Heavy compressor valve lifting tool and associated methods

A method of lifting a heavy compressor valve with a heavy compressor valve lifting tool, the method comprising:

• positioning a valve interfacing surface of the heavy compressor valve lifting tool adjacent an outer surface of a perimeter of a compressor valve, such that the valve interfacing surface is positioned so as to underlie the compressor valve when the valve interfacing surface interfaces with the outer surface of the compressor valve, the valve interfacing surface comprising one or more arcuate-shaped interfacing surfaces having a curvature complementary to a curvature of the outer surface of the compressor valve;
• securing the valve interfacing surface of the heavy compressor valve lifting tool against the outer surface of the compressor valve;
• and
• moving the compressor valve away from an associated compressor with a lifting mechanism connected to the heavy compressor valve lifting tool;
• wherein the heavy compressor valve lifting tool comprises:
• one or more reinforcing arms connected to the one or more valve interfacing surfaces, the one or more reinforcing arms positioned such that at least portions of the one or more reinforcing arms underlie the compressor valve when the one or more valve interfacing surfaces interface with the outer surface of the compressor valve;
• one or more tool lifting arms directly connected to the one or more reinforcing arms at a first end of the one or more tool lifting arms.