Armstrong International, headquartered in Three Rivers, Michigan, manufactured steam traps, pressure reducing valves, steam separators, and condensate handling equipment for industrial steam system and naval propulsion plant applications throughout the mid-twentieth century. Armstrong steam trap assemblies were installed in United States Navy vessel auxiliary steam systems to remove condensate and non-condensable gases from steam distribution lines, protecting steam-driven equipment from water hammer and maintaining efficient steam distribution to auxiliary steam equipment throughout the ship. Armstrong pressure reducing valves were used throughout Navy vessel steam systems to reduce high-pressure steam to the lower pressures required by auxiliary steam consumers including heating systems, galley equipment, and auxiliary machinery. According to asbestos litigation records, Armstrong steam trap and pressure reducing valve assemblies incorporated asbestos-containing body gaskets and connection gasket materials at the trap body joints and at the flanged connections to the steam system piping, creating asbestos exposure for Machinist’s Mates who maintained Armstrong steam system components in naval vessel auxiliary steam systems.

Armstrong Steam System Component Asbestos

Armstrong steam trap and pressure reducing valve assemblies incorporated asbestos in body sealing:

  • Steam trap body gaskets — Armstrong steam trap assemblies incorporated asbestos-containing compressed gasket materials at the trap body cap joints where the trap internals were accessed for inspection and maintenance. Machinist’s Mates removing Armstrong steam trap caps for float assembly inspection, strainer cleaning, or internal component replacement encountered asbestos-containing body cap gasket materials during trap maintenance operations
  • Pressure reducing valve bonnet gaskets — Armstrong pressure reducing valve assemblies incorporated asbestos-containing gasket materials at the valve bonnet connections where the valve spring and diaphragm assembly was accessed for maintenance. Machinist’s Mates maintaining Armstrong pressure reducing valves in Navy vessel steam systems encountered asbestos-containing bonnet gasket materials during valve servicing
  • Flanged connection gaskets — Armstrong steam system components installed with flanged piping connections incorporated asbestos-containing compressed gasket materials at the inlet and outlet flange faces. Machinist’s Mates removing Armstrong steam traps or pressure reducing valves from the piping system for replacement or off-system maintenance encountered asbestos-containing flange gasket materials at the piping connections

VA Claims for Veterans Exposed to Armstrong Products

VA evaluates asbestos-related disability claims on a case-by-case basis. Veterans generally need evidence of in-service asbestos exposure, a current asbestos-related diagnosis, and a medical link between them. Machinist’s Mates and engineering ratings who maintained Armstrong steam trap and pressure reducing valve installations in naval vessel steam systems and have since been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, or asbestos-related lung cancer may qualify for VA disability benefits.