The 3/8 ball valve that HANUMAN recommends is the Q611F Series. The Q611F pneumatic threaded ball valve and butt welded connection ball valve are divided into integral, two piece, and three piece types.There are three connection methods: threaded connection, butt welding connection and socket welding connection.
Q611F Series installation connection dimensions:
Q611F Series main technical parameters and performance:
| Nominal pressure (MPa) | PN1.6,2.5,4.0,6.4 MPa |
| Valve body type | Three-piece precision casting valve body, two-piece precision casting valve body |
| Connection Type | threaded, welded |
| Valve core type | “O” type ball valve core |
| Sealing packing | PTFE, Flexible Graphite |
| Flow characteristics | Approximate fast-opening type |
| Range of motion | 0~90° |
| Leakage Q | According to GB/T4213-92, less than rated KV0.01% (soft seal: zero leakage) |
| Basic error | With positioner: less than ±2% of full stroke |
| Dead zone | With positioner: less than 2% of full stroke |
| Adjustable range | 250:1 |
| Configuring the actuator | AT series single acting (SR) double acting (DA) pneumatic actuator |
| Control method | Switch two-position control, 4-20mA analog control |
3/8 Ball Valve Application
1. Application in industrial field
Chemical production: In chemical pipelines, the 3/8 ball valve can be used to transport and control the flow of various chemical raw materials and products. For example, during the delivery of corrosive liquids such as acids and alkalis, the flow rate can be accurately adjusted to ensure that the production process proceeds as planned. Its good sealing performance can also prevent liquid leakage and reduce safety hazards.
Oil and gas industry: Small flow pipelines used for oil refining and natural gas transportation. For example, in the separation and extraction process of some fine chemical products, the 3/8 ball valve can control the flow direction and flow rate of petroleum products to ensure efficient and safe production.
2. Architecture and home furnishing
Water supply and drainage system: Play a role in the small water supply and drainage pipes in a home or building. For example, on the hot and cold water pipes of the kitchen sink or bathroom washbasin, the 3/8 ball valve can easily control the water flow to meet daily water needs such as washing and cleaning.
HVAC system: In small heating or air conditioning ducts, the flow of heating or cooling medium can be regulated. For example, on the branch pipes of a small home central air conditioner, the 3/8 ball valve can help adjust the temperature in different rooms.
3. Agricultural and horticultural uses
Irrigation system: In small farm irrigation or garden irrigation pipes, the 3/8 ball valve can control the water flow distribution. Such as, in a small flower greenhouse, the 3/8 ball valve can be used to accurately distribute water to different planting areas and control the amount of irrigation.
How to install the 3/8 ball valve?
The installation process of the 3/8 ball valve requires following certain steps and precautions to ensure its proper operation and long-term reliability. Here is a detailed installation guide:
1. Preparation before installation
• Ensure that the installation position pipeline is in a coaxial position, the two flange sealing surfaces are parallel and the pipeline can bear the weight of the ball valve.
• Clean the inside of the pipeline to ensure it is free of oil, welding slag and other impurities.
• Check the integrity of the ball valve, verify the nameplate information, and fully open and close it several times to confirm that it is working properly.
• Remove the protective covers at both ends of the ball valve and inspect and clean the inner cavity of the valve body.
2. Installation steps
• Place the ball valve in the desired position, either end can be installed on the upstream side. If the ball valve has a handle, it can be installed at any position in the pipeline. If an actuator is configured (such as a gearbox, pneumatic actuator, etc.), it must be installed vertically with the valve inlet and outlet in a horizontal position.
• Install sealing gasket between ball valve flange and pipeline flange according to pipeline design requirements.
• Tighten the bolts on the flange symmetrically, step by step, and evenly to ensure that the flange connection is tight and leak-free.
• If the ball valve uses pneumatic, electric or other actuators, complete the installation and commissioning of the air source and power supply according to the instructions.
3. Post-installation inspection
• Operate the actuator to open and close the ball valve several times to confirm that it moves smoothly without any stagnation.
• According to the pipeline pressure design requirements, test the sealing performance of the joint surface between the ball valve and the pipeline flange after the pressure is passed.
4. Notes
• During installation, avoid impacting or scratching the ball valve to avoid affecting its sealing performance.
• Regularly check whether the ball valve gasket and bolts are loose or damaged, and replace them in time if abnormal.
• When cleaning the ball valve, use a cleaning agent that is compatible with rubber parts, plastic parts, metal parts and working media to avoid damaging the ball valve components.
The 3/8 ball valve structural materials
1. Ball material
Stainless steel 316: Commonly used for 3/8 ball valve balls, it is high corrosion-resistant and can resist a variety of chemicals. For example, in chemical environments such as seawater treatment and chloride ion solution transportation, it can prevent corrosion and ensure the performance and life of the ball valve.
Brass: It has good processability and wear resistance, moderate hardness, and can maintain its shape under frequent opening and closing operations. It performs best in non-corrosive environment such as drinking water or low-pressure gas delivery systems.
Carbon steel: If surface treated, can be used for spheres. It has low cost and is suitable for situations where corrosion resistance is not a high requirement but a certain strength is required, such as pipelines for transporting neutral, non-corrosive oils.
2. Valve seat material
PTFE: Low friction coefficient, smooth ball rotation, low wear, high chemical stability, can seal various fluids, widely used in pharmaceutical and chemical fine fluid control.
Rubber (nitrile rubber, fluororubber, etc.): Nitrile rubber is oil-resistant and wear-resistant, and is suitable for conveying oils and non-corrosive liquids. Fluororubber is resistant to chemical corrosion and high temperature, and is used in high temperature and highly corrosive chemical media environments, such as ball valve seats for high temperature slurry oil pipelines in refineries.
3. Valve body material
Stainless steel 316: In industries with high hygiene requirements such as food, beverage, and pharmaceuticals. It can prevent pollution and corrosion, such as food sauces and pharmaceutical liquid delivery pipelines.
Cast iron: Low cost, good strength and pressure resistance, but poor corrosion resistance, can be used in underground drainage pipes for building water supply and drainage (weak corrosion environment).
Cast steel: It has high strength and certain corrosion resistance,and can ensure safe and stable operation in high-pressure industrial pipelines(non-strongly corrosive media parts), such as oil and natural gas pipelines.
How to replace the 3/8 ball valve?
1. Preparation
Turn off the main water supply valve: Before starting operation, always turn off the main water supply valve to prevent inconvenience and danger caused by water flow.
Release pipe pressure: Turn on all taps to release pressure and water in the pipes, making sure that no water will suddenly burst out when removing the old ball valve.
Prepare tools: Prepare appropriate tools, such as wrenches, pipe wrenches, screwdrivers,etc., as well as auxiliary materials such as lubricants and sealants that may be needed.
2. Disassembly of old ball valve
Remove the connection nut: Use a wrench or pipe wrench to loosen the nut connecting the ball valve. If the nut is rusted or difficult to loosen, a lubricant may be used to assist.
Remove the old ball valve: During the disassembly process, be careful to keep the work area clean to avoid water stains and debris that may affect the operation. Once the nut is loosened, gently remove the old ball valve.
3. Inspection and prepare the new ball valve
Check the pipe interface: Check whether the pipeline interface is damaged or corroded. If there is any problem, repair or replace the relevant parts in time.
Selecting the right new ball valve: Make sure the size and material of the new ball valve match the old one to ensure tightness and durability after installation.
Prepare installation materials: Apply sealant to the threaded part of the ball valve as needed to enhance the sealing effect.
4. Install a new ball valve
Install the ball valve: Screw the new ball valve into the pipe interface and tighten it evenly using a wrench or pipe clamp. Be careful not to over-tighten to avoid damaging the ball valve or the pipe.
Check the tightness: After installation, open the main water supply valve, check whether the new ball valve is leaking, and test whether its switching function is normal.
5. Safety and precautions
Maintain ventilation: Ensure that the work area is well ventilated to avoid prolonged exposure to moisture and chemicals.
Wear protective equipment: Wear protective gloves and goggles during operation to prevent accidental injuries.
Stable operation: Keep the tool stable when operating to avoid slipping or accidental injury.
Check parts: During disassembly and installation, carefully check all parts for damage, bruises or corrosion and replace or repair damaged parts in a timely manner.
What are the accessories for 3/8 ball valve?
The accessories of 3/8 ball valve mainly include the following key components and possible accessories:
1. Key Components
Valve body: The main structure of the ball valve, usually made of stainless steel, brass or other corrosion-resistant materials, that houses the ball and other internal parts.
Ball core: The core component of the ball valve controls the flow of fluid by rotating. The core usually has holes or channels in it for directing fluid through it.
Valve stem: Connected to the ball core, used to manually or automatically drive the rotation of the ball core. The valve stem usually has a thread or square head to facilitate operation with tools such as handles and wrenches.
Seal: Including sealing rings, gaskets,etc., used to ensure the tightness of the ball valve when it is closed state. Common sealing materials include PTFE, rubber, etc.
Handle(or actuator): Used to manually operate the valve stem to control the opening and closing of the ball valve. For automatic control systems, electric, pneumatic and other actuators may be used to replace manual handles.
2. Possible accessories
Connectors: Such as threaded joints, flanges, etc., used to connect the ball valve to piping system. These connectors are usually matched to the material of the valve body to ensure a secure and tight connection.
Fasteners: Such as bolts, nuts, etc., used to fix the various parts of the ball valve, such as the valve cover, handle, etc. The selection of fasteners should ensure that they match the material of the valve body and connecting parts to avoid corrosion and loosening.
Flow indicator: Some 3/8 ball valves may be equipped with a flow indicator to show the flow direction or flow rate of the fluid. This is very useful for monitoring the status of fluids in piping systems.
Filter: In some applications, it may be necessary to install a filter before the ball valve to prevent impurities from entering the interior of the ball valve and affecting the sealing and service life of the valve.
Brackets and Fixings: For larger ball valves or where special installations are required, brackets and fixings may be required to support and secure the ball valve.
