Stem Blowout of Grove B-4 Ball Valves
Effective Date: 8/15/1974
 | Minerals Management Service Gulf of Mexico OCS Region |
Notice No. 010
August 15, 1974
Two incidents were recently reported by an operator in which the stems ofGrove B-4 ball valves blew out while attempting to close the valves. Excessivetorque was required to close the valves, which resulted in shearing the pinsholding the stems in place. Fortunately, only very minor injury to personneloccurred, with no damage to the property or environment.
These valves can be modified to correct this potentially dangerous situation.Information on modification can be obtained from:
Grove Valve and Regulator Company
2525 No. Loop West
Suite 416
Houston, Texas 77001
Telephone: (713) 869-7311
[signature] D.W. Solanas
Oil and Gas Supervisor
Field Operations
Gulf of Mexico Area