Three-way ball valves come in two types: T-type and L-type. The unique feature of a T-type three-way ball valve is its ability to connect three orthogonal pipes or shut off a third channel, thus fulfilling the important function of flow diversion and merging. An L-type three-way ball valve, on the other hand, can only connect two orthogonal pipes and cannot simultaneously connect all three, thus primarily serving a distribution function.
Three-Way Ball Valve Operating Principle and Flow Diagram
Due to its unique structure and operating principle, the three-way ball valve plays a key role in piping systems. Through flexible operation, it enables precise flow switching, easily handling flow connections, shutoffs, and switching. Its flow diagram clearly illustrates the internal structure of the ball valve and its operating states, helping users more intuitively understand its working principles.
Three-Way Ball Valve Opening Process
The opening process of a three-way ball valve is relatively simple and intuitive. First, by rotating the handle or motor, the ball deviates from the pipe axis, thereby opening the channel. During the opening process, the ball valve's flow diagram clearly shows how the medium smoothly flows through the valve body, achieving flow direction conversion. Once the ball rotates into position, the medium can flow, completing the opening process.
1. In the closed position of a three-way ball valve, the ball is mechanically pressed against the valve seat by the valve stem.
2. When the operator rotates the handwheel counterclockwise, the valve stem moves in the opposite direction, and the angled flat surface on its bottom pushes the ball away from the valve seat.
3. As the valve stem continues to rise, it interacts with the guide pin in the spiral groove of the valve stem, allowing the ball to begin rotating frictionlessly.
4. When the ball valve reaches the fully open position, the valve stem lifts to its limit, and the ball rotates to the fully open position.
Next, we will discuss the closing process of a three-way ball valve.
1. To close a three-way ball valve, the operator rotates the handwheel clockwise. As the valve stem descends, the ball gradually leaves the valve seat and begins to rotate.
2. Continuing to rotate the handwheel, the valve stem is influenced by the guide pin in the spiral groove, causing the valve stem and the ball to rotate 90 degrees synchronously. 3. When the ball valve is about to fully close, the ball has already rotated 90° about its axis and is no longer in contact with the valve seat.
4. During the final stage of the handwheel rotation, the angled surface at the bottom of the valve stem mechanically pushes the ball against the valve seat, securing it tightly against the valve seat and achieving a complete seal.
Next, we will further explore the advantages of three-way ball valves.
1. Three-way ball valves offer minimal fluid resistance, with a resistance coefficient comparable to that of a pipe section of equal length.
2. Their simple, straightforward structure is compact and lightweight.
3. They offer excellent sealing performance, providing a tight and reliable seal, making them ideal for use in vacuum systems.
4. Their operation is simple and easy to understand: a simple 90° rotation allows for quick full opening or closing, making them ideal for remote control.
5. Maintenance is convenient due to the relatively simple design of the ball valve and the removable sealing ring, making them easy to remove and replace.
6. In either the fully open or fully closed position, the sealing surface between the ball and the valve seat is completely isolated from the media, preventing media erosion on the valve sealing surface.
7. The three-way ball valve has a wide range of applications, from small diameters of a few millimeters to large diameters of several meters, and in environments ranging from high vacuum to high pressure.
