This product notice is to inform you that some mechanical dump valves and trunnion assemblies are experiencing performance issues. In our mechanical dump valves and trunnion assemblies, the angular play in the D-shaped hub/shaft connections stack up to allow excess movement, which can inhibit proper operation.
We have identified 3 areas of improvement that will address these issues. The first is confirmed and available, the other two are future improvements which will address remaining issues in the trunnion assemblies and the dump valves.
1. Confirmed Improvement: Lever Hub Set Screw
We have implemented a set screw in the lever hub on both the trunnions and mechanical dump
valves. All new mechanical dump valves and trunnion assemblies will have this feature going
forward. (Figure 1)
2. Future Improvement: New Design of Trunnion Shaft and Hub
We are currently field testing a newly designed trunnion shaft and hub that will effectively eliminate
all angular play in the trunnion assemblies. Pending a successful outcome of field trials, these are
expected to be available by mid to late June. (Figure 2)
3. Future Improvement: New Design of Hub, Link, and Pin Assembly
We plan to implement a new valve hub, link and pin assembly design in the mechanical valve to remove most of the angular play allowed currently by those components. Pending a successful outcome of field trials, these should be available by Q1 of 2020.
We have been transitioning our existing inventory to accommodate the new Lever Hub Set Screw, and so initial orders and lead times may be delayed as much as two weeks as these transitions take place.
Here are the next steps we recommend:
- If you are currently experiencing significant performance issues due to this part, contact your local Kimray store or authorized distributor to order the set screw replacements.
- If you are not currently experiencing significant performance issues due to this part, no further action is required.