Patent ID: 6296007
Filing Date: 2001-10-02
Classification: F16K,Y10T

Abstract:
A method of modifying a standard valve defined by a valve body, valve stem, valve stem seat, seating surface and closure member for operation in freezing conditions so as to prevent said valves closure member from failing to seat with said valves seating surface, said method comprising:forming a first groove and a second groove in said seating surface of said valve, said first groove and said second groove extending from opposing sides of said valve stem to opposing sides of said valve stem seat;forming throughbores at the ends of said first groove and said second groove, said throughbores extending through said valve body;positioning in said first groove and said second groove a heating element, said heating element extending through said throughbore of said first groove proximate said valve stem, extending along said first groove and exiting said first groove through said throughbore proximate said valve stem seat, said heating element reentering said second groove through said throughbore proximate said valve stem seat, extending along said second groove and exiting said second groove through said throughbore proximate said valve stem;positioning liner plates over said first groove and said second groove and securing same so as to position said liner plates in planar relationship with said seating surface;connect said heating element to a source of electrical energy.