Ball valves for flow control of media

A ball valve is one of the most reliable solutions when liquids, gases or saturated steam need to be shut off or redirected in a process plant. The construction is simple: a perforated ball sits between two stationary seats, and a quarter-turn of the handle opens or closes the flow. This provides quick, precise operation and a tight shut-off that holds even under high pressure and fluctuating temperatures.

Its broad material compatibility makes the ball valve suitable for a wide range of media in the process industry, including water, oil, gas, chemicals and saturated steam.

We offer a wide range of AISI 316 stainless steel ball valves with PTFE gaskets.  Common features across the range include the smooth, easy-to-clean external surface, the automatic safety latch on the handle and the full bore, which ensures high flow with minimal pressure drop. 

Our range of ball valves is structured around three main types: 2-piece, 3-piece and 3-way. Each type has its own strengths and is suited to different requirements for maintenance, hygiene and flow control.

• 2-part ball valves consist of two parts that can be separated for inspection and servicing. The construction is compact and cost-effective, making it an obvious choice for simpler shut-off tasks in supply and utility lines.
• 3-piece ball valves are designed for easy disassembly. You can remove the centre section whilst the end pieces remain in the pipework, which significantly simplifies both cleaning and the replacement of gaskets. 3-piece models are also available with weld ends and with an ISO top, making them ready for the fitting of an actuator.
• 3-way ball valves have three connection ports and are used when the flow needs to be directed between multiple lines. They are available with an L-drilled ball for diverting flow between two ports or with a T-drilled ball, which also allows for mixing or simultaneous opening. The 3-way models have a reduced flow capacity.

A common feature of all our variants is that the gasket is made from PTFE – a material that combines broad chemical resistance with low friction, ensuring the valve remains easy to operate over time.

When space is limited and the pressure level is moderate, a mini ball valve is often the right choice. The mini models are made from AISI 316 stainless steel with aluminium handles and a PTFE gasket, and are available in two configurations: with female/female at both ends or with female/male as an adapter.

Mini ball valves are suitable for shutting off air, water and other liquids in smaller supply lines, where their compact construction is an advantage. They can withstand an operating range from -25°C to +180°C and a pressure of up to 63 bar, making them suitable for a wide range of processes.

The procedure for installation and removal varies depending on the application and the specific type of ball valve, but the general steps are the same in most cases.

Installation

Start by selecting a suitable location between the two pipes, and connect the ball valve using the correct fittings and gaskets. Check that the valve is the correct size and configuration, and that it is rated for the pressure and temperature loads to which the system will subject it.

Tighten all fittings around the ball valve evenly and securely – but avoid overtightening, as this can damage both the valve body and the gaskets. At the same time, ensure that the valve material is compatible with the pipe material to avoid galvanic corrosion or other unsuitable material combinations.
Once the valve has been fitted, you should test it for leaks and smooth operation before the system is put into service.

Dismantling

First, close the valve and relieve the pressure in the pipe run before you begin. Then remove the fittings that hold the ball valve in place, along with any gaskets.

Once the ball valve has been removed, you should inspect it for signs of wear or damage – such as cracks, corrosion, loose seats or a ball that no longer rotates freely. If the valve needs replacing, follow the same procedure as for installation.

The popularity of ball valves in the process industry is due to a combination of simplicity, tightness and long service life. Here are the 5 benefits that matter most in day-to-day use

1. High flow and low pressure drop: The large opening diameter and the streamlined passage through the ball ensure minimal resistance at full flow. It's particularly important in pipelines where the flow must pass through without energy loss or unnecessary pump load.
2. Quick and precise operation: A quarter turn is all it takes to switch between fully open and fully closed. This makes the valve quick to operate manually and easy to automate with an actuator when you need to integrate flow control into an overall system.
3. Tight shut-off under pressure: The ball is pressed against the seats, forming a reliable seal even at high pressure. This reduces the risk of leaks and cross-contamination.
4. Mechanical stops and safe operation: The ball valve’s design incorporates built-in mechanical stops, ensuring the handle always engages precisely in the fully open or fully closed position. Our standard models also come with an automatic safety latch on the handle, which prevents accidental operation during operation and maintenance.
5. Robust design for industrial conditions: Our range in corrosion-resistant acid-proof steel (AISI 316) covers temperatures from -50°C to +220°C, a working pressure of up to 63 bar and saturated steam up to 15 bar at +180°C. This makes the valve suitable for the chemicals and media typically used in food and pharmaceutical production.