Product Description
Copes-Vulcan, historically based in Lake City, Pennsylvania, is a long-established manufacturer of severe-service steam valves — desuperheaters, steam-conditioning valves, turbine bypass valves, and high-pressure regulating and reducing stations. Copes-Vulcan equipment is specified into utility power plants, industrial cogeneration plants, refinery and chemical-plant steam headers, and marine steam plants, where the valves handle superheated steam at the highest pressures and temperatures in the facility.
According to publicly filed asbestos litigation records, Copes-Vulcan steam valves were allegedly furnished originally with asbestos-fiber compression packing in the stem stuffing box, sealing high-temperature superheated steam around the reciprocating stem. Body and bonnet gasketing on certain models allegedly incorporated asbestos as well. Because these valves operate at extreme temperature, packing service was allegedly frequent and heat-cycled packing was allegedly brittle and friable when removed.
Workers Exposed
Power plant operators, boiler-room pipefitters, and steamfitters allegedly repacked Copes-Vulcan desuperheaters and steam-conditioning valves throughout their careers. Breaking down the packing follower and picking hardened, heat-cycled asbestos packing out of a Copes-Vulcan stuffing box allegedly released visible dust into the immediate breathing zone.
Utility pipefitters and plant maintenance mechanics allegedly serviced Copes-Vulcan turbine bypass and start-up valves during every plant turnaround. Valve technicians and I&C technicians allegedly worked adjacent to the packing at rebuilds. Litigation records allege Copes-Vulcan knew of the hazard and failed to warn foreseeable users of its steam valves.