Abstract: Methods and apparatus to load a valve packing are described. An example method disclosed herein includes adjusting a packing flange nut to a position corresponding at least approximately to a free condition of a biasing assembly, coupling a first gauge member to a first flange, adjusting a first gap between a first surface of the first gauge member and a reference surface opposite the first flange to a first predetermined distance, and tightening the packing flange nut so that the first surface of the first gauge member substantially aligns with or engages the reference surface and causes a load assembly to provide a first predetermined packing stress to the valve packing when the first gauge member substantially aligns with or engages the reference surface.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to load a valve packing are described. An example method disclosed herein includes adjusting a packing flange nut to a position corresponding at least approximately to a free condition of a biasing assembly, coupling a first gauge member to a first flange, adjusting a first gap between a first surface of the first gauge member and a reference surface opposite the first flange to a first predetermined distance, and tightening the packing flange nut so that the first surface of the first gauge member substantially aligns with or engages the reference surface and causes a load assembly to provide a first predetermined packing stress to the valve packing when the first gauge member substantially aligns with or engages the reference surface.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to load a valve packing are described. An example apparatus to load a valve packing includes a load assembly having a biasing element disposed between a valve packing flange and a stop flange to provide a load to a seal assembly. The packing flange is adjustable relative to the stop flange to adjust the load to be applied to the seal. A first guide member coupled to the packing flange or the stop flange provides a first predetermined distance between the packing flange and the stop flange. The first guide member provides an indication of a first predetermined load to be provided by the load assembly when the packing flange and the stop flange are spaced at the first predetermined distance provided by the first guide member.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to load a valve packing are described. An example apparatus to load a valve packing includes a load assembly having a biasing element disposed between a valve packing flange and a stop flange to provide a load to a seal assembly. The packing flange is adjustable relative to the stop flange to adjust the load to be applied to the seal. A first guide member coupled to the packing flange or the stop flange provides a first predetermined distance between the packing flange and the stop flange. The first guide member provides an indication of a first predetermined load to be provided by the load assembly when the packing flange and the stop flange are spaced at the first predetermined distance provided by the first guide member.

Abstract: A control valve of the ball type with bi-directional shutoff capabilities is disclosed. The ball valve including an inlet and an outlet, a ball element and a seal assembly. When closing the valve, the ball element, which is eccentrically mounted on a shaft, rotates to abut the seal assembly. While closed, the seal assembly including a seal housing, a main seal and a resilient member, contacts the ball element at the main seal, while the resilient member biases the main seal toward the ball element. The seal assembly further includes a secondary flowpath between the main seal and seal housing, which is restricted by two unidirectional seal rings.

Abstract: A fluid control valve for use in severe erosive fluid conditions which includes a ceramic plug seat. The ceramic plug seat is mounted to a metal valve element using a tapered mechanical bolt. The tapered portion of the mechanical bolt matches a cone-shaped interior surface portion within the ceramic plug to uniformly distribute the mounting forces within the ceramic plug to prevent cracking of the ceramic plug.