The three-way ball valve is also called a directional valve. Before choosing a three-way ball valve, you must clearly understand the medium that the valve will transport, as well as the temperature and pressure of the medium. This is the prerequisite for you to choose the correct three-way ball valve. After clarifying the above information, you also need to know the connection method of the valve (flange or thread), the operation method (manual operation or automatic control) and the flow direction of the medium.
What is the use of knowing the medium, temperature and pressure of the valve?
Which material should be selected for the valve can be determined based on the valve's medium, temperature and pressure. Whether to choose stainless steel, carbon steel or alloy steel, their prices vary greatly. For some media (such as ammonia, hydrogen, toxic and harmful gases), the valve needs to adopt a more reliable sealing method.
There are roughly four ways to connect valves: threaded, butt welding, socket welding and flange. This is very easy. However, it should be noted that when choosing butt welding or socket welding, if the valve is improperly operated during welding, the high temperature generated during welding can easily burn the valve seat, so you need to take cooling measures for the valve during welding. Or disassemble the valve and weld it, and then assemble it back together after the welding is completed.
If the valve is manually operated, you need to pay special attention to the handle of the valve. If the valve is installed very close to the equipment, you need to pay attention to the position and length of the handle or simply choose a butterfly handle. Because there is a good chance that your device is blocking the operation of the valve handle.
There are two broad categories of media flow directions in three-way ball valves. There are two types of entry: side entry and bottom entry. As shown below.
There are two types of side entry ball valves: L-shaped ball and T-shaped ball. As shown below.
What is the difference between an L-shaped ball and a T-shaped ball? How to choose?
The L-shaped ball mainly plays the role of distribution while the T-shaped ball can not only distribute but also mix. For details, please refer to the three-way ball valve on our company website.
One final thing to note is that any valve has its life cycle. You need to estimate your expected valve life (number of valve opening and closing turns) and tell the manufacturer, and have the manufacturer test the valve's life cycle so that the valve supplied to you will meet your expectations.
