Valves by Type

Our Valves by Type page makes it easy to browse ball valves based on their connection style, installation requirements, and intended application. Rather than searching through a single large product range, this section allows you to quickly narrow down the most suitable ball valve design for your system, whether you are working on a compact pipework installation or a high-pressure industrial process.

Flanged Ball Valves

Flanged ball valves are commonly used in industrial and commercial pipework where strength, reliability, and ease of maintenance are key requirements. Featuring bolted flange connections, these valves allow for secure installation and straightforward removal during inspection, servicing, or replacement. They are well suited to larger bore pipelines and systems operating under higher pressures.

This type of ball valve is widely used across water treatment, steam, oil and gas, chemical processing, and HVAC applications. Flanged ball valves are available in a range of standards, including ANSI, DIN, and PN ratings, making them compatible with a wide variety of pipeline specifications. Their robust construction and dependable shut-off performance make them a popular choice for critical isolation duties.

Find Out More

Screwed Ball Valves

Threaded (screwed) ball valves are the preferred solution for confined piping layouts where rapid assembly is a priority. Available with both NPT and BSP end connections, these valves facilitate a straightforward "screw-in" installation that bypasses the need for complex welding or heavy flanged joints. This makes them particularly effective for small-diameter lines and systems operating at low to moderate pressures.

Engineered for reliable performance across a variety of media—including compressed air, hydrocarbons, water, and gas—these valves are a staple in both new builds and routine facility maintenance. The 90-degree lever action provides immediate shut-off and clear visual status of the valve position. Because they can be easily disconnected and reinstalled, they offer unmatched flexibility for modular systems that may need to be reconfigured or relocated in the future.

Find Out More

Butt Weld Ball Valves

Butt weld ball valves are the premier choice for piping systems that demand a seamless, unified flow path. By fusing the valve body directly to the pipeline, this configuration removes the mechanical joints found in flanged or threaded systems, effectively neutralizing potential leak points. The result is a high-strength connection that minimizes turbulence and pressure drop, making it specifically suited for extreme thermal and high-pressure environments.

Commonly deployed in heavy-duty sectors—including power plants, steam distribution, and chemical refining—these valves are built for scenarios where system failure is not an option. Their robust construction and permanent installation prioritize long-term durability and structural safety over easy removal. Because they maintain 100% system integrity under stress, they are the standard for essential process lines where minimizing future maintenance is a primary operational goal.

Find Out More

3-Way Valve Configuration

Multiple Valve configurations available depending on your application requirements. Request a copy configurator or give us a call and our 3-Way Experts will talk you through the options.

3 Way Ball Valves

Unlike basic shut-off valves, 3-way ball valves serve as an integrated solution for managing complex fluid paths within a single unit. These valves go beyond simple "on/off" functionality, providing the ability to reroute, combine, or alternate flow between different sections of a piping network. This multi-directional capability reduces the total number of valves required in a system, simplifying the overall footprint.

The utility of these valves is defined by their internal bore configuration:

  • L-Port (Diverter): Perfect for switching a single supply line between two different destinations. It acts as a primary "changeover" mechanism where flow can only move in one direction at a time.

  • T-Port (Multi-Flow): Offers broader flexibility, allowing the operator to mix streams from two inlets, split a single stream into two outlets, or maintain a continuous bypass.

Find Out More

Frequently Asked Questions

A ball valve is used to start or stop the flow of liquids or gases in a pipeline. It provides fast quarter-turn operation and a tight shut-off, making it ideal for isolation duties.

A ball valve uses a rotating ball with a drilled hole through the centre. When the hole aligns with the pipe, flow is allowed; when turned 90 degrees, flow is fully shut off.

Ball valves offer quick operation, minimal pressure drop, long service life, and reliable sealing. They are also simple to maintain and suitable for frequent on/off use.

Full bore ball valves have an opening the same size as the pipe, allowing unrestricted flow. Reduced bore valves have a smaller opening, which slightly restricts flow but often reduces cost.

Yes, ball valves are commonly used in high-pressure systems, especially when made from stainless steel or carbon steel and supplied with flanged or butt weld connections.

Ball valves can be used on steam systems if they are correctly rated for pressure and temperature and fitted with suitable seats such as PTFE or metal seats.

Ball valves are available in brass, stainless steel, carbon steel, bronze, and specialist alloys. The correct material depends on the media, temperature, and operating environment.

Common end connections include flanged, screwed (BSP or NPT), butt weld, socket weld, and compression fittings, depending on the application.

Yes, ball valves can be fitted with pneumatic or electric actuators for automated control. Actuated ball valves are widely used in process and control systems.

Most standard ball valves are bi-directional, meaning they can control flow in either direction. However, some specialised designs may be directional.

With correct selection and installation, ball valves can last many years. Service life depends on operating conditions such as pressure, temperature, and frequency of operation.

Ball valves are widely used in water treatment, oil and gas, chemical processing, steam systems, HVAC, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and general industrial applications.

FAQ

Request more information or Advice

Please feel free to request information and advice using the form below or call us on 0151 547 1221

Valves by Type