Babbitt

Babbitt Steam Specialty Co. of New Bedford, Massachusetts, makes manually operated overhead valve actuators. Those are the chainwheels a plant uses to open and close valves mounted out of reach. The company dates to 1907, and Isaac N. Babbitt invented the adjustable sprocket rim chainwheel in 1915.

BoilerSupplies.com carries Babbitt chainwheels in cast iron, ductile iron and aluminum, in standard, solid hub and solid hub rim styles. Pocketwheels come in aluminum and cast iron. The page also lists hammerblow chainwheels, which carry a loose hammer that jars a stuck valve open. Epoxy coated and galvanized corrosion resistant chainwheels are there for wet or outdoor areas. The cast iron safetywheel configuration and the safety wheel configuration kit are on the page too. So is the Babbitt Bucket, a chain bucket used with chainwheel operated valves, sold by the piece.

Key facts

• Babbitt Steam Specialty Co. is located in New Bedford, Massachusetts.

• Isaac N. Babbitt invented the adjustable sprocket rim chainwheel in 1915.

• BoilerSupplies.com lists Babbitt chainwheels in cast iron, ductile iron and aluminum, including solid hub, hammerblow, epoxy coated and galvanized types.

• Babbitt pocketwheels are listed in aluminum and cast iron.

• The Babbitt Bucket is a chain bucket used with chainwheel operated valves, sold by the piece.

• In-stock small-pack orders placed before 2:00 PM EST, Monday through Friday, ship the same day.

Chainwheel, chain wheel, chain valve operator: which name is right?

All of them: chainwheel, chain wheel, chainwheel valve operator, chain valve and valve chain operator all name the same part. It is a sprocket rim that clamps to a valve handwheel and carries a loop of chain down to floor level. Babbitt Steam Specialty makes the ones on this page, in cast iron, ductile iron and aluminum.

What is a Babbitt Bucket?

The Babbitt Bucket is a chain bucket used with chainwheel operated valves, sold by the piece on BoilerSupplies.com. It is also spelled babbit bucket. Send the count you need and the chainwheels they go with, and BoilerSupplies.com can quote the whole order.

What do you need to size a Babbitt chainwheel?

Two measurements first: the outside diameter of the valve handwheel, and the drop from the wheel to the floor. The drop sets the chain length. Then whether the handwheel is spoked or solid and the material the location calls for. Add the valve size and the number of wheels. A photo of the handwheel from the side and the front shows the rest.

Which chainwheel material should I use, cast iron, ductile iron or aluminum?

Cast iron is the standard choice for dry indoor service. Ductile iron where the wheel gets rough handling or hangs on a large valve. Aluminum where weight matters on a small valve or the atmosphere attacks iron. Epoxy coated and galvanized wheels go outdoors or in wet areas. If the valve sticks and needs a jolt to start, order the hammerblow type.

Handwheel diameter, material, drop to the floor and the count: send those through BoilerSupplies.com or dial 1-770-957-9599, toll free 1-800-780-3776.