When properly installed and operated, the Auto-Guard™ connection cover enhances specialty gas operations by preventing accidental disconnection of a hazardous gas cylinder from a gas source manifold. An extended shroud clearly indicates that it is unsafe to attempt to disconnect a cylinder. A retracted shroud indicates the system is in safe state and allows the operator access for disconnection.

The extension and retraction of the connection cover shroud is performed by automatic purge controllers. This automated control ensures that the shroud is retracted only during the necessary steps in the cylinder change sequence.

The Auto-Guard™ cover is connected to an automated controller that provides pneumatic signals to both open and close the device. Designed to be 100% pneumatically actuated, the device has no springs or mechanical components to fail. In the event of electrical failure or pneumatic pressure loss, the connection cover shroud remains in its position prior to the failure until power is restored and the computer confirms the manifold status.

The Auto-Guard™ connection cover can be installed on most standard cylinder connection pigtails, usually without equipment modifications and with minimal downtime.