What is a 3-Piece Stainless Steel Ball Valve?
A 3-piece stainless steel ball valve is a quarter-turn rotary valve that uses a ball-shaped disc to start or stop flow. It is defined as a mechanical device that directs and modulates the flow of various types of fluids by opening a ball with a hole in its center. By turning the handle on the valve, the port that controls the pressure of the fluid flow can be manually opened or closed. Durability and perfect sealing are the features that make ball valves advantageous compared to other types of valves.
How Does a 3-Piece Ball Valve Work?
More complex control systems that require flow adjustment from a pipe will need an actuator. The actuator controls the valve pneumatically or electrically and positions it properly to ensure the fluid flow is sensitive to changing pressures and flow rates. Key features to consider when selecting the appropriate valve include temperature and pressure ratings, number of ports, valve size, body material type, end connections, and configurations.
General Specifications
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Body: AISI304 Stainless Steel
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Ball: AISI304 Stainless Steel
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Connections: BSP Threaded
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Nominal Diameter: DN15 (1/2”) – DN100 (4”)
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Pressure Ratings: Max. 63 bar
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Temperature: According to material, -10ºC / +180ºC
Applications
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Air, gas, and fluid applications
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Drainage and venting of liquid, gas, and other fluid services
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Steam service
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Food processing facilities
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Chemical industry
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Paper, PET, and other recycling sectors
Advantages and Disadvantages of Ball Valves
Advantages:
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Fast open-close operation
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Tight sealing with low torque
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Smaller size compared to most other valves
Disadvantages:
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Conventional ball valves have poor throttling characteristics
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In slurry or other applications, suspended particles can settle, become trapped in body cavities, and cause wear, leakage, or valve failure.