Unox Three-Piece Top-Flanged Stainless Steel Flanged Ball Valve

What Is a Three-Piece Stainless Steel Ball Valve?

A three-piece stainless steel ball valve is a quarter-turn valve that uses a ball-shaped disk to start or stop the flow. It is defined as a mechanical device that directs and modulates the flow of various types of liquids through the opening in the center of the ball. By turning the lever on top of the valve, the port that controls the pressure of the fluid flow is manually opened or closed. Durability and excellent sealing are the features that make ball valves advantageous compared to other types of valves.

How Does a Three-Piece Ball Valve Work?

More complex control systems that require adjusting flow through a pipe will need an actuator. The actuator controls the valve pneumatically or electrically and ensures that the valve is properly positioned so that the fluid flow is precise under varying pressures and flow rates. When selecting the appropriate valve, key factors to consider include temperature and pressure ratings, number of ports, valve size, body material type, end connections, and configuration.

General Specifications

• Body: AISI 304 Stainless Steel

• Ball: AISI 304 Stainless Steel

• Connections: BSP Threaded

• Nominal Diameter: DN15 (1/2”) – DN100 (4”)

• Pressure Rating: Max. 63 bar

• Temperature: -10ºC / +180ºC (depending on material)

Applications

• Air, gas, and liquid applications

• Drains and vent holes in liquid, gas, and other fluid services

• Steam service

• Food processing plants

• Chemical industry

• Paper, PET, and recycling facilities

Advantages and Disadvantages of Ball Valves

Advantages

• Quick open/close operation

• Tight sealing with low torque

• Smaller in size compared to most other valves

Disadvantages

• Conventional ball valves have limited throttling capabilities

• In slurry or other applications, suspended particles can settle, get trapped in body cavities, and cause wear, leakage, or valve failure