Earthquake Isolation Systems for Utilities & Energy
Why manual response fails at network scale
A significant earthquake doesn't damage one location on a gas network — it stresses the entire system simultaneously. Pressure reduction stations, district regulators, and substation installations can all be compromised at once. At the same time, your operations team is dealing with communications failure, road damage, and staff safety.
Waiting for manual inspection and isolation before shutting down network segments isn't a realistic response plan. Automatic seismic isolation at each critical point closes the gap between detection and action — without requiring anyone to be on site.
Where the MK6 is deployed in utility and energy infrastructure
Gas distribution networks
Pressure reduction stations and district regulators can be equipped with MK6 units set to isolate automatically on earthquake detection. Each unit operates independently — a single communications failure doesn't prevent isolation across the rest of the network. Units are individually configurable to the appropriate sensitivity for each location's function and risk profile.
Energy generation and intake
The MK6 relay output can be wired to trip intake valves, isolate fuel supplies to generators, or trigger controlled shutdown sequences for generation equipment. The fast 10ms response ensures shutdown is initiated before the full force of destructive shaking arrives.
Substations and remote installations
The MK6's DC power option is designed for battery-backed and remote installations where mains supply cannot be guaranteed. The sealed cast aluminium casing is suited to subterranean and outdoor enclosure environments common in utility infrastructure.
High-voltage DC variants have been supplied for specific utility applications. Contact us to discuss your power supply requirements.
Built for utility environments
- Response time: 10 milliseconds from threshold exceedance to relay output
- Detection: Electronic P-wave sensing — triggers on faster pressure waves before destructive S-waves arrive
- Sensitivity: Field-adjustable 0.012g to 0.200g across five settings — configurable per installation
- Power supply: AC (with NiCad 24-hour battery backup) or DC — suited to battery-backed remote sites
- Relay outputs: Two independent outputs for flexible wiring to valves, alarms, SCADA, or control systems
- Event logging: 6-digit counter records every activation — tests, real events, and false alarms
- Construction: Cast aluminium casing — suited to plant rooms, substations, and below-ground enclosures
- Relay hold: Output held for 8 seconds after last threshold exceedance — prevents premature re-energisation during aftershock sequences
Full technical specifications and wiring details →
Multiple independent units, centrally specified
The Solid State Seismic Shutoff (MK6) is designed to be deployed as a fleet across a network. Each unit operates independently — there is no central controller and no single point of failure. Sensitivity is set individually per installation to match the local risk profile and operational requirements.
The 6-digit event counter on each unit provides a local auditable record of activations, supporting post-event network assessment and reporting to regulators.
Solid State Equipment has supplied seismic shutoff systems to energy and utility operators across New Zealand and Australia since 1971. We're experienced in discussing network-scale deployment and can assist with specification for multiple sites.
Discuss your network requirements
We're based in New Zealand and work directly with utility and energy operators on specification and supply. If you have a specific installation, network segment, or power supply requirement in mind, we're happy to work through the right configuration with you.