A Complete Guide To 3 Way Valve
What Is A 3 Way Valve?
A 3 way valve is a valve with three interfaces. It controls the flow of a fluid (liquid or gas) from one inlet to one of two outlets, or conversely, from one of two inlets to one outlet.
It is widely used in various industrial and civil fields. For example: heating and air conditioning systems, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, water treatment, etc.
It can switch the flow direction of the fluid as needed and realize functions such as dividing, merging or switching flow directions. One 3 way valve can replace multiple 2 way valves, saving space and cost in the piping system. The use of 3 way valves can simplify the design of piping systems, making them more compact and easier to maintain.
3 Way Valve Symbol
The symbol for a 3 way valve is based on the 2 way valve symbol with the addition of a ball in the center and three opposing triangles. This symbol comes in two forms: generic and modifier.
A general symbol used on instrument diagrams or piping system diagrams to indicate the presence of a three-way valve but does not specify the type of valve.
Modified symbols are used to indicate the specific type of valve and its presence in the piping system. Modifiers can indicate the valve’s material, operating type, or other characteristics.
Types Of 3 Way Ball Valve
3 way ball valve is available in two different port types: L-type and T-type. These port configurations determine the flow path of the valve.
L-Port 3 Way Ball Valve
Also known as diverter valves, L-port 3 way ball valves have two openings that are perpendicular to each other. Turning the valve handle switches the fluid from one port to the other or shuts it off. In addition, it can be used to switch pumps with standard outlets.
T-Port 3 Way Ball Valve
The T-port 3 way ball valve can also switch fluids, but it offers additional flexibility. Mixing between the three ports can be accomplished by aligning the T-port with the valve. This allows the valve to deliver fluid from one place to two places, or to converge from two places to one.
T-port valves can also flow between only two ports, either left, right, or straight through.
3 Way Valve Specification
Design specifications: GB/T 12237, API 6D, API 608, BS 5351 Structural length: GB/T 12221, ASME B16.10
Connection standard: GB/T 9113, ASME B16.5 Pressure test: GB/T 13927, API 598, API 6D
3 Way Valve Features
The 3 way ball valve adopts an integrated structure, a 4-sided valve seat sealing type, fewer flange connections, high reliability, and a lightweight design.
The 3 way ball core is divided into T shape and L shape, with long service life, large circulation capacity and small resistance.
Ball valves are divided into two types: single-acting and double-acting. The characteristic of the single-acting type is that once the power source fails, the ball valve will be in control system requirements.
3 Way Valve Range
Main material: carbon steel, stainless steel
Nominal diameter: water, oil, gas and other non-corrosive media and acid-base corrosive media
Pressure range: 1.6-6.4MPa
Applicable temperature: -28-350℃
Operation mode: manual, electric, pneumatic, hydraulic
Applicable media: water, oil, gas and other non-corrosive media and acid-base corrosive media
3 Way Valve Application
T-port valves are widely used in industrial applications for mixing services. These valves are connected to piping that carries different fluid components, thereby mixing the fluid before it enters a subsequent pipeline or process. t-port valves are typically used to mix and sample fluids in different sections of piping and provide constant flow control. both l-port valves and t-port valves are capable of diverting fluid flow.
Both L-port and T-port valves are capable of diverting fluid flow; L-port valves allow fluid to be diverted in one direction at a given time, while T-port valves can divert fluid to two destinations simultaneously. In addition, T-port valves allow straight-through flow, from inlet port A to outlet port B, with the ability to divert at a 90-degree angle to a second outlet port AB. This is a common configuration for T-port valves in diversion applications, which is not possible with an L-port arrangement L-port valves are better suited for transferring fluid between two storage tanks. If one tank is full, the valve (if automatic) will change its position and direct fluid to the empty tank. t-port valves can also transfer fluid flow between tanks, depending on their configuration.
T-port valves can be operated manually or automatically with an electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic actuator. The type of actuator selected depends on the level of valve automation required, responsiveness, and drive force needed.
Pneumatic actuators are favored for their economy and ability to maintain multiple valve cycles. Hydraulic actuators provide higher actuation torque but cost more than pneumatic actuators. Some three-way valves utilize electric actuators, which offer higher accuracy but lower duty cycle than pneumatic actuators.
Three-way valves can provide flexible flow control in a variety of applications. Multiple ports provide process engineers with the convenience of using fewer valves to customize industrial processes.
How Does A 3 Way Valve Work?
A 3 way ball valve is a piping control device that provides a multi-port connection. The exact mechanism of operation varies depending on the type of valve.
When using a handle to operate a 3 way ball valve, rotating the handle causes the internal sphere to rotate. The sphere has holes or channels that allow liquid or gas flow when these holes are aligned with the inlet and outlet of the pipeline. The range of motion of the handle varies by type.
In a three-way motorized ball valve, an actuator controls the movement of the handle. The actuator is triggered by an electrical or other control signal to open or close the valve.
In L-port 3 way valve, a 90-degree rotation of the handle changes the direction of media flow. The three ports cannot be opened at the same time; each rotation of the handle seals one port and opens the other.
T-port valves, where the valve mechanism allows media from two different ports to mix in the valve body and discharge through a third port. the T-shaped passage allows media to flow in from two ports and out from one port, and vice versa.
It is important to note that the mechanism of a 3 way ball valve can be adapted to specific system requirements and valve types. By selecting the proper operation and port configuration, 3 way ball valves can be optimized to control fluid flow and system efficiency.
2 Way Valve Vs 3 Way Valve
Ball valves play a vital role in industrial processes. Among them, three-way ball valves stand out due to their flexibility. However, 2 way ball valves are also a common type of valve. The following key differences exist between these two types of ball valves:
Number of ports and configuration
2-way ball valve: has only two ports, with the inlet and outlet in a straight line.
3-way ball valve: has three ports that can be configured for inlet, outlet, or mixed flow depending on system requirements.
Functions
2-way ball valve: Primarily used as a shut-off valve to isolate fluid.
3-way ball valve: Controls fluid flow, mixes fluid and shuts off fluid.
Flow Characteristics
2-way ball valve: Flow rate fluctuates due to opening and closing of the valve.
3-way ball valve: Flow is more consistent because the flow channels are undisturbed when aligned with the valve ports.
Applications
2-way ball valve: Suitable for regulating the temperature and pressure of the fluid.
3-way ball valve: Suitable for systems that require mixing and transferring fluids or changing the direction of flow.
Cost
2-way ball valve: Cheaper to purchase and install.
3-way ball valve: Cost-effective because it can perform multiple functions.
Other considerations
2-way ball valve: More commonly used in constant-speed pump systems.
3-way ball valve: Effective in variable speed secondary pump systems that change fluid direction.
Overall, the differences between 2-way and 3-way ball valves are primarily in the number of ports and configurations. These differences determine their functional characteristics and range of applications when connected to a piping system.
FAQs on 3 Way Valve
Q: How do I select the right 3-way valve for my application?
A: Selecting the right valve depends on several factors, including:
Media type (liquid, gas, steam, etc.)
Temperature and pressure range
Flow control required
Type of connection
Material compatibility
Q: What is the pressure range of a 3-way valve?
A: The pressure range of a 3-way valve depends on the specific model and material. We offer valves for a wide range of pressure ratings, from low to high pressure. Please refer to the product specification for details.
Q: What is the temperature range of a 3-way valve?
A: Similar to the pressure range, the temperature range depends on the specific model and material.Lixin offers valves for a wide range of temperature ratings, from low to high temperatures.
Q: What materials are available for 3-way valves?
A: Tee valves are manufactured in a variety of materials such as stainless steel, carbon steel, brass and PVC. material selection depends on the application and media requirements.
Q: How can I get technical support or product advice?
A: You can contact us in the following ways:
Visit our official website: Lixin
Send an e-mail: [email protected]
Conclusion
Understanding the different types of 3 way valves, their applications and key selection criteria can help you make informed decisions to optimize your fluid control system.
Whether you’re looking to install new valves or upgrade existing ones, our team of experts is here to assist you. Contact us today to find the perfect valve solution for your needs.
For more information on our products and services, visit our website or reach out to our customer support team. Let Lixin be your trusted partner in flow control solutions.
