes leading engine OEMs.
Key Features & Benefits:
- Manual or automatic controls – Electric, Pneumatic
- Mechanical Failsafe control option available
- Used on-shore and off-shore
- Responds to a variety of fault or hazard conditions
- Available with 2” (51mm) to 8” (204mm) of unrestricted port
- Operates safely at ambient and induction air temperatures between 350°F - 400°F (176°C - 205°C)
Typical applications include power generation, rig saver, off-shore platforms, bulk fuel loading facilities, marine engine rooms, mining equipment, refineries, and petrochemical plants.
Dimensions(mm):

| Model | A | B | C |
| N200-P | 50.8 | 142 | 132 |
| N400-P | 101.6 | 295 | 218 |
| N600-P | 152.4 | 413 | 289 |
| N800-P | 203.2 | 513 | 361 |
| N1286-P | 279.4 | 692 | 486 |
Note: There are a wide range of sizes and flange adapters available.
Installation:
Generally, ISOV Air Intake shut-off valves can be installed pre-turbo or post-turbo on turbo-charged engines. For further support on installation, please contact our team
here.Operation:
ISOV Pneumatic Valves are widely used on generator sets as well as marine and offshore applications. The Pneumatic version is available in sizes from 2" up to 11 " (50 - 280 mm) and very effective when Battery power is limited and are competitively priced compared to solenoid versions.The Pneumatic ISOV valve is operated by applying Air or Oil pressure to the pneumatic cylinder integrated in the body.

The Pressure inlet port is shown in the drawing above. The pneumatic cylinder trips and closes ISOV when a pressure source is applied.The air or oil pressure is applied by using a 2/3 way solenoid valve as shown on the diagram.After tripping the pneumatic cylinder, ISOV will close and the 2/3 way solenoid has to be reset after which the valve can be opened and latched in the same manner as the
Manual version.To increase safety, all ISOV pneumatic valves will be equipped with a manual pull handle in case the solenoid for any reason may fail due to electric blackout.Standard Pressure inlet ports are 1/8” or 1/4” size.
About ISOV Failsafe
We also offer the ISOV Air Intake Shutoff Valves with Mechanical Failsafe actuation. The ISOV Failsafe Series valves have an electrically powered 2/3 valve. This valve supplies the ISOV failsafe with engine oil pressure, which keeps the ISOV Failsafe open during operation.When the power is lost, the 2/3 valve will shut off the engine oil pressure and the pressure leading to the valve will be vented, causing the pressure in the ISOV Failsafe to drop and the gate to close. This will stop the supply of intake air to the engine, effectively bringing engine to a halt. This is an ideal solution to help control engines in emergency situations where electric supply is lost frequently. To view our Failsafe range, click here.If you are looking for support in choosing the best air intake shut-off valve for your engine, please do not hesitate to contact us here.Applications:
ISOV Air-intake shut-off valves are designed to work with a wide range of engines used in heavy-duty trucks, exploration, production, mobile, and rental equipment. Here are a few examples where ISOV valves could be installed.You can
contact us for support in choosing the best ISOV air-intake valve for your needs.
Heavy Duty Trucks:
| Common Makes | Common Engines | Activation Method | Benefits |
| Peterbilt | Cummins ISX15 | 12 V electric orPneumatic | Meet international regulations that require air shutoff valves on vehicles that transport hazardous materials |
| Kenworth | Paccar MX Series 11, 13 |
| International Trucks | Paccar PX Series 9, 8 |
| Freightliner Trucks | CAT C15 |
| Western Star | Maxxforce Series 9, 11, 13 |
| Volvo | Detroit DD13, DD15, DD16 |
| Mack | |
| Mercedes Benz |
| DAF |
| Scania |
| MAN |
Exploration & Production Equipment
| Common Makes | Common Engines | Activation Method | Benefits |
| Well servicing equipment | Cummins QSK50Cummins QSK38Cummins QSK23Cummins QSK19Cummins QSK30 | 24 V electric | These products are designed for high horsepower, heavy duty engines and harsh operating environments.• High vibration resistant• IP Rated - Sealed from environment• Tolerates extreme temperatures• Corrosion resistant• Fits a wide range of pipe sizes |
| Pressure pumps | MTU 4000 | |
| Fracturing blenders | MTU 2000 | |
| Offshore production engines | Caterpillar C18Caterpillar C15Caterpillar C13 | |
| Cummins QSM 11 | |
| Cummins QSL 9 | |
| Detroit Series | |
| DD 13, DD15, DD16 | |
Mobile & Rental Equipment
| Common Equipment | Activation Methods | Benefits |
| Portable welders | 12V electric | • Designed to fit small engines• Compact and lightweight for tight spaces |
| Light towers |
| Fork lifts |
| Boom lifts |
| Telehandlers |
| Pumps |
| Air compressors |
| Portable generators |