Three-Way Ball Valves
Our online store makes it easy to purchase 3-way ball valves, which have 3 ports and are used to direct the fluid flow. They can be used either for diverting or mixing the flow of fluids, depending on the port design. We offer both T-Port and L-Port Designs. All models have threaded ends, a three-port body design, are rated to 1000 WOG, and have a mounting plate for easy installation.
What are Three-Way Ball Valves?
A three-way ball valve is a multi-port valve designed with three ports. A regular two-way valve only has two ports. It consists of a main central body that houses the internal parts and three end connections that contain the ports. It gets its name from this three-port design, which enables fluid to travel along three possible pathways. A three-way valve allows the flow to be directed between the three ports, whereas a regular two-way valve only allows flow along a single path. Like all ball valves, it has an internal ball with an opening; however, instead of having a straight channel through the valve, it has an opening shaped into a pattern to match up with some or all of the three ports, depending on how the handle is turned. This makes it possible to choose between a few different routing options in one valve body. They can be used to combine or to split the flow of fluids, or they can be used to divert the flow from one path to another
Types of 3-way Ball Valve
Three-way valves are made in two styles, depending on the shape of the passage inside the ball. These two styles are called T-Port and L-Port, and they are named after the shape of the bore or passage that runs through the ball. Each one of these designs directs the flow routing in a different pattern.
T-Port (Used for Mixing or Splitting)
A T-Port valve has a ball with an internal passage in the shape of a ‘T’, enabling it to align with all three ports at once. This allows you to either mix two flows into one line or to split one line into two. The T-shaped passage can also be used to align with only two ports at a time, effectively closing the flow in the third port. This allows you to divert flow, selecting between flow paths much like an L-Port valve.
- Shape: ‘T’ pattern
- Flow path: flow can align with all three ports at once or any two ports.
- Function: Used to mix or split the flow, can also be used for diverting, but cannot stop all flow.
L-Port (Used for Selecting or Diverting)
A L-Port valve has a ball with an internal passage in the shape of an ‘L’, enabling it to align with only two ports at a 90-degree angle. This allows you to divert flow from one port to another, or to select input from one of two sources. They can also be used to shut off all flow.
- Shape: A L-Port valve has a ball with a bore in the shape of an ‘L.’
- Flow path: flow can align with only two ports at once at a 90-degree angle.
- Function: Used for selecting or diverting the flow and can also stop all flow.
How does a 3-way ball valve work?
A 3-way ball valve works by rotating a ball with a specially shaped internal passage (bore). The internal ball is rotated using the handle or by using an actuator. The internal passage is in the shape of an “L” or a “T”, and when the ball is rotated, this “L” or “T” shaped passage aligns with specific ports on the valve, and either diverts, mixes, or shuts off the flow between three lines.
Mechanism:
- Rotation: A handle (or actuator) turns a stem, which rotates the internal ball typically in 90-degree (quarter-turn) increments.
- Alignment: As the ball rotates, its internal bore aligns with different port combinations to create specific flow paths.
Flow Configurations
The specific function depends on whether the internal bore is drilled in an L or T shape.
L-Port (Diverter Type):
- Function: Used to divert flow from a source to one of two outlets.
- Positions: Can connect two ports at a 90-degree angle. (No straight-through flow path).
- Shut-off: They can completely shut off the flow.
T-Port (Mixing or Distributing Type):
- Function: Used for mixing two flows into one or splitting a single flow into two.
- Positions: Can connect all three ports at once, or it can connect any two ports. (Can provide a straight-through flow path.)
- Shut-off: They cannot fully shut off all flow.
