Pacific Valves, headquartered in Long Beach, California, manufactured high-pressure gate valves, globe valves, check valves, and associated steam system valving for US Navy vessel main steam systems and high-pressure auxiliary steam applications throughout the mid-twentieth century. Pacific Valves products were specified for naval vessel high-pressure steam applications, installed in the main steam systems and high-pressure auxiliary steam distribution systems of steam-powered Navy destroyers, cruisers, and auxiliary vessels where the demanding pressure and temperature conditions required valves designed for naval service. Pacific Valves’ California location and focus on marine and naval applications made their products a common specification in Pacific Fleet vessel construction. According to asbestos litigation records, Pacific Valves gate valve and globe valve assemblies incorporated asbestos-containing stem packing at valve stem gland seals and asbestos-containing body gasket materials at valve bonnet connections and flanged piping connections, creating asbestos exposure for Machinist’s Mates who maintained Pacific Valves installations in naval vessel steam systems.

Pacific Valves Asbestos

Pacific Valves steam system valve assemblies incorporated asbestos in valve sealing:

  • High-pressure valve stem packing — Pacific Valves gate valves and globe valves installed in Navy vessel main steam and high-pressure auxiliary steam systems incorporated asbestos-containing stem packing material at the valve stem gland seal. Machinist’s Mates performing valve repacking operations on Pacific Valves high-pressure steam valves removed and replaced asbestos-containing stem packing materials, with packing removal generating asbestos dust in the immediate work environment
  • Valve bonnet gaskets — Pacific Valves bonnet connections incorporated asbestos-containing compressed gasket materials at the bonnet-to-body flange face. Machinist’s Mates accessing Pacific Valves internals for disc, seat, or wedge maintenance encountered asbestos-containing bonnet gasket materials during valve disassembly
  • High-pressure flanged connection gaskets — Pacific Valves assemblies installed with flanged connections in the main steam or high-pressure auxiliary steam piping system incorporated asbestos-containing compressed gasket materials at the valve inlet and outlet flange faces. Machinist’s Mates removing Pacific Valves from the steam piping for overhaul or replacement encountered asbestos-containing flange gasket materials at each connection

VA Claims for Veterans Exposed to Pacific Valves Products

VA presumptive service connection under 38 CFR § 3.309(d) covers asbestos exposure from Navy high-pressure steam system valve maintenance. Machinist’s Mates who maintained Pacific Valves 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.