Patent ID: 6202668
Filing Date: 2001-03-20
Classification: F16K,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
A sealing apparatus for a valve having a rotatable stem and a valve body, said apparatus comprising;primary sealing means disposable in the valve for sealing between the stem and the body;a thrust bearing disposable in the valve between the stem and body and adapted for initially absorbing thrust loading on the stem; anda fire-resistant seal disposable in the valve between the stem and body, said fire-resistant seal initially not sealing between the stem, trust bearing and body when the valve is fully assembled and said thrust bearing is absorbing said trust loading on the stem;wherein, if said thrust bearing is substantially damaged by heat and thereby no longer able to absorb said thrust loading, said thrust loading will be at least partially absorbed by said fire-resistant seal such that said fire-resistant seal is forced into sealing engagement between the stem and body.