The most common types of manual ball valves are the 1-Piece, 2-Piece and 3-Piece. Another relatively common type is the 3-way ball valve, these 4 types account for the vast majority of the most often used valves.
One Piece
A One-Piece has valve body cast out of a single piece of material. This means that there no joints in the body which eliminates the risk of leaks. The one-piece has a smaller body than the other valves making it the most cost effective. This also results in a smaller ball which means one-piece valves always have a reduced port. This means the internal diameter of the pipe decreases by one size at the point where the valve is installed. they are generally used where cleaning is not a concern and where the possibility of particle build up is low.
Two Piece
A Two-Piece has a valve body cast out of two pieces that thread together. The two-piece has a larger body which allows for a larger ball which means a full port is possible. This means the internal diameter of pipe the remains constant throughout the pipe, once the valve is installed. They are the most commonly used among all the ball valve types and are good for mixtures and applications where an optimal flow rate is preferred. The Valve body can be dismantled for cleaning and to service the seals, however the valve will have to be removed from the pipe, unlike the three piece.
Three Piece
A Three-Piece has valve body cast out of three pieces that are held together by bolt connections fitted to each of the two ends. The three-piece also has a larger body which allows for a larger ball with a full port. They are ideal for applications where regular maintenance and cleaning is required. By loosening the bolt connections the valve separates into three parts and the internal ball and seats can be accessed without removing the two ends connected to the pipe. This makes them ideal for food & beverage applications and in pharmaceutical industries where sanitation and regular cleaning is required.
Three Way
These mulit-port valves are used in mixing or splitting flow (T-Port) and also for diverting (L-Port) multiple streams of fluid. This is achieved by means of a L-shaped or T-shaped bore in the ball. On top of this they also open and close the flow to multiple fluid streams. There are two types of 3-way ball valves L-Port and T-Port:
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- L-Port
- Used as diverter valves directing flow from a single inlet to one of two outlets.
- Also used as selector valves selecting one of two inlets to flow to a single outlet.
- T-Port
- Used as mixing valves combining flow from two inlets into a single outlet.
- Also used for splitting flow from a single inlet to two outlets simultaneously.
- Pressure rating up to 6000 psig (413 Bar) at 70ºF (21ºC) with PCTFE seats
- Temperature rating from -65ºF to 350ºF (-54ºC to 177ºC) with standard PCTFE seat
- Compact design
- Straight through design for max. flow rate
- Body materials available in 316 stainless steel and brass
- 100% factory tested
- Ease of Use: They open and close quickly using minumal force with a simple 90 degree (quarter-turn) of the handle and require no tools for operation.
- Quick Installation: They are quick and easy to install using simple threaded ends as a method of connecting in-line to an application.
- Versatile: They are good for high pressure, high temperature and high flow making them suitable for a wide range of industrial applications.
- Durable: Their simple robust design provides resistance to general wear and tear ensuring a long service life of reliable use.
- Reliable: They are designed for repeatable use of leak free service, that is to repeat their function of opening and closing flow in the same way for the life of the valve.
- Cost Effective: They are the most cost effective of all the valves.
- Low Maintenance: Since they are low maintanance and require little to no service, this results to additional long term cost savings.
- No Lubrication required: The seats holding the ball function well in wet and dry situations.
- Low Pressure Drop: They have a high flow capacity and low pressure drop due to the size of the bore in the ball. when fully open there is little to no resistance to the flow of fluid.
- Compact: Smaller than other options like gate and butterfly valves.
Selecting the correct Ball Valve
- Bore Size: Determine the internal diameter needed for your required flowrate: Reduced Port or Full port. Full port is designed for maximum flow rate and is also good for mixtures.
- Type: 1-Piece, 2-Piece, 3-Piece and 3-way ball valves. 1-Piece are the most cost effective. 2-Piece are used when a full flow is required. 3-Piece is used when regular cleaning is needed. 3-way is used for mixing or when multiple inputs are needed.
- Materials of Construction: Chemical compatibility varies depending on the material of the valve body. Stainless Steel 316 is the most versatile and can be used on corrosive madia. Stainless Steel 304 is a better priced alternative good for most applications. Brass is traditionally used on water, oil and air applications, however more and more brass is being replaced with the ever better price of the 304 stainless steel. PVC valves are lighter and used with acids & bases as well as with organic solvents.
- Pressure: Operating pressure ratings vary for ball valves the standard we stock being 1000 psi which covers most application. we also stock 2000 psi and 3000 psi ball valves for more unique applications.
- Temperature: The temprature rating can vary dependign on size. Stainless steel and the seats generally withstand high tempratures, to be safe consider -13°F to 302°F.
- End Connection: Most ball valves have Female NPT threaded ends. They can also be manufactured with Male NPT threads and Female NPT thread. Other common alternate methods of connections are butt weld ends and flange ends.
- Port Count: The most common is the two-way ball valve which has two ports, an inlet and a outlet. This bi-directional valve can carry media in both directions. we also stock 3-way ball valves with have three ports.
- Actuation method: The most common is manual operation by turning the handle. Electronic or pneamatic actuators can be fitted to the valve for remote operation.
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