Ball Valve Extractor

quickly, safely pops out ball valves

Ball Valve Extractor
This invention is a simple slide hammer tool for the extraction of ball valves and gaskets without damage to the surfaces of
the ball valve. Use of the extractor saves time and money in maintenance operations.

Ball valves are commonly removed through the use of specialized clamp-on tools, pliers, or a bar to pry the valves loose. These methods are cumbersome, can take as long as 45 minutes, and often result in damage to the outer surface of the valves. Subsequent use of the surface-damaged valves can accelerate degradation of the sealing gaskets, thereby increasing maintenance and shortening replacement intervals.

Market Assessment
Ball valves are used extensively in industry to control and regulate the flow of fluid through pipelines. Thomas Register lists 645 companies associated with the manufacture or distribution of ball valves.

Patent Status
U.S. Patent No. 6,378,550 has been issued on this invention.

Stage of Development
This unique tool has been prototyped and has been in use succSessfully at Savannah River Site maintenance operations for approximately 3 years.

Contact
Dale K. Haas, Licensing Associate
803-725-4185
dale.haas@srnl.doe.gov

For More Information
see tech brief.