EXHIBIT 5.1



                              [Letterhead of]

                          CRAVATH, SWAINE & MOORE
                             [New York Office]


                                                              July 22, 1997


                          Durco International Inc.


Dear Ladies & Gentlemen:

          We have acted as counsel for Durco International Inc., a New York
corporation ("Durco"), in connection with the post-effective amendment (the
"Post-Effective Amendment") on Form S-8 to Durco's registration statement
on Form S-4 (Registration Number 333-29541) (the "Registration Statement")
filed by Durco with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 19,
1997. The Post-Effective Amendment relates to the issuance of up to
2,779,756 shares of Durco common stock, par value $1.25 per share (the
"Shares"), which will be issuable pursuant to stock-based awards granted
under the BW/IP, Inc. 1996 Long-Term Incentive Plan, BW/IP, Inc. 1996
Directors Stock and Deferred Compensation Plan, BW/IP International, Inc.
1992 Long-Term Incentive Plan, BWIP Holding, Inc. Non-Employee Directors'
Stock Option Plan and BW/IP International, Inc. Capital Accumulation Plan
(collectively, the "Plans"), which have been assumed by Durco in connection
with the merger of Bruin Acquisition Corp. a Delaware Corporation and
wholly owned subsidiary of Durco ("Bruin"), with and into BW/IP, Inc., a
Delaware corporation ("BW/IP"), pursuant to the terms of the Agreement and
Plan of Merger dated as of May 6, 1997 (the "Merger Agreement") among
Durco, Bruin and BW/IP.

          We have examined such corporate records, certificates and other
documents as we have considered necessary or appropriate for the purposes
of this opinion. In such examination, we have assumed the genuineness of
all signatures and the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as
originals and the conformity to originals of all documents submitted to us
as copies. We have relied, to the extent that we deemed such reliance
proper, upon certificates of public officials with respect to the




accuracy of material factual matters contained therein which were not
independently established.

          Based on such examination, we are of opinion that the Shares,
when issued and delivered in accordance with the terms of the options
issued under the Plans, as assumed by Durco pursuant to the Merger
Agreement, will be duly authorized, legally issued, fully paid and
nonassessable.

          We hereby consent to the inclusion of this opinion as an exhibit
to the Post-Effective Amendment.


                                   Very truly yours,


                                   /s/ CRAVATH, SWAINE & MOORE


Durco International Inc.
   3100 Research Boulevard
      Dayton, Ohio 45420