Valves must be designed so that the valve stem can be removed without what?

The correct choice indicates that valves must be designed such that the valve stem can be removed without the removal of the complete bonnet. This design consideration is crucial for maintenance and repair efficiency. If the entire bonnet had to be removed to access the valve stem, it would require disassembling significant components of the valve assembly, leading to potential loss of system integrity, increased downtime, and the possibility of misalignment during reassembly.

By allowing for the removal of the valve stem without disassembling the complete bonnet, technicians can perform maintenance or replace parts more efficiently. This design reduces the potential for leaks and ensures that the valve can be serviced while the system remains intact, benefiting both safety and operational effectiveness.

Other options may relate to aspects of design and maintenance, but the focus on the bonnet highlights the importance of streamlined repair processes in valve design.