The William Powell Company, known commercially as Powell Valves and headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, manufactured steam gate valves, globe valves, and related steam system valving equipment for industrial steam power plant and naval propulsion plant applications throughout the mid-twentieth century. Powell Valve products were installed in United States Navy vessel steam systems as main steam isolation valves, steam line sectionalizing valves, and steam system control valves aboard destroyers, cruisers, and auxiliary vessels. Powell Valves covered a range of pressure and temperature ratings appropriate for naval steam system applications from auxiliary steam at moderate pressures to higher-pressure service applications. According to asbestos litigation records, Powell Valve assemblies incorporated asbestos-containing stem packing at valve stem gland seals and asbestos-containing compressed gasket materials at valve body bonnet connections and flanged piping connections, creating asbestos exposure for Machinist’s Mates who maintained Powell Valve installations in naval vessel steam systems.

Powell Valve Asbestos

Powell gate valve and globe valve assemblies incorporated asbestos in valve sealing:

  • Valve stem packing — Powell Valve gate valves and globe valves installed in Navy vessel steam systems incorporated asbestos-containing stem packing material at the valve stem gland seal. Machinist’s Mates performing valve repacking operations on Powell Valves in the steam systems removed and replaced asbestos-containing stem packing materials, with the packing removal process generating asbestos dust in the immediate work area
  • Valve bonnet gaskets — Powell Valve bonnet connections incorporated asbestos-containing compressed gasket materials at the bonnet-to-body flange face sealing the valve internal components. Machinist’s Mates disassembling Powell Valves for internal disc, seat, or wedge inspection encountered asbestos-containing bonnet gasket materials during valve teardown
  • Flanged connection gaskets — Powell Valve assemblies installed with flanged connections to the steam piping system incorporated asbestos-containing compressed gasket materials at the valve inlet and outlet flange faces. Machinist’s Mates removing Powell Valves from the steam system piping encountered asbestos-containing flange gasket materials at each piping connection during valve removal

VA Claims for Veterans Exposed to Powell Valve 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 who maintained Powell 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.