of Contents

Warranty 1
WhatIsAWaterGauge? 2
HowToSelectAWaterGauge 2
Do'sandDon't's 4
Installation 4
Conbraco Water Gauges & Liquid Level Gauges Dimensions 7
RoughBronzeWaterGauges 9
RoughBronzeWaterGaugeswithExtendedShank 10
StainlessSteelLiquidLevelGauges 10
RoughBronzeLiquidLevelGauges 11
PolishedBronzeWaterGauges 11
GaugeGlassRatings. , 12
RepairKits 13
Glossary 14

Customer Service 1-704-841-6000

 WHAT IS A WATBI GAUGE?
A water gauge is a device that allows the liquid level in a ves-
sel to be visually inspected. Water gauges are required by the
ASME fuiler and PressureCode on steam boilers, and are
also useful in many other applications, such as monitoring
the amount of oil in an oil tank.
THINGS TO RB\u"BBI
Care must be given to ensure the proper selection of a water
gauge. Special attention must be given to temperature / pres-
sure requirements and to the service media (i.e. water, steam,
oils, chemical agents, etc.). Some items to keep in mind:
.PRESSURE RATINGS may be influenced by
limitations of the valve bod~ gauge glass,& gauge glass
gasket. As temperahu-esincrease,pressure ratings
decrease. The larger the glass diameter and the longer the
glass length, the lower the pressure rating. Refer to the
GAUGE GLASS PRFSSUREAND TEMPERATURE
TABLE for detailed information.
.TEMPERATURE RATINGS may also be influenced by
limitations of the valve bod~ gauge glass, & gauge glass
gasket.
.Use GUARD RODS and TUBULAR GAUGE GLASS
PROTECfORS to help protect glass from accidental
breakage. Some applications require glass protectors.
.Use REDONE gauge glass where pressures pem1it to
allow for easy reading of the gauge. Use large diameter
(3/4 /I) glass for increased visibility.
.Use AUToMAnc BALL CHECKS to help minimize the
risk of property damage or personal injury Vertically
rising automatic ball checks confonning to ASME
requirements are available.
.Boilers operating above 400 psi reqllire two water gauges-
.All water gauges on all steam boilers must be 1/2" N.~T.
or larger.
A SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT CORROSION
Most problems with water gauge perfonnance are associated
with corrosion. Excessivecorrosion may result in leakage,
glass breakage, and premature valve failure. There are sever-
al things to watch for:
.Be sure all components (valve body; sealsand packings,
etc.) of the water gauge are consh"uctedwith materials
compatible with the service medium. Non-standard pack-
ings for special applications may be ordered in our
WATER GAUGE REPAIR KITS. Seethe "Compass
CorrosionGuide or equivalent for additional
information.
.Elevated temperatures and pressures acceleratecorrosion
(you may need a stainless steel water gauge instead of
bronze, or high pressure glass instead of standard, to
. achieve an acceptableservice life).
.Operation and maintenance -check gauges daily for leaks,
corrosion, and gauge glass clarity. Water gauges should be
Customer Service 1-704-841-8000
well illuminated and kept clean. Leaks may result in false
waterline readings, may damage the gauge, and accelerate
corrosion. The appearance of rust in the gauge glass is an
indication of improper water treatment. Seethe CONBRA-
CO WATER GAUGE JNSTALLAnON JNSTRUcnONS
(I-5387-OO) or the appropriate sections of the ASME Boiler
and PressureVesselCode for additional information.
.Gauge Glass Corrosion -Gauge glass is attacked and dis-
solved in service by the fluid media, resulting in thinning
of the wall and premature failure or replacement. Two fac-
tors detem1ine the rate of attack: alkalinity and ternpera-
ture. High alkalinity (high pH valUffi) increasesthe rate of
attack (a pH of 11.5attacks glass at a rate of 30 timffi greater
than a pH of 8.5.) High temperatures increase the rate of
attack (5(X)JFwater attacks glass 100 timffi faster than
265°Fwater.) There is nothing that may be done to reduce
the effects of temperature, but the effects of pH may be
reduced by maintaining proper pH balance in the boiler
water with chemical agents. Glass corrosion may also be
dffTea5ed by avoiding exposure to water spray and drafts.
HOW TO SBfCT A 1I\IATBI GAUGE
1. Selecta valve seriesbased upon the application:
.use 20400 or 20-410seriesfor 9(J!handles or when
working in close quarters,
.use 20-600,24-600,or 25-600series (d1ain levers)
where the water gauge is located beyond reach from
the floor,
.use 20-604/605 (bronze) or 23-650(stainlesssteel) series
expansion tank gauges when a shut-<>££ is not required
in the top valve (NEVER USE AN EXPANSION
TANK GAUGE ON A BOILER!),
.use 20-800(bronze) or 23-450(stainlesssteel) series
expansion tank gauges to mount a pressure gauge or
other insb"urnent directly to the water gauge-
.use 20-700seriesexpansion tank gauge for easier gauge
glass replacement,
.use 23-450seriesstainless steel for superior corrosion
resistance,
.use polished gauges for a more elegant appearance,
.use heavy pattern water gauges (such as
20-200/250, 24-300/3S0)for higher pressures.
Be sure to verify gauge glass will withstand pressure
by consulting the "Gauge Glass Service Rating Table"
.use longer shank on N.P.T.end when extra shank length
is needed to penetrate an outer jacket or insulation
(available on 20-100/150,20-200 /250 and 21 series).
Otherwise use a standard water gauge.
2. SelectNon-Automatic, Automatic, or ASME Automatic:
.use automatic (horizontally seating) or ASME
automatic (vertically rising to seat in lower valve body)
ball checks where available to minimize the risk of
personal injury and/ or property damage in the event
of gauge glass breakage. The sudden rush of steam and
water seatsthe balls, thereby shutting off the escapeof
steam and water. There will however be slight leakage
as required by certain codes.
3. Selecta handwheel style:
.use aluminum handwheels for durability,
.use plastic (composition) handwheels for reduced heat
transfer,
.use chain levers (not available on all models) when the
water gauge is located beyond reach from the floor.
4. Selecta gauge glass size (djarneter):
.use larger (3/4") djarneter gauge glass were available
for increased visibility.
5. Selecta gauge ~ type (based on pressure
reqWrements):
.use Red line ~ for increased fluid level visibility.
.use high pressure ~ for high pressure applications.
.for economy use standard ~ for low pressure
applications.
.replace the two digit suffix in the part number of the
water gauge with -10 when selecting red line or high
pressure gauge ~.
6. Selectgauge gla&5length:
.select a standard gauge gla&5length when possible,
.select a non-standard gauge gla&5length as needed, and
replace the two digit suffix in the part number of the
water gauge with -10. The longer the gauge gla&5,the
lower the allowable pressure and temperature. Be sure
to consult the "Gauge Glass Service Rating Table"for
pressure and temperature limits. When selecting non-
standard gauge gla&5lengths,the gauge gla&5length is
detem1ined by the center to center distance and the
valve seriesnumber according to the following fonnula:
for 20-300,20-350,20-601,20-602,23-650,24-300,
25-300,25-400,25-500,and 25-6(X),
Gauge glass length = Center to center -2"
Guard rods length = Gauge gla&5length + 1-1/4"
for 23-400,24-400,and 24-600,
Gauge glass length = Center to center -2"
Guard rods length = Gauge glass length + 7/8'
for all other water gauge series,
Gauge glass length = Center to center -1-1/4"
Guard rods length = Gauge glass length + 2"
(also refer to ilimesion table for these)
.for gauge glass longer than 72" it is necessaryto use two
or more water gauges of shorter length in an over-
lapped staggered tandem (i.e. for lOO" of needed
coverage, use two gauges of about 55" and install them
parallel and staggered so as to overlap their individual
coverage of 55" to get lOO" total coverage.)
7. Selecttubular gauge glass protector:
.for 5/811diameter gauge glass,use 1-2733-05
.for 3/4" diameter gauge glass,use 1-2734-05
.maximum protector length is 5()"
.protector not available on 23-300,23-650,and
24-600series.
GCONBRaCO
8. Selectdrajn type:
.Plug drajn is standard on 20-400and 23-600series.Ball
valve drain is standard on 23-4001450 and 24-3001350
series.Needle drajn is standard on all others. Ball valve
drain or pet cock drajn available on most models upon
request.
9. Selecta gauge glass packing rnaterial:
.use EPDM for most general applications, incluillng
steam service, for temperahlres -(j5OFto 400'E
Recommended for water, steam, silicone oils, ketones
(MEK, acetone,etc...), alcohol, and brake fluid.
Unsuitable for peb-oleum oils. Comes standard on most
models. EPDM is most economical.
.use VitonlM for superior resistanceat elevated
temperahlres -lSOFto 400'F (up to 600'F for short
periods.) Recommended for peb-oleum oils, silicone
oils, halogenated hydrocarbons (carbon tetrachloride,
trichloroethylene), acids. Unsuitable for ketones (MEK,
acetone),amines, anhydrous ammonia, hot hydrofluoric
or chlorosulfonic acid. VitonlM is about ten times more
expensive than EPDM.
.use HypalonlM for superior acid resistanceat
temperahlres -65°Fto 25(JJF.Has a shorter service life
than EPDM and Viton lMin standard, non-acid
applications. More difficult to seal than softer EPDM or
VitonlM. Comes standard on 23 and 24 series.
HypalonlM is equivalent to EPDM in cost.
.use TeflonlMfor best chemical resistance,for
temperahlres up to up to 5(JJ1EMore difficult to seal
than HypalonlM, VitonlM, or EPDM. Use only when
needed for more chemical resistancethan VitonlM at
elevated temperahlres. Not recommended for hot
fluorine, oxygen difluoride, or chlorine triflouride.
TeflonlMis about three times as expensive as EPDM.
.Remember, chemical resistancedecreasesas
temperature increases. Consult "CompassCorrosion
Guide" or equivalent.
.To order non-standard gauge glass packing, order the
water gauge norrna11~then also order a 'Water Gauge
Repair Kit" ("Standard All" for EPDM, Hypalon~
and TeflonlM; "VitonlM Gaskets Only" for VitonlM).
Remove the pre-installed packing, and install the
desired packing rnaterial.
Service 1-704-841-6000
WATER GAUGE DO'S AND DON'T'S INSTALLATION
DO NOT's
Only properly trained personnel should install and maintain
DO NOT use glass if it contains any scratches,chips, or
water gauge glass and connections. Remember to wear safety
any other visible signs of damage.
gloves and glaS5esduring installation. Before installing, make
DO NOT reuse any tubular glass or glass packings.
sure all parts are free of chips and debris.
DO NOT subject gauge glass to bending or torsional
stresses.
Apply Teflon1Mtape or pipe dopeto pipe threads.Install
DO NOT over tighten glass packing nuts.
top gaugefitting (fitting without a drain valve)into the
DO NOT allow glass to touch any metal parts.
upper most tapping.Wrenchtightenthe fitting until it is
DO NOT exceed the recommended pressure of the gauge
snugand the glassoutlet is pointing at five d clock(about
or gauge glass.
1/8 turn from its final, downward vertical,position).
DO NOT clean the gauge or gauge glass while pressurized
or in operation.
2. fustall the bottom gauge fitting (the fitting with a dram
DO's valve) until it is snug and the glass outlet is pointing
DO verify proper gauge has been supplied. directly upward. Verify top and bottom fittings are
DO examine gauge ~ and packings carefully for damage threaded into the tappings the same number of turns
before installation. (distance A= distance B).
TING
DO install protective guards and utilize automatic ball
checks where necessaryto help prevent injury in caseof 3. Remove glass packing
nut, friction washer (or
~ breakage.
DO inspect the gauge ~ dail~ keep maintenance records, packing gland, depend-
ing upon the model), and ~ VESSEL
and conduct routine replacements. WALL

DO protect ~ from sudden changes in temperahIres such glass packing from the fit-

as drafts, water spra~ etc. tings, and place them, in GAUGE

GLASS
the same order, on to
GUARD
ROD
both ends of the gauge

MAINTB\IANCE glass Pus h both pa ckin

.WASHER
gs FRICTION -
GLASS
PACKING
NUT
about an inch u p the (P~g~ING
GLAND) ) ~.
Examine the gauge glass regularly for any signs of clouding, gauge glass. E=::r
GLASS
PACKING
scratching, erosion, or corrosion. The glass should be inspect-
ed daily until the need for replacement becomes apparent. 4. Gently insert one end of
This will help establish the routine inspection and routine the glass into the top
replacement schedules. gauge fitting. Keeping the
glass inside the top fit-
ting, gently rotate the top 1-
gauge fitting clockwise, INVALvE
CLEANING
using wrench on valve
Use commercial non-abrasive glass cleaners to keep glass wrench flats, until
clean. Use diluted acids such as Hydrochloric (muriatic) acid vertically aligned with the bottom gauge fitting, then insert
when regular cleaners do not seem to work Do not use wjre glass into bottom fitting until glass bottoms out on the
brushes or any other abrasive materials which could scratch shoulder inside the bottom fitting.
the glass.
5. Carefully raise glass about 1/16" and slide lower glass
packing down until the glass packing contacts the lower
INSPECTION gauge fitting. DO NOT allow the glass to remain in contact
with any metal!
Examine the surface of the gla&Sfor scratches,corrosion,
chips, cracks, surface flaws, or nicks. To do this, ajm a very 6. Carefully slide upper glass packing up as far as possible.
bright concentrated light at an angle of about 45 degrees.A
defective gla&Swill glisten as the light strikes imperfections. 7. Hand tighten both glass packing nuts, then tighten 1/2
Glass which appears cloudy or roughened, and will not h1m more by wrenrn. 1ighten only enough to prevent
respond to cleaning, should be replaced. leakage. DO NOT OVER nGIfl'EN! If any leakage
should occur, tighten slightly;:a quarter h1m at a time,
rnecking for leakage after earn h1m.
STORING
Keep gauge glass in original packaging until ready to install.

OCONBRaCO Customer Service 1-704-841-6000

 20-100 SERIES 20-200 SERIES 2(}-250 HEAVY
STANDARD PATrERN HEAVY PATTERN PATTERN AUTOMATIC

20-300 SERIES 20-350 SERIES 20-400 SERIES

AUTOMATIC LEFT HAND ILLUSTRATED

20-601 & 602 20-604 & 20-605

20-410 SERIES
LEFT HAND ONLY

aCONBRaCO
-
Customer Service 1-704-841-6000
.

20-700 SERIES 20-800 SERIES 23-450 SERIES 23-600 SERIES

ASME AUTOMATIC

24-300 SERIES 24-600 SERIES 25-200 SERIES

HEAVY PATTERN

25-400 SERIES 25-500 SERIES 25-600 SERIES

AUTOMATIC

OCCNBRaCC Customer Service 1-704-841-6000

 A = Overall length is found by adding this to dimension "L"
B = Valve open total depth
C = Valve closed total depth
D = Handle diameter
E = Maximum extension below lower arm centerline
F = Maximum extension above upper arm centerline
G = End of arm NPT to centerline of glass
H = End of arm NPT to hex shoulder
Glass Length is "L" minus GL code
Rod Length is glass length plus RL code

* Automatic

Customer Service 1-704-841-6000

~
21-105 1/2 2.25 5.5 5.25 2 1.25 1 2.69 1.75 1.25 2

OCONBRac:C Customer Service 1-704-841-8000

 Series Rating (subject to limitation of gauge glass)
--
20-150 125 psi @ 350°F,300 psi @ 100°F
--
20-250 200 psi @ 400°F,400 psi @ 10OOF
--
20-350 200 psi @ 400°F,400 psi @ 10OOF
---
20-601, 602 250 psi @ 400°F,500 psi @ 10OOF
--
20-700 125 psi @ 350°F,300 psi @ 10OOF
--

Standard Glass
Cat. No. Pipe Size O.D. & length Glass Seal Stem Packing Handle Wt./100
,

20-102-00 3/8 5/8 x 10 EPDMRubber Teflon composite 145

20-105-00 1/2 5/8 x 12 EPDMRubber Teflon 160

20-604-00* 1/2 5/8 x 12 EPDMRubber Teflon aluminum 155

20-703-00 3/8 5/8 x 10 EPDM Rubber na na 120

20-704-00 1/2 5/8 x 12 EPDM Rubber na na 135

20-804-00* 1/2 5/8 x 12 EPDMRubber Teflon aluminum 160

.Automatic
1TeflonTM is a trademark of the E.I. duPont deNemours & Go.

Customer Service 1-704-841-6000

 ~eries Rating (subject to limitation of gauge glass)

21-150 125 psi @ 350°F,300psi @ 100°F

--
21-250 200 psi @ 400°F,400 psi @ 1000F

Standard Glass Shank2

Cat. No. Pipe Size O.D:& le,~gth Glass Seal Stem Packing Handle Wt./100 Length

21-102 3/8 5/8 x 10 EPDMRubber Teflon composite 175 1 3/4

21-105 1/2 5/8 x 12 EPDMRubber Teflon composite 197 1 3/4

21-151* 1/2 5/8 x 12 EPDMRubber Teflon composite 207 1 3/4

21-251* 1/2 5/8 x 12 EPDMRubber Teflon composite 215 1 3/4

*Automatic
1TeflonTM
isa trademark
oftheE.I.duPont
deNemours
& Go.
2For1 1/4"shanklengthuse-07suffix

Standard Glass
Cat. No. Glass Seal Handle Wt./100
23-402 1/2 5/8 x 12 TFE W/HVDOlon BraidedTFEw/Aramid composition 385

**ASME Automatic
1TeflonTM is a trademark of the E.I. duPont deNemours & Go.

Customer Service 1-704-841-8000

 24-350 250 psi @ 400°F,500 psi @ 100°F
--
24-650 250 psi @ 400°F,500 psi @ 100°F
---
24-850 250 psi @ 400°F,500 psi @ 100°F

25-400 125 psi @ 350°F,300 psi @ 10(J'F

---
25-600 250 Dsi@ 40(J'F,500 Dsi@ 100°F

25-505* 3/4 3/4x16 EPDM rubber TFE W/HVDOlon composition 355

25-602 3/4 3/4 x 16 EPDM rubber Graohite w/Aramid comQosition 350

#Valve bodies made from brass bar stock
The standard repair kits contain glasspackiJlg,stem It is helpful to determine the following information
packing, friction washers,seatwashers,and drain when ordering a repair kit.
washer applicable to the particular valve. Tllree Model number (if not avail. describegauge,i.e.
types of glasspacking, EPDM rubber, HypilonTM, material, # guard rods, NPT size,etc.)
and VIrgin TeflonTM,are included in eachkit. For GlassOD and type
severeapplications Flouroelastomer(VitonThI) glass Handle type
gasketsetsare availablefor eachmodel. Servicemedia, temperature,and pressure
RepairKit OrderingInformation If you know the model number just examinethe
Example 20-001-01 "Repair Kit Applications" chart to selectkit number
I I Ll I for your valve. To order the standard kit or viton
I KITTYPE KITNUM8ER
gaskets,assemblethe ordering matrix for the desired
20-00= Watergaugerepairkit 1 = StandardAll 01 kit number.
2 = Vitongasketsonly 02
03 If you are unable to determine model number please
04
05 determine the aboveinformation and call customer
06
07
servicefor assistance.
08
09 For replacementglasspleasedetermine the above
10 information in addition to the "L " dimension and
11
12 call customerservice.
13 "L " dimension (centerto center height of water
14
gaugeinlets).

Only properly trained personnelshould install,

maintain and repair water gaugeglassand connec-
tions. Rememberto wear safety gloves and glasses
during installation/repair. Beforeinstalling, make
sure all parts are free of chips and debris.

1. Close water gauge Stem

Stem

valves. If necessary drain Packing Washer

vessel to eliminate leakage

during repair. Drain
gauge glass using drain
valve or plug.
i(J
'T-J
- I
2. Completely loosen both Top ~~
.Vessel
Wall

g lass p ackin g nuts. G.a~ge

F.«.ng
3. Gently raise gauge glass Gauge
until bottom ?f ~auge glass Guard
ROd (;lass

clears lower fitting. Washer

Vriction
~
-Glass
4. Using a wrench Pa:king
\ Packing
Nut
attached to the hex flats on (A
the upper fitting, lift glass ..-I r-Glass
and packing nut then I Packing

rotate the fitting and glass

1/8 turn counter clock
wise.
5. Carefully remove the Stom \ ' Bottom
gauge glass from the Packinl!
Gaug"
Nut
upper fitting. Remove all Fitting
()ra;uVal""
glass packing, packing

GCDNBRaCO Customer Service 1-704-841

 nuts, washersand packing glands, noting tl1eirposi-
tions on the glass.
6. Clean and inspect gauge glassand fittin~;sfor any
wear, erosion,cracksor debris. Any damaged com-
ponents must be replaced.
7. If it is desired,the stem packing can be replaced
by removing the handle(s)then the stem packing
nut. Removeold packing and stem packin~~washer
if applicable. Install new packing in stem packing
nut and reusestem packing washer as appt~cable.
8. To replaceseatwashers (where applicable)the
systemmust be drained. After removing the stem
packing nut reinstall handle and remove stem by
opening valve. Cut off old seatwasher and install
new seatwasher using appropriate size tub~ driver.
9. Install stem until it seats. Removehand1~and
install stem packing nut with packing inside.
Tighten stem packing nut until snug using ,vrench.
10. Placeglasspacking nut, friction washer (or
packing gland, depending upon the mode1),. and
new glasspacking, in the sameorder as foUJ:ld,on to
both ends of the gaugeglass. Push both pa(:kings
about an inch up the gauge glass.
11. Gently insert one end of the glassinto the top
gauge fitting. Keeping the glassinside the b)p fit-
ting, gently rotate the top gauge fitting cloc1<:wise,
using wrench on valve hex flats, until verticiilly
aligned with the bottom gauge fitting. lnser1.glass
into bottom fitting until glassbottoms out on the
shoulder inside the bottom fitting.
12. Carefully raise glassabout 1/1611and slide
lower glasspacking down until the glasspacking
bottoms out. DO NOT allow the glassto remain in
contactwith any metal!
13. Carefully slide upper glasspacking up as far as
possible.
14. Hand tighten both glasspacking nuts, then
tighten 1/2 turn more by wrench. Tighten only
enough to prevent leakage. DO NOT OVEF~
TIcHTEN! If any leakageshould occur,tighten
slightly, a quarter turn at a time, checkingfor leak-
age after eachturn.

1-704-841-8000
 Plumbing/Heating Catalog StrainersCatalog AGA Ball Valve Brochure

To learn more about

Conbracowater gaugesor
liquid level gauges,or to
place an order, seeyour
Conbracodistributor. Or
contact the Conbracocus-
tomer servicedepartment
at (704)841-6000;
Fax: (704)841-6021.

36 C Brochure J:n-Line Check Valve

Brochure

Conbraco Industries, Inc. Your Local Conbraco distributor is:

P.O. Box 247
Matthews, NC 28106
(704) 841-6000
I I
Fax (704) 841-6021

PHBRWGA12/95
L ~
Printed in U.S.A.