Rockwell Plug Valves
The Rockwell Plug Valve Story
Rockwell Plug Valves have been manufactured for more than one hundred years. Sven Nordstrom invented the lubricated plug valve in 1914. Rockwell Manufacturing Company acquired the Nordstrom Valve Company in 1932 and began manufacturing in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Rockwell Nordstrom was sold to BTR in 1989 and in 2002, Nordstrom Valves, Inc. was sold to Flowserve Corporation. The product line has remained the same high quality, engineered line of iron and steel lubricated, tapered plug valves widely used as oil and gas production wellheads, industrial process, and gas distribution valves first designed by Sven Nordstrom. Flowserve Nordstrom produces the Hypreseal, Hypresphere, Rockwell Nordstrom, Nordstrom, Super Nordstrom, DB, Dynamic Balance, Multiport, and Double DB valves inherited from Rockwell Plug Valve Division in 1989. There is a long history of Rockwell Plug Valves in operation in Gas Distribution, Oil and Gas Production, HVAC Isolation, Water and Wastewater, Caustic Services, Chemical and Refining, and wellhead control. For the replacement of these valves, it is important to understand the meaning of the valve markings.
Rockwell Plug Valve Markings
Different generations of Rockwell Plug Valves carry varied markings, despite the product itself having remained the same. Hypreseal, Nordstrom, Rockwell Nordstrom, Flowserve Nordstrom, Super Nordstrom all have a reputation for proven performance and rugged durability. Hypreseal is first-generation Rockwell Nordstrom, then Dynamic Balance, Flowserve Nordstrom, Super Nordstrom, and Dynamic Balance DB are the second generation. Flowserve Nordstrom and Super Nordstrom have different markings than Hypreseal Rockwell Nordstrom, but the Rockwell Plug Valves have interchangeable designs. Therefore, Nordstrom valve’s reputation for proven performance and rugged design remains consistent when replacing a Rockwell Plug Valve for a Flowserve Nordstrom and Super Nordstrom valve. Nordstrom steel plug valves, Flowserve Nordstrom, and Super Nordstrom markings are also found on Rockwell-designed iron plug valves. Iron plug valves are lubricated plug valves made with threaded ends with the same reputation for proven performance and rugged design. The Nordstrom plug valve, the iron plug valve specifically, may not carry the Hypreseal name, but shows an M58 or M59 marking instead. All Rockwell Nordstrom valves have FIG cast into them, which shows the Nordstrom plug valve figure number. The iron plug valve is the most popular of the Rockwell Plug Valves and needs careful inspection for the proper wrench size.
Rockwell Iron Plug Valve
Rockwell manufactures quarter-turn iron lubricated plug valves known as Nordstrom, Dynamic Balance, Super Nordstrom, and Rockwell Nordstrom in cast iron ASTM A126 and semi-steel ductile iron ASTM A395. The plug valves are quarter-turn iron plug valves that uses a tapered lubricated plug to stop the flow. The iron lubricated plug valve is turned 90° from an open position to the closed position to block flow. It is made as threaded NPT and flanged, to meet API-6D and ASME B16.34 requirements from 1/2″ to 36”. Designs feature both regular and venturi patterns, Wrench, Worm Gear, and Spur Gear operation. Iron Multiport Plug Valves are offered for simplification of piping and convenience of operation in several designs with a multitude of arrangements. 3-way or 4-way multiport valves can replace two, three, or four straightway valves. Specify the port arrangement to accommodate your requirements.
Rockwell Steel plug valve
Rockwell manufactures quarter-turn steel lubricated plug valves known as Hypreseal, Nordstrom, Dynamic Balance, Super Nordstrom, and Rockwell Nordstrom in threaded, flanged, RTJ flanged, butt weld application-specific designs for high-pressure or high-temperature services. Steel plug valves are made in many grades of carbon steel and alloy steel. Cast carbon steel, ASTM A-216 WCB, grade WCC, ASTM A217 grade WC9, grade WC6, ductile iron ASTM A-536; stainless steel ASTM A-351, grade CF8, grade CF8M, grade CF8C, grade CF3M, ASTM A105, ASTM FI82 stainless steel grade 316, alloy 20 cn7m, and monel m35. The internal plug and trim materials on Rockwell plug valves vary based on the severity of the application. Standard plug and trim materials include ASTM A-48 iron, Alloy Steel HRC 22, A48Gr45B/50B, or Carbon Steel A216 LCC. Specialized options for high temperature include forgings in ASTM A182, grades F11, F22, F5, and F9, And stainless steels in 316, 317, 347, Alloy 20 cn7m. When ordering or submitting an RFQ for Nordstrom valves, specify the end connections.
Steel Multiport Plug Valves are offered for simplification of piping and convenience of operation in several designs with a multitude of arrangements. 3-way or 4-way multiport valves can replace two, three, or four straightway valves. Specify the port arrangement to accommodate your requirements.
Rockwell Plug Valve Wrenches
Rockwell Nordstrom plug valves, Hypreseal, Nordstrom, Flowserve Nordstrom, and Super Nordstrom all use optional wrenches for operation if the valves are bare stem, not manual gear operated. Since there were different designs of Nordstrom valves, care must be taken choosing the correct wrench. Information for identifying Wrenches for Nordstrom Valves with Square or Obround Stems, Valves with Square Heads, and wrenches with Obround Heads with stop lugs, and without stop lugs can be located in Authorized Parts, Inc. Technical Library under Nordstrom Iron plug valves, Nordstrom multi-port plug valves, Rockwell Nordstrom Steel Plug Valve, Nordstrom Wrenches, Nordstrom Maintenance Manual, and Nordstrom-Hypreseal Repair Manual at:
https://www.authorizedparts.com/technical-library-2#NordstromValves
How to order Rockwell Plug Valve
To order please select the valve type, including standard pattern plug valve, or venture pattern plug valve, valve size, pressure class, (Class 150, 175, 200, 250, 300, 400, 600, 900, 1500, 2500, and 4500) body material, trim material, and end connections. Nordstrom valves are available in threaded NPT, flanged, flanged RTJ, and butt-weld end (specify bore schedule) connections. Options include wrenches for wrench-operated, manual gear, chain wheel, and pneumatic actuation.
Submit your RFQ for Nordstrom valves on Authorized Parts easy to use form at:
https://www.authorizedparts.com/request-a-quote-2/
FAQ’s
Can a Rockwell plug valve replace another make of valve, or be replaced by another make of valve?
Yes. Other manufacturer’s valves cross-reference to Rockwell Plug valves and vice versa. Powell, Homestead, Nordstrom, Dezurik, Walworth, and ACF are examples of manufacturers with equivalent products. However, not all design features are the same, so care should be taken when evaluating.
Are test reports available for Rockwell Plug Valves?
Yes. All valve testing requirements can be made available for Rockwell Valves, including MTR’s, NDE, Pressure Testing, Radiography Testing, Magnetic Particle, Dye Penetrant, PMI, Positive Material Identification, Hardness Testing, and Failure Analysis.
Are Nordstrom valves and Rockwell plug valves the same?
Yes. Nordstrom valves have undergone name changes, but the products remain the same. Nordstrom valves may carry markings as Rockwell, Hypreseal, DB for Dynamic Balance, Super Nordstrom, Rockwell Nordstrom, or Hypresphere. The Nordstrom plug valve has maintained the same design for 50 years.
How do I size a Nordstrom plug valve wrench?
Rockwell plug valves, both the iron plug valve and the steel plug valve, have optional wrenches for operation. Since there were different designs of Rockwell valves, care must be taken choosing the correct wrench. Determine which generation of valve you have and examine the shape if the stem on top of the valve. Wrenches for Nordstrom Valves are made for valves with Square or Obround Stems, Valves with Square Heads, and wrenches with Obround Heads with stop lugs, and without stop lugs.