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Valves

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Valves
Globe Gate Butterfly Check Stop Check Pressure Regulating Control Valves Traps and
Strainers Steam Pressure Reducing Valve Maintenance and Repair
Every piping system must have some means of controlling the amount and direction of flow. This is
accomplished with valves. Valves used in the machinery space piping systems, and constructed with threaded
valve stems, must be right-hand closing (clockwise).
Valves are usually made of bronze, brass, cast iron, malleable iron, or steel. Steel valves are either cast or
forged, and are made of carbon steel, low alloy steel, or stainless steel. Alloy steel valves are used in high
pressure, high temperature systems. The disks and seats of these valves are usually surfaced with a
chromium-cobalt alloy known as STELLITE. This material is extremely hard.
Bronze and brass valves are not used in high temperature systems or systems subject to high pressures,
severe vibration and shock. Bronze valves are widely used in salt water systems. Seats and disks of bronze
valves used for salt water service are often made of Monel An alloy of nickel and copper and other metals
(such as iron and/or manganese and/or aluminum) which is highly resistant to corrosion and erosion.
Many different types of valves are used to control the flow of liquids and gases. There are two main groups of
valves.
STOP VALVES - Stop valves are used to shut off or, in some cases, partially shut off the flow of fluid. Stop
valves are controlled by the movement of the valve stem. Stop valves can be divided into four general
categories: globe, gate, butterfly, and ball valves. Plug valves and needle valves may also be considered stop
valves.
CHECK VALVES - are used to permit the flow in only one direction. These valves are controlled by the flow
itself.
Valve designs vary greatly due to the demands of service. Some valves are combinations of the basic types
mentioned, and others such as pressure reducing valves must be considered special valves. In general
however we may consider stop valves to include globe valves, gate valves, piston valves, plug valves, needle
valves, and butterfly valves. Check valves include swing-check and lift-check valves.
Excessive leakage and premature failure of valve packing is an indication of a scored valve stem.
Globe Valve
Globe valves are one of the commonest types of stop valves.
Globe valves get their name from their globular shape. It should
be noted that other valves may also have globe shaped bodies.
The internal structure of the valve rather than the external
shape is what distinguishes one valve from another.
In a globe-type stop valve, the disk is attached to the valve
stem. The disk seats against a seating ring or a seating surface
and thus shuts off the flow. When the disk is moved off the
seating surface, the flow can pass through the valve. Globe
valves can be used partially opened as well as fully opened or
closed. The valve should always be installed with the inlet
directed under the seat.
Globe valves inlet and outlet openings are arranged various
ways to suit different flows.
The cross-type globe valve has three openings, and frequently
used in connection with bypass piping.
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Globe valves are

commonly used in
steam, air, oil, and
water piping.

Gate Valve
Gate valves are used in systems where straight flow with
minimum restriction is desired, such as water lines. Firemain cut
out valves are usually gate valves. Gate valves are also used in
steam lines, particularly on newer ships. They are used in fuel
systems, quick-closing fuel oil valves are usually gate valves. On
tankers with manually operated tank valves, the most commonly
used valve is the gate valve.
The part of a gate valve that serves the same purpose as the
disk of a globe valve is called a gate. The gate is usually wedge
shaped, but some gates are uniform thickness. When the gate is
wide open the opening through the valve is the same size as the
pipe in which the valve is installed. Therefore there is very little
resistance to flow and very little pressure drop. Gate valves are
not suitable for use as throttling valves, since the regulation of
flow would be difficult and the flow against a partially opened
gate can cause extensive damage to the valve.
The gate is connected to the valve stem. Turning the hand
wheel positions the valve gate. Some gate valves have NONRISING STEMS, the stem is threaded into the gate, so the gate
travels up and down on the valve stem. Non-rising stem gate
valve should be opened to the end of the last opening turn, then
rotate the hand wheel in the closing direction by approximately
1/4 of a turn. Valves with RISING STEMS, both the stem and the
gate move upward as the valve is opened. In some rising stem
valves the stem projects above the hand wheel when the valve
is opened. In other rising stem valves the stem does not project
above the hand wheel and a pointer or gauge is required to
indicate the position of the gate.
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Butterfly Valve
Butterfly valves are light weight, and take up less space than
globe and gate valves. They are easy to overhaul, and are
quick acting. Although the design and construction of
butterfly valves vary some what, a butterfly-type disk and
some means of sealing are common to all butterfly valves.
The handle on properly installed butterfly valve must be
parallel to the flow when in the fully open position.
The butterfly valve illustrated here consists of a body,
resilient seat, butterfly-type disk, stem, packing, notched
positioning plate, and handle. The resilient seat is under
compression when it is mounted in the valve body making a
seal around the periphery of the disk, and both points where
the stem passes through the seat. Packing is provided to form
a positive seal around the stem if the seal formed by the seat
should become damaged.
To close the valve it is only necessary to turn the handle a
quarter turn. The resilient seat exerts positive pressure
against the disk, assuring a tight seal.
Butterfly valves are relative easy to maintain. The resilient
seat is held in place by mechanical means, and neither
bonding nor cementing is necessary. Because the seat is
replaceable the valve does not require lapping, grinding , or
machine work.
Butterfly valves are designed for a variety of systems, such as
fresh water, salt water, fuel oil, and lube oil.

Check Valves
Check valves are designed to permit flow through a line in one direction only. A good example would be drain
lines. Care must be taken to install this type of valve is properly installed. Most check valves have an arrow,
or the word inlet cast on the valve body to indicate the direction of flow.
The port in a check valve may be closed by a disk, ball, or plunger. The valve opens when the pressure on the
inlet side is greater than that on the outlet side, and closes when the reverse is true. All such valves open
and close automatically. Check valves are made with threaded, flanged, or union faces, with screwed or
bolted caps, and for specific pressure ranges.
Swing Check

The disk of a swing check valve is raised as soon as the

line pressure entering below the disk is of sufficient force.
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While the disk is raised continuous flow takes place. If the

flow is reversed or back pressure builds up this opposing
pressure forces the disk to seat, stopping the flow.

Lift Check

The operation of a lift check valve is similar to that of a swing

check valve, except the valve disk moves in a up and down
direction instead of through and ark.

Stop Check Valves

Most valves may be classified as either stop valves or check valves. Stop check valves function as both
stop valves and check valves. These valves work like a lift check valve. However the valve stem is long
enough so that when it is turned all the way down it holds the disk firmly against the seat preventing any
flow. In this position the valve acts as a stop valve. When the stem is raised the disk can be opened by
pressure on the inlet side. In this position the valve acts as a lift check valve to allow the flow of fluid in
only one direction. The amount of the opening is controlled by the position of the valve stem, the amount
of flow through the valve is thereby regulated.

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Pressure Reducing Valves

Spring-Loaded Pressure Regulating Valve

Pressure reducing valves are automatic valves which

are used to provide a steady pressure lower than the
supply pressure. Pressure reducing valves can be set
for any desired discharge pressure, within the limits of
the design of the valve.
Various types of reducing valves are found aboard
ship. The valve illustrated is a single-seated, directacting, spring-loaded diaphragm type. Control of
water passing through this valve is effected by means
of a pressure difference on opposite sides of the
diaphragm. The diaphragm is secured to the stem.
Reduced pressure from the valve outlet is led through
an internal passage to a diaphragm chamber below
the diaphragm. An adjusting spring acts on the upper
side of the diaphragm. A leather cup washer or
neoprene O-ring makes the seal between the valve
inlet and the diaphragm chamber. This seal is located
about halfway down the valve stem.
The amount of pressure applied to the underside of
the diaphragm varies according to the discharge
pressure. When the discharge pressure is greater than
the spring pressure the diaphragm is forced up closing
the valve or decreasing the amount of discharge.
When the discharge pressure is less than the spring
pressure the diaphragm and the valve stem are forced
down opening the valve wider and increasing the
amount of discharge.

The amount of pressure applied by the spring to the top of the diaphragm can be varied by turning an
adjusting screw. Turning the adjusting screw clockwise increases the pressure applied by the spring to the
top of the diaphragm, increasing the discharge pressure. Turning the adjusting screw counterclockwise
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decreases the amount of pressure to the top of the diaphragm, decreasing the discharge pressure.

Pneumatic Pressure Controlled Reducing Valve

The pneumatic pressure controlled (or gas-loaded)
reducing valve is used to reduce pressure in steam
systems.
A rubber diaphragm is installed in the middle of the
dome. The bottom of the diaphragm is separated
from the bottom half of the dome by a fixed steel
plate. The area immediately above the diaphragm
communicates with the upper part of the dome
through holes in shrouding. The upper half of the
dome carries a level of water (condensate) for
sealing. The lower half of the dome carries a level of
glycerine for sealing. The area above the glycerine
is charged with air, which exerts a downward
pressure on the glycerine and forces some of it to
go up the tube toward the diaphragm. This pressure
causes the diaphragm and the stem to move
upward, opening the valve.
From the outlet connection an actuating line leads
back to the upper part of the dome. Steam at the
reduced pressure is allowed to exert a force on the
top of the water seal. This force is transmitted
through the water and tends to move the diaphragm
downward.
When the pressure of the steam from the actuating line exceeds the loading air pressure in the lower half
of the dome the diaphragm moves downward to close the valve. The closing of the valve reduces the
pressure of the steam on the discharge side of the valve.
Theoretically the valve should deliver a pressure of steam equal to the air charge in the lower half of the
dome. However the valve itself has weight and is equipped with a light spring to close it, its necessary to
introduce slightly more are pressure. High pressure valves about 10 Psi additional air pressure is required. If
air is added when the valve is cold slightly less air pressure will be needed as the pressure will increase as
the valve is warmed up.
High pressure valves have cooling fins extending outside the dome from the center flange. The fins allow
transmission of heat from the upper half of the dome. This keeps the heat from passing to the lower half
where it would cause an excessive rise in air pressure.

Spring Loaded Internal Pilot Steam Pressure Reducing Valve

The spring-loaded, steam
pressure, reducing valve
shown uses an auxiliary
valve also called a pilot
valve, to control the
main valve. The auxiliary
valve controls the flow of
the high pressure steam
to the main piston
through the high
pressure port.
The Auxiliary valve opens
when the adjusting
spring tension, acting on
the diaphragm overcomes
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the control port

pressure. It closes when
control port pressure
exceeds the tension of
the adjusting spring.
The main valve is opened
when the auxiliary valve
opens, allowing the
steam from the high
pressure port to the top
of main piston opening
the main valve. The main
is closed by the main
valve spring and high
pressure steam acting on
the under side of seating
disk.

The main piston is larger than the main valve seat to allow control action to be accomplished with a
relatively small amount of high pressure steam. The vertical grooves machined on the main valve provide for
quieter valve operation.
Turning the pressure adjusting stud clockwise will increase the spring tension on the diaphragm increasing
the outlet pressure. Turning the pressure adjusting stud counter-clockwise decreases the spring tension on
the diaphragm, less pressure is required to close the auxiliary valve therefor the outlet pressure is lowered.
Valves should be warmed-up and drained before they are adjusted.

Dual Pressure-Temperature Regulator

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temperature regulator valve

shown is the same spring
loaded internal pilot steam
pressure reducing valve
shown above, with a
temperature regulating
device installed. The valve
regulates pressure as well as
corresponding fluid outlet
temperature and can be
characterized by the term
proportional plus reset
control.
Turning the pressure
adjusting stud clockwise (as
viewed from the top) and
the temperature adjusting
ring counterclockwise will
result in a higher outlet
pressure, with a higher
controlled fluid outlet
temperature.
Like the spring loaded
internal pilot steam pressure
reducing valve shown above
the vertical grooves
machined on the main valve
provide for quieter valve
operation.

Control Valves
Hydraulic Control Valve

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Hydraulic control valves are used in many shipboard

systems where access to valves is limited or a
remote operation is required. This type of valve may
be operated from one or more remote stations by a
hydraulic control system. There are many
configurations of globe, gate, and butterfly hydraulic
control valves available for use on shipboard
systems.
The valve shown is piston operated globe valve. It is
normally held in the closed position by spring tension.
When hydraulic pressure is admitted to the underside
of the piston the force overcomes the spring tension
causing the valve to open.
When hydraulic pressure is released from under the
piston the spring acts to force the hydraulic fluid out
of the cylinder and back to the remote control
station, closing the valve.
A rachet lever is fitted to the valve to permit
emergency opening of the valve by hand.

Air Operated Diaphragm Control Valve

Double seated, pneumatically controlled, regulating

valves exhibit good balancing characteristics
essential for low-sensitivity applications because
high pressure enters between the seats and
creates equal, but opposing forces.
Air operated diaphragm control valve and the
control pilot valves used in controlling them (see
below) are available in many different
configurations.
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The air operated diaphragm control valve shown is

direct acting. On direct acting valves the air from
a control source is applied to the top of the
diaphragm. Reverse acting valves, the air is
applied to the under side of the diaphragm.
This valve is downward seating, air pressure
applied to the top of the diaphragm with sufficient
pressure it over come the opposed spring tension
will move the stem downward. This tends to close
the valve. The force exerted on the spring is equal
to the air pressure multiplied by the area of the
diaphragm.
The valve stem is sealed with a packing gland,
care must be taken when adjusting, binding will
cause erratic operation. Screwing down on sleeve
adjusting nut lessens the spring tension causing
the valve, to close at a lower loading pressure.
The spring force must be within the operating
range of the pilot output loading pressure.

Air Operated Control Pilot

Pilot controls are used are used in conjunction with air

operated diaphragm control valves, (see above) providing
operating or loading pressure.
They are available in many different configurations. Air
operated pilot control valves may be directing acting or
reverse acting. Directing acting valves have there control
pressure applied to the top of the diaphragm while reverse
acting valves have there control pressure applied to the
underside of the diaphragm. This control pressure is usually
supplied from the discharge side of the diaphragm control
valve.

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VALVE MAINTENANCE
Traps and Strainers
Traps are used to remove various undesirable materials from piping systems. In air lines a trap is installed to
remove water which is usually present. In steam lines traps are installed to remove condensate. Some types
of steam traps are suitable for low pressure and others for high pressure. All steam traps consist of a valve
and some device or arrangement which will cause the valve to open and close, as necessary to drain
condensate from the lines without allowing steam to escape. The three types of steam traps most commonly
used are mechanical, thermostatic, flash, and impulse.
Bucket Type Steam Trap

The bucket type steam trap is suitable for pressures up to

150 Psi. Operation of these traps is regulated by the
condensate level in the trap body. The bucket, being
buoyant, floats as condensate enters the trap body. The
valve is connected to the bucket and closes as the bucket
rises. As condensate Continues to flow into the valve body
the valve remains closed until the bucket is filled. When the
bucket is filled it sinks and opens the valve. The valve will
remain open until sufficient condensate is blown out to allow
the bucket to float, which closes the valve and starts the
cycle again.

Ball Type Steam Trap

This trap works much in the same way as the bucket

trap. Condensate and steam enter the body of the trap,
and the condensate collects at the bottom. As the
condensate level rises, the ball float rises until it is
raised enough to open the outlet valve of the trap.
When the outlet valve opens, the condensate flows out
of the trap into the drain system, and the float level
drops, shutting off the valve until the condensate level
rises again.

Bimetallic Steam Trap

Bimetallic steam traps of the type shown are used in
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many ships to drain condensate from main steam lines,

auxiliary steam lines, and other steam components. The
main working parts of this steam trap are a segmented
bimetallic element and a ball-type check valve.
Line pressure acting on the check valve keeps the valve
open. When steam enters the trap body, the bimetallic
element expands unequally because of the different
response to the temperature of the two metals; the
bimetallic element deflects upward at its free end, thus
moving the valve stem upward and closing the valve. As
the steam cools and condenses, the bimetallic element
moves downward, toward the horizontal position, thus
opening the valve and allowing some condensate to flow
out through the valve. As the flow of condensate begins,
an unbalance of line pressure across the valve is created;
since the line pressure is greater on the upper side of the
ball of the check valve, the valve now opens wide and
allows a full capacity flow of condensate.

Thermostatic Type Steam Trap

The thermostatic type steam trap is often
called a bellows type steam trap. this type of
steam trap has fewer moving parts than
mechanical steam traps and is more compact.
The bellows type trap is used only for pressures
up to 100 Psi. Operation of this trap is
controlled by expansion of vapor from volatile
liquid A liquid that changes readily from liquid to
a vapor which is enclosed in a bellows type
element. Steam enters the trap body, heating
the volatile liquid in the sealed bellows and
causes expansion of the bellows. The valve is
attached to the bellows and closes when the
bellows expands. The valve remains closed
trapping the steam in the trap body.
Condensation of the steam cools the bellows
and causes it to contract opening the valve and
drains the condensate.

Lavatory Traps

In parts A and B, the P-type lavatory trap is illustrated, with

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and without clean out plug. Part C shows the S-type trap
specified for shipboard use. This latter type, equipped with
clean-out plug. These fittings are made from brass, and are
usually chrome platted.

Basket Strainer

Strainers are located in all piping systems to prevent the

passage of foreign mater. They must be installed so the flow
will be through the strainer element. The bilge strainer shown
is an example of a basket strainer. In some locations duplex
strainers are used so that the flow of fluid through the system
need not be interrupted when one element is removed for
cleaning.

Valve Maintenance
Preventive maintenance is the best way to extend the life of valves and fittings. When making repairs on more
sophisticated valve types, use the available manufacturers technical manuals. As soon as you observe a leak,
determine the cause, and then apply the proper corrective maintenance. Maintenance may be as simple as
tightening a packing nut or gland. A leaking flange joint may need only to have the bolts tightened or to have
a new gasket or O-ring inserted. Dirt and scale, if allowed to collect, will cause leakage. Loose hangers permit
sections of a line to sag, and the weight of the pipe and the fluid in these sagging sections may strain joints
to the point of leakage.
Whenever you are going to install a valve, be sure you know the function the valve is going to performthat
is, whether it must start flow, stop flow, regulate flow, regulate pressure, or prevent back-flow. Inspect the
valve body for the information that is stamped upon it by the manufacturer: type of system (oil, water, gas),
operating pressure, direction of flow, and other information.
You should also know the operating characteristics of the valve, the metal from which it is made, and the type
of end connection with which it is fitted. Operating characteristics and the material are factors that affect the
length and kind of service that a valve will give; end connections indicate whether or not a particular valve is
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suited to the installation.

When you install valves, ensure they are readily accessible and allow enough headroom for full operation.
Install valves with stems pointing upward if possible. A stem position between straight up and horizontal is
acceptable, but avoid the inverted position (stem pointing downward). If the valve is installed with the stem
pointing downward, sediment will collect in the bonnet and score the stem. Also, in a line that is subject to
freezing temperatures, liquid that is trapped in the valve bonnet may freeze and rupture it.
Since you can install a globe valve with pressure either above the disk or below the disk (depending on which
method will be best for the operation, protection, maintenance, and repair of the machinery served by the
system), you should use caution. The question of what would happen if the disk became detached from the
stem is a major consideration in determining whether pressure should be above the disk or below it. If you are
required to install a globe valve, be SURE to check the blueprints for the system to see which way the valve
must be installed. Very serious casualties can result if a valve is installed with pressure above the disk when it
should be below the disk, or below the disk when it should be above.
Valves that have been in constant service for a long time will eventually require gland tightening, repacking, or
a complete overhaul of all parts. If you know that a valve is not doing the job for which it was intended,
dismantle the valve and inspect all parts. You must repair or replace all defective parts.
The repair of globe valves (other than routine renewal of packing) is limited to refinishing the seat and/or disk
surface. When doing this work, you should observe the following precautions:
When refinishing the valve seat, do not remove more material than is necessary. You can finish valves
that do not have replaceable valve seats only a limited number of times.
Before doing any repair to the seat and disk of a globe valve, check the valve disk to make certain it is
secured rigidly to and is square on the valve stem. Also, check to be sure that the stem is straight. If
the stem is not straight, the valve disk cannot seat properly,
Carefully inspect the valve seat and valve disk for evidence of wear, for cuts on the seating area, and
for improper fit of the disk to the seat. Even if the disk and seat appear to be in good condition, you
should perform a spot-in check to find out whether they actually are in good condition.
Standard checkoff diagram for performing a routine inspection and minor maintenance of a valve.

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Spotting-In Valves
The method used to visually determine whether the seat and the disk of a valve make good contact with each
other is called spotting-in. To spot-in a valve seat, you first apply a thin coating of prussian blue evenly over
the entire machined face surface of the disk. Insert the disk into the valve and rotate it one-quarter turn,
using a light downward pressure. The prussian blue will adhere to the valve seat at those points where the
disk makes contact.
The illustration shows the appearance of a correct seat when it is
spotted-in; it also shows the appearance of various kinds of
imperfect seats.
After you have noted the condition of the seat surface, wipe all the
prussian blue off the disk face surface. Apply a thin, even coat of
prussian blue to the contact face of the seat, place the disk on the
valve seat again, and rotate the disk one-quarter turn. Examine the
resulting blue ring on the valve disk. The ring should be unbroken
and of uniform width. If the blue ring is broken in any way, the disk
is not making proper contact with the seat.
Lapping-In Valves
The manual process used to remove small irregularities by grinding together the contact surfaces of the seat
and disk is called lapping-in. Lapping-in should not be confused with refacing processes in which lathes, valve
reseating machines, or power grinders are used to re-condition the seating surfaces.
To lap-in a valve, first apply a light coating of lapping compound to the face of the disk. Then insert the disk
into the valve and rotate the disk back and forth about one-quarter turn; shift the disk-seat relationship from
time to time so the disk will be moved gradually, in increments, through several rotations. During the lapping
process, the lapping compound will gradually be displaced from between the seat and disk surfaces; therefore,
you must stop every minute or so to replenish the compound. When you do this, wipe both the seat and the
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disk clean before applying the new compound to the disk face.
Lapping-in is also used to follow up all machining work on valve seats or disks. When the valve seat and disk
are first spotted-in after they have been machined, the seat contact will be very narrow and will be located
close to the bore. Lapping-in, using finer and finer compounds as the work progresses, causes the seat
contact to become broader. The contact area should be a perfect ring covering about one-third of the seating
surface.
Be careful to avoid over-lapping a valve seat or disk. Over-lapping will produce a groove in the seating surface
of the disk; it will also round off the straight, angular surface of the disk. Machining is the only process by
which over-grinding can be corrected.
Repacking Valves
If the stem and packing of a valve are in good condition, you can normally stop packing gland leaks by
tightening up on the packing. You must be careful, however, to avoid excessive thread engagement of the
packing gland studs (if used) and to avoid tightening old, hardened packing, which will cause the valve to
seize. Subsequent operation of such a valve may score or bend the stem. Packing a badly scored valve stem
will cause leaking and premature failure of the packing.
Coils, rings, and corrugated ribbon are the common forms of packing used in valves. The form of packing to be
used in repacking a particular valve will depend on the valve size, application, and type. Packing materials will
be discussed in more detail later in this chapter.

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