A Valve Odyssey

An Analysis of the Potential Uses of Antimony-Impregnated Carbon Graphite in Ball Valves

Katherine Davis, Gary Eddy, Alex Johannigman, Nathan Valdez
ge2@rice.edu
Objective: Testing Configuration Torque Test Results
Determine the feasibility of replacing steel trim Pneumatic
components with antimony impregnated carbon graphite Actuator Breaking Torque
400
in ball valves. 350

Motivation:

Torque (in lb)

300

Antimony impregnated carbon graphite (SbCG) is lighter 250

1 SbCG Seat
Single Carbon Graphite

Steel
and more chemically resistant than steel. Current ball
Steel

200 2 SbCG Seats

valves are made of mostly steel, which is heavy and
Double Carbon Graphite

Flow Linear (Single Carbon

susceptible to chemical corrosion, leading to failure in 150 Graphite)

Linear (Steel)

certain conditions. By replacing these steel components 100

Linear (Double Carbon

with carbon graphite, valves will be cheaper to ship and 50

0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800
Graphite)

will last longer and require less upkeep. Pressure (psi)

Stand
Ball Valve
Design Criteria Based Running Torque
on Industry Standard: 100

 Survives and functions 90

at 800 psi Seats

Torque (in lb)

80

 Operates from 0 to Single Carbon Graphite

1 SbCG Seat
70
200˚F Steel
Steel

 Similar operating 2 SbCG Seats

Double Carbon Graphite

Ball 60
Linear (Single Carbon Graphite)

torque to steel 50


Linear (Steel)

Comparable fatigue 40
Linear (Double Carbon Graphite)

lifetime to steel 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800
Pressure (psi)

Method: Results: Conclusion:

 Research various carbon graphite types for material
most suitable for use in ball valves: compressive and
tensile strength, thermal capacity, thermal expansion,
maximum operating temperature
 Create a prototype by replacing industry standard
steel trim components with carbon graphite parts
 Test prototype against industry standard specifications
 Compare results of tests for valve with carbon
graphite components against test results for all-steel
industry standard 2 inch ball valve
 Normal function at 800 psi
 Withstands pressures at maximum and minimum
operating pressures
 SbCG has slightly higher torques needed for use
 SbCG survived extensive cyclic testing
 SGL Group’s EK 3205 material was determined to be
best suited for use in industrial-grade ball valves
 SbCG is much more difficult to machine than steel due
to its brittle nature. Valve ball could not be machined at
Cameron with current available technology
Carbon graphite is comparable to steel for use in industrial
grade ball valves. Although it is more difficult to machine
and requires slightly higher torque than steel, its chemical
resistance and lighter weight make it ideal for a number of
applications. Further analysis is needed to identify
whether total cost of use will be reduced due to longer
valve lifespan, less required maintenance, reduced
shipping costs, but higher initial cost of machining and
manufacture.

Special thanks to:

Dr. Ed Akin and Dr. Kenton Whitmire (Rice), Lawrence Dec, Mike Dempster, Don Judas, Michael Mancuso,
Ron Manson, Dennis Miller, and Sean Myers (Cameron). Funding provided by OEDK and Cameron.