Ball Valve with Extended Stem

[KenRad]

I am trying to find manufacturers of a bronze body ball valve (nothing fancy; 300 psig WOG HVAC service) that offer extended stems. Ideally, I would like to find not only an extended stem, but an extended body around the stem, so that I can seal my insulation to the body just below the handle. Apollo offers extended stems, but not an extended body.

My problem is that when using standard ball valves in chilled water service, if they need to be operated with any frequency, it is almost impossible to maintain a vapor barrier around the stem region.

I'm posting this on the valve forum as well. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

---KenRad

 

[KLH]

Try Conbraco. They offer "extended bonnets" as an option.

 

[VEEKRISH]

KLH,

KenRad says he's tried Apollo and I thought Apollo was manufactured by Conbraco. Is there any other?

 

[KLH]

Go to

http://www.velan.com

 

[kevinf]

You probably will not find a ball valve with an extended bonnet/yoke around the stem.
If you are frequently operating a standard Conbraco (Apollo brand name) you will see early wear around the packing gland and get water leakage up through the stem. To stop the leakage you have to tighten the packing gland nut.
Suggest using a ball valve made for automation and frequent re-positioning; they have o-ring seals around the stem which prevents leakage. These are made by companies such as Honeywell, Johnson Controls, or Belimo. These valves have stem extensions and are installed in insulated cold water pipes all the time.