New Ergonomic Valve Handles

Kennett Square, PA, USA (4/11/22) – Admiral Valve, LLC dba CPV Manufacturing Launches the Next Generation of Ergonomic Handles

CPV Manufacturing has reimagined the design of its O-SEAL® and G-Series® valve handles to deliver unparalled efficiency to operations in piping systems. CPV is delighted to finally introduce the new, functional, ERGONOMIC handles to customers worldwide.

The next generation of handles provide less hand discomfort and easy operation to workers that maintain CPV valves on a regular basis. These innovative handles will now be included with the purchase of the full-size range of CPV O-SEAL® and G-Series product lines, in place of the old handles.

CPV’s Next Generation of handles are better, safer, and more dependable than the previous handles in every single way. With a sleek design, the new handles are made with an anti-slip material and utilize smooth edges, allowing for a better grip. This makes operating the valves that much easier. The handles are available in 4-Prong and 2-Prong configurations to suit specific valve sizes.

CPV manufacturing is 100% confident that these handles will provide lasting value to not only future customers who will purchase O-Seal® and G-Series® valves with the new handle, but also to previous customers. CPV is offering the opportunity for existing customers, who currently employ these valves in service, to switch out their old valve handles with the next generation.

For a minimal cost, CPV will send a replacement kit, fit for certain specifications, that includes an installation tool, hex nut, cap, snap ring, and an aluminum handle. Using the kit, customers will be able to replace their old handles in less than a minute and reap the benefits of the replacement for the entire lifespan of CPV valves (30+ years)!

To view how simple the installation/removal process is, CPV has created an in-depth YouTube tutorial to watch, here and an instructional blog to read, here.

If you have any questions or wish to order a handle replacement kit, contact CPV today at Sales@cpvmfg.com.

CPV Manufacturing was founded in 1915 as a one-man business, manufacturing replacement valves for steam-driven reciprocating pumps. Today, CPV is recognized worldwide for its high-quality valves and fittings and dedication to state-of-the-art design, equipment, safety, and reliability. CPV Manufacturing’s valves withstand the high tolerances required by the maritime, industrial gas, and petrochemical industries. Based out of Kennett Square, PA, USA, CPV has a complete facility for developing, manufacturing, and testing its products. Dedicated workers and global partnerships allow CPV to be a market leader.

Installation and Removal of CPV’s New Handles

The process of installing and removing our new ergonomic valve handles for the full-size range of O-SEAL® and G-Series® product lines is so simple it can be done in under a minute! The ease of installation can be seen below in the step by step tutorial.

This specific bulletin shows the installation of a 4-prong valve handle; however, the same steps apply to our 2-prong valve handles. The only difference is and additional step due to an extra washer in the replacement kit, also shown below. During installation and removal of a 2-prong handle, the extra step would occur after step 2 for both.

Installation and Removal of CPV's New Handles

For extra guidance, we have listed all the removal steps below and made an in-depth YouTube tutorial showing just how simple the installation and removal of our new valve handles really are!

Removal Steps:

Step 1: Using the Handle Installation Tool, pick out one end of the Snap Ring and lift it out of the groove. Be sure to place your hand over the ring to keep it from flying away and becoming lost.

Step 2: Remove the Cap covering the Hex Nut.

Step 3: Remove the Hex Nut with a Socket Wrench. The handle should then come right off the valve.

Feel free to contact us at Sales@cpvmfg.com or 484.731.4010 if you have any other questions!

CPV Manufacturing was founded in 1915 as a one-man business, manufacturing replacement valves for steam-driven reciprocating pumps. Today, CPV is recognized worldwide for its high-quality valves and fittings and dedication to state-of-the-art design, equipment, safety, and reliability. CPV Manufacturing’s valves withstand the high tolerances required by the maritime, industrial gas, and petrochemical industries. Based out of Kennett Square, PA, USA, CPV has a complete facility for developing, manufacturing, and testing its products. Dedicated workers and global partnerships allow CPV to be a market leader.

Requirements for O-Ring Face Seals

When you are looking to incorporate ORFS fittings into a high pressure system, there are a number of things to consider in order to choose the right product. ORFS fittings are used in the oil and gas industry, military applications, marine systems, agriculture, transportation, and many more industries that deal with high pressure gases and fluids. High pressure gases and hydraulic fluids require a carefully pressurized environment for movement and storage. Certain gasses and liquids are also very volatile. These factors combine to make leaks incredibly damaging and dangerous. This is why the fit of an ORFS fitting is so important. ORFS fittings must be immaculately designed to secure a custom tubing system. Specialized and innovative design features from an experienced manufacturer are needed to prevent leaks and the O-ring seal from slipping or pinching under long-term strain.

The Needed Requirements for O-Ring Face Seals (ORFS Fittings)

The nature of industrial gas and fluid systems often means that O-ring face seals will be exposed to extreme torque and constant vibrations. These factors can cause outdated or poorly designed O-ring face seals to shift and break. With the many dangers of a leak, O-ring face seals must be designed to resist over-torque and stand up to constant strain. They must also fit perfectly so that a seal is not disturbed by vibration.

In addition to internal pressure and vibration, ORFS fittings must stand up to environmental effects and weathering. Exterior plating is often very important for the structural integrity of a fitting. Depending on the environment, ORFS fittings may have to resist extreme exterior conditions and rust.

Ease of installation is also a must for O-ring face seals. With both standardized and custom tubing across the high pressure gas and fluid industry, it is important to find a manufacturer that can create a wide range of O-ring face seals, fittings, and valves that can be easily installed. Product variation and installation considerations can reduce the need to disassemble and reassemble equipment.

For assistance selecting the correct fitting for your application, contact our team at salesadm@cpvmfg.com.

The Importance Of High Pressure Check Valves In Plumbing

When you’re dealing with a pump system, the last thing you want is water flowing back into your pump when flow slows down or stops. This can cause all sorts of problems, not least of which is your pump wearing out faster than it ought to. Luckily there’s a very simple solution to this problem.

High-pressure check valves can make sure you don’t get any backflow into your system and your pump lasts as long as possible. Read on to learn about these valves and how they work.

What Does a Water Check Valve Do?

Water check valves are designed to allow water to flow only in one direction. They are required in all submersible pump installations since they keep water from draining back into the well when the pump is shut off. Check valves help prevent a few undesirable conditions in systems.

If water flows back into your pump, it may cause backspin that could break the pump shaft when the motor starts back up again. Water in the pump can also cause up-thrust, which wears a pump out over time. And if a pump stops moving water without having check valves in place, it can cause a water hammer that has enough force to burst a pipe or damage a pump.

How High-Pressure Check Valves Work

Check valves work on the basis of flow direction, a little like those pull/push doors that always mess up even the best of us. When water is flowing in a positive direction, the pump allows it through freely. This is like entering a push door; there is no resistance.

But once positive flow tapers off or negative flow begins, the valve seals shut, trapping water on the other side. It’s like standing on the other side of that push door and trying to push to get out; the door won’t budge, and you’ll be trapped inside until you notice the little “Pull” printed above the door handle.

Maintaining High-Pressure Check Valves

High-pressure check valves can wear out over time, like anything else, which can lead to any of the issues we mentioned above. It’s a good idea to check regularly that you don’t have any backflow happening in your system. If you notice any, make sure your check valve is in good shape.

The best way to avoid problems with your check valves is to choose the right kind for your application in the first place. If you do notice a problem, make sure you’re using the right style of check valve before you replace it.

Get the Best Valves

High-pressure check valves are great for making sure pumps last as long as possible. They can also prevent costly problems like water hammer. Make sure you’re getting the right kind of check valve for your application, and you should have a solid system that will last for a long time.

If you’d like to find the best valves, check out the rest of our website at CPV manufacturing. We have valves, fittings, and news to cover all your needs. Check out our catalog today to see what we can bring to your system installation.

O-Ring Sizes: A Quick Guide to Ensure a Perfect Fit

If installed correctly, the likelihood of an O-Ring malfunctioning in place is low. However, to
avoid some of the causes of O-Ring failure and possible failure modes you must select the
correct size for your application.

If you skip this step and omit to accurately size your O-Ring you could be in for failure and
component damage.

Fortunately, it is relatively easy to size an O-Ring accurately providing you are familiar with O-
Ring sizing standards as well as how to measure an O-Ring yourself for exact sizing.

Read on to learn how to perfectly select O-Ring sizes.

O-Ring Sizing Standards

Because O-Rings are used in a multitude of engineering applications across the world, multiple
sizing standards exist.

These include:

● The USA AS568 O-Ring sizing standard
● The metric O-Ring sizing standard
● The British BS O-Ring sizing standard
● The Japanese JIS O-Ring sizing standard
● The Quad-Ring ® seals X-Ring sizing standard
● The Square Ring sizing standard

The US AS568 sizing standard is the most widespread in the US, however, it is not uncommon
for companies to sell O-Rings that conform to other sizing standards as well. A useful guide for
choosing an O-Ring size and determining the range of standard sizes available per AS568,
check out the Parker O-Ring Handbook ORD 5700.

Independent of the sizing standards are custom O-Rings which can be manufactured if you
required an O-Ring size that does not fit into any of the common standards.

If you need to work back and forth between these standards to locate a size that one standard
does not cover, use an inches-to-mm conversion tool, input your desired size and see if there
are O-Rings available from other standards that you can utilize.

Taking Tolerances into Consideration

When sizing O-Rings it is important that you take into account tolerances. Tolerances are small
variations in O-Ring size that occur due to manufacturing limitations.

For example, all of the AS568 100 Series O-Rings have a tolerance of +-.003". This can
influence the cross-section measurement of .103" and change its size to anything between
.100” and .106”

How to Measure an O-Ring

If you have an O-Ring that you would like to know the size of, you can do this by measuring the
diameter, the cross-section, and the inside diameter.

Start by laying the O-Ring onto a flat surface. Using a ruler or caliper, measure the distance
from one inner edge to the other. This is the inside diameter.

Using the ruler or caliper then measure the distance between one outer corner of the O-Ring to
the other. This is the diameter.

Next, use a caliper to measure the cross-section of the O-Ring. Lightly grip the O-Ring with the
caliper and record the measurement of thickness.

With these measurements, you will be able to determine the exact size of any O-Ring.

Use Your Knowledge of O-Ring Sizes to Ensure Perfect
Seals That Last

Achieving the perfect fit starts with using the perfect sized O-Ring for the job. Having a good
knowledge of O-Ring sizes ensures that you can be precise in O-Ring selections.

If you are on the hunt for fittings and valves for sale for your sealing needs, browse our catalog or contact
our O-Ring manufacturing company for a free quote.

The Commercial Shutoff Valve

According to a report released by the Global Industrial Valves market, the market sales
for shutoff valves are expected to hit and surpass the $77 billion mark in the next three
years. The skyrocketing demand for these valves is a result of the rapid industrialization
that has been happening globally in the past decade.

A shutoff valve prevents flow in a system. But do you know how they work and what
could go wrong with them? Read this guide and understand the basics.

Types of Industrial Shutoff Valves

Shut off valves are an incredibly important part of any company involved in
manufacturing. These valves help regulate the flow of liquids and even gases.
Described herein are some of the basic valves that you can use in your industry.

Gate Valves

Also known as full-flow, on/off or isolation valves, they’ve been around for quite a long
time. Their popularity can be credited to their simple design, which significantly reduces
manufacturing costs.

Gate valves, water pipeline, heat circuit

Just as the name suggests, gate valves are used to start or halt the flow of a fluid. They
achieve this through an internal gate which rises and lowers depending on the
movement of the circular knob on top of the valve.

Even though they make excellent valves, gate valves can’t function as throttling valves
as this tends to erode or wear them out. Gate valves are a common sight in process
industries due to their ability to withstand high temperature and pressure.

Ball Valves

Ball valves are different from other valves in that they use a ball instead of a gate to
control liquid flow. Due to this unique aspect, a ball valve can serve as an on/off valve
and at the same time can be used to regulate the fluid flow. Therefore, they’re more
common in the industrial sector than gate valves.

Close up of closed red ball valve brass on pipe

Other than that, ball valves can support high pressure and temperatures and also boast
a low-pressure drop. They’re also cost-effective, offer leak-proof services, and due to
their design can open and close quickly depending on the situation at hand. However,
even though they’re effective in liquid flow regulation, you can’t rely on them for
permanent throttling.

Butterfly Valves

Butterfly valves are also categorized under isolation valves. They derive their name
from their wing-like movement when in action. In recent years, there has been a
massive demand for these types of shutoff valves, especially in the oil, gas, and
automation industries.

This demand is attributed to the unique quarter-turn operation, which enables quick and
easy usage. These valves are also very accurate, which makes them even more useful
in the regulation of liquids and gases.

On top of that, they’re easy to install and require minimal maintenance. These features
make them even more prevalent in industrial applications.

Globe Valves

Globe valves offer excellent functionality for applications where frequent operation is
required or throttling of the flow is desired. The elongated flow path tends to allow a dampening effect, which is much different than the simple on/off operation of gate and
ball valves.

Globe valves tend to be easy to service and find favor in many chemical, fuel oil and
industrial gas applications. CPV has offered their O-SEAL®, Mark VIII®, and G-
Series® style of globe valves for many years and has decades of field-proven
performance to attest to the safety, reliability and ease of operation of the design.

Other Common Types of Valves Include:

Stop Valves
Check valves
Relief or Safety valves
Straight fixture shutoff valves

There are many other types of valves. Therefore, you should explore an extensive list to
choose what best suits your company.

Explore More Shutoff Valve Types

In a nutshell, there’re so many shutoff valves in the industrial realm today. Each shutoff
valve packs unique features which help improve the efficiency of your manufacturing
process. Check our page to learn more about shutoff valves and enjoy enhanced
efficiency today!

Your Guide to Globe Valve Maintenance

Ancient Romans were the first people to create a system of moving water from one place to
another. They also needed a way to control the water once they got it where they wanted it. Enter
valves!

Valves allow us to stop or restrict the flow of liquid when necessary. But there’s nothing more
frustrating (or dangerous) than a valve failure.

That’s why globe valves are designed to work for many years. However, they only function as long
as they’re maintained correctly.

In this article, we’ll give you the basics of globe valve maintenance to improve the longevity of
your valves.

Start with Proper Installation & Operation

Globe valves work in one direction only. Keep this in mind when you’re installing the valve. Proper
installation means less wear and tear on the valve over time.

Mount the valve vertically on the pipe with the handwheel pointing up. This puts the working parts
of the assembly under less pressure.

Never overtighten the handwheel. Overtightening puts added pressure on the gland packing. If
there are issues with leaks, it means there’s a problem with the seat or the plug.

Regular Inspection

Set up a regular inspection timetable for your valve systems. How often you do this depends on the
type of fluid that the valve is regulating, how much pressure is on the valve, and how often the
valve is cycled during daily operation.

When performing regular inspections, check the outside of the valve for signs of wear. If the valve
doesn’t operate on a regular basis, cycle the valve at the time of inspection. This keeps the guide
from becoming stuck in the seat.

Then dismantle the valve so you can check interior parts. Note, before you dismantle, make sure to
turn the pressure off and let it cool before you handle it.

External Globe Valve Maintenance

Check the motion of the stem, which is often the threaded piece exposed to the elements and can
easily become dirty or gritty. Lubricate it often to ensure smooth function of the valve.

If any of the external hardware (nuts, washers, bolts) show signs of wear, replace them. Tighten the
hardware during regular maintenance. Those components tend to loosen with frequent use of the
valve.

Clean the outer surfaces with a cleaning solution and scrape away any buildup. Ensure that there’s
no grease on the handwheel to prevent it from slipping when turned.

Internal Globe Valve Maintenance

Disassemble the valve according to the manufacturer instructions. Then check all of the internal
parts for wear and tear.

Inspect the interior of the valve body and bonnet and remove any scale or residue buildup. Then
check the plug and the seat.

Sand down small scratches using an abrasive compound. Or use machine tools to lap down larger
scratches.

When the valve is shut, it puts pressure on the gland packing, compressing it. Over time, it can
become hard and lose its ability to hold pressure. Replace the gland packing if this happens.

When you reassemble the valve, use new o-rings and gaskets to ensure a tight seal.

Maintain Your Valves for Improved Longevity

Proper globe valve maintenance can add years to the life of your valves. Make sure the valves are
installed and operated properly. Then set up a regular inspection schedule that includes both
internal and external maintenance.

Taking these simple steps ensures that your valves won’t fail. It’s a safer and more cost-effective
way to operate.

At CPV Manufacturing, we offer top-of-the-line technical support to our customers. Check out
our Technical Resources page to learn more about how to maintain valves the right way.

So, What’s the Deal With Seals?

Does your familiarity with valves start and end with a dictionary definition? If you’re reading this article, probably not. But just in case, here’s Merriam-‐Webster’s take on valves:

[Valves are] any of numerous mechanical devices by which the flow of liquid, gas, or loose material in bulk may be started, stopped, or regulated by a movable part that opens, shuts, or partially obstructs one or more ports or passageways.

Frankly, that’s not a bad start. Valves are, in fact, numerous, mechanical and devices. And they do start, stop and regulate flows of liquids, gases and loose materials (e.g., slurries). And yes, movable parts do open, shut or partially obstruct passageways (i.e., piping and tubing).

The truth is, many valves and fittings are highly engineered devices machined to extremely close tolerances—like those CPV manufactures. And integral to any valve’s ability to serve its intended application is its sealing performance. In fact, engineering and specifying the sealing for any valve or fitting’s application is just as important as its overall design itself.

Valves are technically fittings. Though they perform different functions within a system, they do complement each other. And while it’s worth considering them separate categories when purchasing for your application, when it comes to sealing properties, they’re not all that different.

Why Sealing Matters

Whether for a valve or fitting, seals serve one purpose: reduce leaks, whether fluid or gaseous. It’s estimated that roughly 300,000 tons of fugitive emissions (the unintended discharge of gases or vapors) are released annually in the US alone. Inadequate sealing is the root cause, and better sealing is the only solution.

Beyond curtailing fugitive emissions, better sealing technology—like the CPV-‐developed line of O-‐SEAL valves and fittings—has other practical benefits. Most notably, high-‐quality seals extend the service life of the equipment used within an application. In other words, a good seal saves money, time, the environment and, potentially, prevents catastrophic failure.

While beyond the scope of this article, the predominant regulatory standards by which valves are tested and certified to ensure fugitive emission tightness are ISO 15848 in most of Europe, VDI 2440 in Germany and API 622 and 624 in the United States. CPV products meet or exceed the qualifications for all these standards.

Sealing Materials in Use Today

The materials used for mechanically sealing rotary elements of valves (e.g., valve stems) are numerous. Stainless steel, titanium, bronze, aluminum, chromium, various carbons, tungsten, silicon…the list goes on and on. But just as important, if not more so, are the flexible parts of these components.

Flexible parts are often made from synthetic elastomers, which are polymers with elastic properties. Some typical examples in use today are nitrile, chloroprene, ethylene propylene and butyl rubber. And then there’s graphite, which is a ubiquitous packing material, and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, or Teflon, made famous by your nonstick cookware). Again, the list goes on and on, and even includes natural vegetable fibers like jute and cotton, along with human-‐made fibers like acrylic and melamine.

Better Seals for Challenging Conditions

When it comes to properly sealing valves and fittings, some industrial applications pose more challenge than others. Industrial gas, petrochemical and shipbuilding, for instance. All rely on high-pressure systems, and all happen to be the primary industries for which CPV manufactures.

CPV is perhaps most well-‐known for our O-‐SEAL line of valves and fittings, designed to meet the stringent requirements of the US Naval force. In fact, CPV outfits every US Navy surface vessel and submarine in operation today. The O-‐SEAL line has seen success outside of shipbuilding, though. Gas refineries, for example, rely on its leak-‐proof performance, safety and reliability.

Specific to the smaller valves found in the processing sections of refineries, the O-‐SEAL limits the release of fugitive emissions to incredibly low levels, as has been verified by independent laboratory testing. The design has a flexible O-‐ring made from ethylene propylene, polyurethane, Chemours Viton™ or, in certain cases, a custom solution. The O-‐ring is recessed within a close-‐tolerance groove on either side of the valve’s flat-‐faced union ends, offering slip-‐in, slip-‐out convenience. The bubble-‐ tight seal this creates withstands heavy vibration and pressure surge far better than gasket or metal-‐to-‐metal types seals.

Depending on the seal material selected, these valves will function from −65°F (−54°C) to 400°F (204°C). They also handle the most elusive gases such as helium and hydrogen.

The entire O-‐SEAL line of shut off, needle, check and relief valves are rated for vacuum to 6,000 psi (413 BAR) in liquid or gas service. But they’ve been tested to much higher pressures without failure. CPV’s Mark VIII O-‐SEAL fittings, for example, when heat sealed into a system by welding, orbital welding or brazing, can sustain in excess of 16,000 psi. Just take a look at the picture to the left and the chart below. In this test, Mark VIII O-‐SEAL fittings were brazed—the most basic heat-‐sealing technique, requiring only a handheld propane torch—to brass, copper, steel and stainless steel tubing. In every test, the tubing failed while the Mark VIII fittings remained intact. And in every test, the burst pressures far exceeded the fitting 6,000 psi pressure rating. You’ll notice the test using 1/16” stainless steel tubing with a steel Mark VIII threadpiece had to be terminated at a whopping 28,000 psi!

Now, while we absolutely discourage our clients from taking CPV’s valves and fittings beyond their official maximum pressure ratings, this is an undeniably impressive performance.

Sealing Up

Without adequate sealing, even the best-‐engineered, machined-‐to-‐the-‐finest-‐tolerances valves are useless to the industries that rely on them. For more than 100 years, CPV has been at the forefront of all of the above. And we have the numbers to back that up.

The Advantages of Replacing a Soft Goods Kit

The Advantages of Replacing a Soft Goods Kit A failing valve is not just troublesome, it is a potential weak link in an otherwise robust chain. Some of the smallest parts within an already compact valve are those most crucial to a system’s overall performance—they have the power to ensure smooth operation or result in catastrophic failure. It is essential, then, to maintain the performance of your valves by replacing soft goods both when necessary and proactively. And you should always follow the practice of installing soft goods kits that are designed and manufactured according to the specifications set forth for the exact valve you are servicing. Read on to learn more about the advantages of using soft goods kits.

Why Replace Soft Goods?

Soft goods need to be replaced for two primary reasons. The first and most urgent is when a valve’s sealant is leaking. Visible leakage is a clear indicator that the valve cannot function properly, and threatens the entire application’s reliability and the safety of the equipment operator.

The second reason soft goods are replaced is simply because it is smart to change them at set intervals, even if there is no noticeable damage. Employing such preventive measures ensures continued, healthy and reliable valve operation.

Soft Goods Kits and Their Benefits

Soft goods kits are the most cost-effective solution for repairing faulty valves. Rather than having to purchase a new valve assembly, it is significantly more economical to buy a kit designed to repair your otherwise serviceable valve. In many situations, the stem seal, O-Rings and packing are typically the only portion of the valve that needs to be replaced. In this case, by isolating and repairing the root problem, you now have a well-functioning system that did not necessitate the replacement of the entire structure. This stretches the lifespan of an already long-lasting valve and is more practical than starting from scratch with a new product.

Ensuring your valves operate at peak performance saves time and expense by eliminating or reducing the likelihood of unplanned repairs. Key team members are now freed to focus on other aspects of process outcomes, resulting in increased efficiency and further cost reductions. Soft goods kits are valuable because of their assurance of reliability, their ease of use in fixing an isolated problem and their time-saving convenience.

Where to Select a Soft Goods Kit

Soft goods kits include all necessary components to replace a leaking—or functioning, but older—valve part. Kits typically contain many possible replacement parts, as well as the tools needed to remove the original part. Exactly which replacement parts and which tools will depend on the original valve design’s specifications.

Individual manufacturers sell their own soft goods replacement kits. The specifications of soft goods are set by the original designers of the valve depending on the application for which they will be used. Factors like temperature and exposure to other environmental conditions, in addition to the chemicals and compounds they will be in contact with, influence every decision behind the engineering of soft goods.

For this reason, it is essential to choose a kit supplied by the valve’s original manufacturer. This ensures the same reference number, and reduces the risk of replacing parts with different filling percentages, which are, essentially, the recipes that determine the makeup that fulfills the application requirements of the soft good. It also guarantees that the new parts will not be counterfeit, and are exactly suited to your valve’s application.

Consequences of Using the Wrong Soft Goods Kit

While a faulty valve may seem to perform well with a nonspecific replacement part, it will not function to its fullest potential because it is not precision-matched to the original engineering specifications. In larger and more critical applications, it is especially important to certify that each individual part works correctly, and this can only be accomplished by using materials sourced from the original manufacturer.

It can’t be overstated: replacing soft goods with cheap or illegitimate alternatives is a danger not just to the result of the application, but to the workers controlling and being exposed to these products. The consequences of a valve error extend well beyond the valve itself. Every product and every person working with and relying on that valve will be at risk. This is especially true in high-pressure environments. To prevent failure, it is essential to replace soft goods as soon as trouble presents itself or, better yet, according to a preventive maintenance schedule.

Selecting the Right Soft Goods Kit with CPV

CPV offers soft goods kits for our durable O-SEAL and G-Series product lines. Valves from each line provide long-lasting performance, and should be checked for maintenance at regular intervals, especially if they are used frequently or in extreme conditions. The following sections will review soft goods kit selection and installation for our O-SEAL products.

An O-SEAL valve’s O-ring is recessed within a close-tolerance groove on each of the flat-faced union ends for slip-in, slip-out convenience. This creates a bubble-tight seal that can withstand heavy vibration or pressure surges far better than a gasket.

The soft goods in the cartridge are removable and are specified in different materials for different applications. The software makeup is determined by its compatibility with the liquid or gas it will come in contact with and the temperature range of the application. Because the cartridge is easily removed from the valve for maintenance or replacement, the cost of purchasing a new valve can be avoided. In most cases, the cartridge can be served off-line with a new soft goods kit for re-use another time.

While most stem seals are made of rubber, O-SEAL stem seals are fabricated from polyurethane, Viton and ethylene propylene. Please see the chart below to determine the proper material grouping shown across the top of the chart. Read down the column and select the Kit Number from the row matching the valve size or Dash Number.

For example:

A ½” 380-3 Globe valve requires a soft goods kit. The valve is used in compressor air service, and the compressor is lubricated with a petroleum-based oil. The materials listed in the first column under Material Grouping are satisfactory for this service. Continue down this column to the line for Dash No. -3 (½” pipe size) to determine that the Kit Number is 003803.

The Advantages of Replacing a Soft Goods Kit

How to Use Our Soft Goods Kit

If a seal needs to be replaced, meet our leakproof standards by using the “U” cup installation tool developed exclusively for CPV applications. An inexpensive choice, the “U” cup is a simple solution that replaces stem seals in less than a minute. By compressing the outer sealing lip and expanding the inner lip, the kit makes it easy to slip the “U” cup stem seal over the valve stem. Once the stem seal is properly installed on the valve stem, it can be easily inserted into the bonnet gland and secured without damaging the critical edges of the seal.

For step-by-step instructions on how to install “U” cup steam seals in CPV O-SEAL system valves, see the image below:

The Advantages of Replacing a Soft Goods Kit

In Conclusion

Soft goods kits are an inexpensive method for repairing, rather than replacing, a faulty valve. Because every valve has specific material requirements, it is best to choose a soft goods kit from the original manufacturer, ensuring the exacting specifications and application suitability. Again, this is especially true for the most critical applications. And while soft goods kits can be used when a valve is noticeably leaking, it is wise to change out soft goods according to a predetermined preventive maintenance schedule to ensure prime valve functionality and worker safety.

CPV offers soft goods kits for both our O-SEAL and G-Series valves. For more information about CPV soft goods, or any other general queries, please visit cpvmfg.com or contact sales@cpvmfg.com.

Valve Maintenance and Tools

Valve maintenance is necessary to keep your valves running smoothly at all times. Valves are important to your process, and the results could be disastrous if they stop functioning the way they were designed to. Your valves require maintenance to work their best.

CPV Manufacturing has been the leader of valves and fittings since 1915. Safety is our first priority, so we’re dedicated to providing products that will help you avoid disaster.

Learn more about how to maintain your valves to ensure that they’re functioning properly and the tools that allow them to keep working.

O-Seal Valve Installation, Operation, and Disassembly Instructions: These will explain how to install fittings or valve end connections, from installation to operation to inspection and disassembly. There are also specific instructions on correcting leakage for tight seating and for assembly.

Valve Lubrication: This section explains the benefits of regularly lubricating valves in a system, even if the valve only performs an opening and closing action. It’s important to lubricate two surfaces that continuously slide over one another. It makes the parts last longer and work better.

While hydraulic piping systems can function without additional valve lubrication, gas piping systems function under high pressures and benefit from lubrication.

After you order your valves, CPV will detail the regular lubrication schedule and help you set it up.

Valve Flush Plugs: This section explains the function of valve flush plugs, why they’re beneficial, and how to use them.

Valve flush plugs protect the rest of the system from contamination if one section of a piping system needs to be altered, cleaned, or flushed. The three types of flush plugs are Under-Seat, Over-Seat, and Flow-Thru.

Under-Seat and Over-Seat allow for a trouble-free connection to the flushing pump. Flow-Thru plugs are meant to be inserted in valves that are in the middle of the section and being flushed or cleaned.

Valve Spacers: O-SEAL valves are exposed to the heat of welding or brazing during installation that can compromise their cleanliness and integrity. Valve spacers will help to reduce this risk.

You can also use the spacer over and over again to continue to flush the system if you encounter future problems or contamination.