Bray RF15, RF30 User Manual

A Subsidiary of BRAY INTERNATIONAL, Inc.

INSTALLATION - MAINTENANCE MANUAL

RF15 and RF30 Series

150 and 300 Lb. Flanged One piece Ball Valves

Installation and Maintenance Manual

®

Series RF15-RF30 Ball Valves

Date: August 2011 / Page 1 of 5

DESIGN

The design features of this valve include a one
piece construction body which results in simplified
maintenance and trouble free operation. These valves
feature a “free floating” ball. The ball is not fixed, but
is free to move with the line pressure. As a result of this
feature, these valves are capable of tight shut-off with
flow in either direction or dead-ended, regardless of
the position of the valve in the line.

The downstream seat, opposite the pressurized side of
a closed valve, must carry the load exerted by the line
pressure on the ball, while the upstream seat is subject
to little load or wear. For this reason, it is sometimes
possible to increase useful seat life by turning the valve
end-for-end in the pipeline.

1. USE

The valve should be maintained as part of a preventative
maintenance program and in accordance with
Flow-Tek’s recommended pressure, temperature and
corrosion limits to insure a long service life. During
shipment, storage, and in operation, the valve should
be fully open or fully closed (“open” is preferred for
shipping and storage). Do not use in throttling service
without investigating flow and pressure conditions.

A. VALVE OPEN POSITlON

The handle is parallel with the pipeline.

B. VALVE IN CLOSED POSITION

The handle is perpendicular to the pipeline.

Valves with actuators should be checked for actuator

-valve alignment. Misalignment will result in high
operational torque and damage to stem and seals.

3. STEM SEAL ADJUSTMENT

1. For 1”- 2”, if slight leakage is noted at stem,
straighten lock washer tab, tighten stem nut to
flatten Bellville Washers, back stem nut off 1/4
turn, secure lock washer tab.

2. For sizes larger than 2”, simply tighten gland
bolts evenly until leak stops. Do not over tighten.

4. GENERAL INFORMATION FOR ON-SITE

INSTALLATION

The valve may be fitted in any position on the pipeline.

Before installing the valves, the pipes must be flushed
clean of dirt, burrs, and welding residues, or the seats
and ball surface will be damaged.

WARNING: Before installing this equipment, confirm
that it is suitable for the intended service.

The identifications tags describe the maximum allowable
service conditions for this product.

Be sure that the installation is protected by appropriate
pressure control and safety devices to insure that
acceptable limits are not exceeded.

2. OPERATION:

Operation of the valve is done by turning the handle a
1/4 turn (90 degree turn). Clockwise to close, counter
clockwise to open.

FLOW-TEK, Inc. Tel: [phone]
8323 N. Eldridge Pkwy #100 Fax: [phone]
Houston, Texas 77041 www.flow-tek.com

5. DISASSEMBLY AND CLEANING PROCEDURE

CAUTION: Line must be depressurized before
disassembly. Valve should be cycled to assure there is
no pressure is trapped in valve cavity. Ball valves can
trap pressurized media when closed. Flush line with
valve 1/2 open to remove hazardous media. Valve
should be cycled to assure there is no pressure in the
valve body cavity.

Warning: DONOT remove packing gland or any other
valve parts while line is under pressure!

1. If the valve has been used to control hazardous
media, it must be decontaminated before
disassembly. It is recommended that the following

© 2011 Flow-Tek, Inc.

A Subsidiary of BRAY INTERNATIONAL, Inc.

Installation and Maintenance Manual

®

Series RF15-RF30 Ball Valves

Date: August 2011 / Page 2 of 5

steps are taken for safe removal and reassembly.

2. As shipped from the factory, valves contain a
Silicone based lubricant. This is for break-in
and may be removed, if it is objectionable for
a particular application, by disassembling and
solvent washing.

Stem seal leakage may be corrected without disassembly
by tightening the packing gland nut until such leakage
stops. If the leakage continues or valve operating torque
becomes excessive, the seals are worn and replacement
will be necessary.

If the valve has been used to control hazardous media,
it must be decontaminated before disassembly.

It is recommended that the following steps be taken
for safe removal and assembly.

As shipped from the factory, Valves contain Silicone
based lubricant. This is for break-in and may be removed
by disassembly and solvent washing.

6. DISASSEMBLY

E. If stem seals are to be replaced, remove handle

retainer nut, stop plate and packing gland. Push
stem into valve cavity and remove from retainer end.

F. Remove seats from insert and body cavity, remove

stem seals.

7. VISUAL INSPECTION:

Clean and inspect metal parts. It is not necessary to
replace the hall and stem unless the seating surfaces have
been damaged by abrasion or corrosion. Replacement
of all soft parts whenever the valve is disassembled
for reconditioning is strongly recommended. This is
the surest protection against subsequent leakage after
valve assembly. The replacement parts can he ordered
in kit form.

NOTE: The valve may be assembled and operated
dry where no lubricants are allowed in the system;
however, a light lubrication of mating parts will aid in
assembly and reduce initial operating torque. Lubricant
used must be compatible with the intended line fluid.

8. ASSEMBLY:

Stem seal leakage may be corrected without
disassembly. Tighten the packing gland nuts until
leakage stops. If leakage continues or valves operating
torque becomes excessive, the seals are worn and
replacement will be necessary.

Warning: DO NOT remove packing gland or any
other valve parts while line is under pressure! Under
no circumstance! Line must be depressurized before
disassembly.

A. Remove valve from line and clamp in vise

with handle and removable body insert in an
accessible position.

B. Put ball in the OPEN position. Insert spanner

wrench into slot in the retainer and rotate the
counter-clockwise.

C. Remove body seal from body. Use caution to

prevent damage to metal parts; discard seal.

D. Turn handle to CLOSED position so that the stem

tang and ball slot are in line with the port opening.
Lift or roll ball out of insert end.

1. Install one seat in the body cavity with the
spherical curvature facing the ball.

2. Install thrust washer on stem and slide the stem
up through the body. Install packing and packing
gland with packing gland bolt.

3. Install stop plate, handle and handle nut.

4. Turn the handle to the CLOSED position. Line up
the ball slot with the stem tang and slide the ball
into position.

Open the valve to hold the ball in place.

5. Install the remaining seat in the insert with the
spherical curvature facing the ball. Install body
gasket.

6. Carefully center the insert and press down until the
threads are engaged. Start the threads clockwise
by hand tightening with the tool used for removal.
The end cap should be tightened until the end cap
is flush with the flange face. The insert bottoms out
in a metal to metal fit.

FLOW-TEK, Inc. Tel: [phone]
8323 N. Eldridge Pkwy #100 Fax: [phone]
Houston, Texas 77041 www.flow-tek.com

© 2011 Flow-Tek, Inc.

A Subsidiary of BRAY INTERNATIONAL, Inc.

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Installation and Maintenance Manual

®

Series RF15-RF30 Ball Valves

Date: August 2011 / Page 3 of 5

7. Cycle the valve slowly, with a gentle back and
forth motion, to build gradually to the full quarter
turn. By cycling slowly, the seat lips will assure
a permanent seal shape against the ball. A fast
turning motion, at this point, may cut the seats
before they have a chance to form the proper seal.

8. If a tester is available, pressure test valve prior to
reinstallation.

9. TEST AS FOLLOWS:

Test valve, if possible, prior to placing valve back into
line position. WARNING: If not properly secured, the

valve can separate from the pressure source, resulting
in possible injury. Always join the valve to companion
flanges of same pressure rating as valve and secure
with a full set of flange bolts.

1. Secure valve to a test future by means of a mating
flange with full bolting and a suitable gasket.
Orient valve so seat to be tested is facing up.

2. Introduce 50 to 100 psig air. Partially cycle the
valve, under pressure, and then slowly close to
make sure the cavity is pressurized (use hearing
protection). Pour water into the upper port to
cover the ball and visually check for bubbles. If
bubbles appear, pour the water out, cycle the
valve several times and recheck. To check for
leakage in the other port, reverse the valve and
introduce air pressure to the port just checked.

3. Check the stem seal at this time by coating the
gland area with a soapy water solution. If leakage
occurs, tighten stem seal just until leakage stops.

Dimensions may be found in product literature

FLOW-TEK, Inc. Tel: [phone]
8323 N. Eldridge Pkwy #100 Fax: [phone]
Houston, Texas 77041 www.flow-tek.com

3”–12” Valves1” – 2” Valves

© 2011 Flow-Tek, Inc.

A Subsidiary of BRAY INTERNATIONAL, Inc.

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Installation and Maintenance Manual

®

Series RF15-RF30 Ball Valves

Date: August 2011 / Page 4 of 5

1” – 2” Valves

FLOW-TEK, Inc. Tel: [phone]
8323 N. Eldridge Pkwy #100 Fax: [phone]
Houston, Texas 77041 www.flow-tek.com

3” – 12” Valves

COMPONENTS

Item Name

1 Body
2 End Cap
3 Ball
4 Seat
5 Seat Support
6 Body Seal*

10 Anti-Static Device

11A Packing Protector*
11B Washer Protector*

12 Thrust Washer*
13 Stem Bearing*
14 Stem Packing*
15 Packing Gland Sleeve
16 Packing Gland Plate
17 Gland Bolt
18 Belleville Washer
19 Tab Washer
20 Travel Stop Housing
21 Housing Bolt
22 Travel Stop
23 Travel Stop Set Sleeve
24 Travel Stop Bolt
25 Handle
26 Lock Nut
27 Handle Bolt
28 Handle Sleeve
29 Locking Device
30 Snap Ring

* Parts included in repair kit

© 2011 Flow-Tek, Inc.

A Subsidiary of BRAY INTERNATIONAL, Inc.

Installation and Maintenance Manual

®

Series RF15-RF30 Ball Valves

Date: August 2011 / Page 5 of 5

9. Short and Long Term Storage:

Short term:

1. Short term storage is defined as storage of products
and equipment to be used in the construction of a
project for periods of one to three months.

2. Ball valves should remain in the original shipping
containers be placed on pallets of wood or other
suitable materials. End protectors should remain
on the valve ends to prevent the entrance of dirt.

3. Valves should be stored in the open position to
protect the ball and seats.

4. Storage of ball valves can be in an open uncovered
area provided provisions are made for inclement
weather such as tarps or sheeting. Valves with
electric actuators shall be stored under cover until
ready for installation.

Long term:

1. Long term storage is storage of products and/or
equipment for periods of three months or more.

2. Valves should be stored in the open position to
protect the ball and seats.

3. Ball valves should remain in the original
shipping containers placed on pallets of wood
or other suitable materials and stored indoors.
End protectors should remain on the valve ends
to prevent the entrance of dirt. The storage
environment should be dry and not have severe
swings in temperature and humidity.

FLOW-TEK, Inc. Tel: [phone]
8323 N. Eldridge Pkwy #100 Fax: [phone]
Houston, Texas 77041 www.flow-tek.com

© 2011 Flow-Tek, Inc.