The Challenge:
A customer requested an 8’’ diverter valve for use in a large lube oil system for turbine bearings. The customer required a valve with metal to metal seating. Furthermore, the valve needed to be suitable for a design pressure of 300 PSIG with a low allowable pressure drop.
The Process:
The Tate Andale team designed and developed an oversized cast steel valve to achieve the low pressure drop requirement, which required a precision taper that was nearly two feet long. Our machine shop was able to machine the long precision bore after developing special tool holders to manage tool wear, vibration, and deflection over the full length of the cut. The plug was then precision lapped to the body to ensure a tight seal.
The Finished Product:
The Tate Andale team provided the customer with a double circuit valve that met expectations.