Long-Type 3-Piece Weld Ball Valve for Industrial Piping

Overview

The Long-Type 3-Piece Weld Ball Valve is a high-performance industrial valve designed for reliable flow control in high-pressure, high-temperature piping systems. Constructed with a three-piece welded body (ASTM A105 carbon steel or A316 stainless steel), this valve features a full-bore design and precision-machined ball to minimize pressure drop and ensure tight shutoff. The long-body configuration provides enhanced structural stability and alignment for welded installations, making it ideal for heavy-duty applications where safety and durability are critical.

Features

Robust Three-Piece Construction:

Split-body design with butt-weld ends (ANSI B16.25) for easy maintenance and replacement of internal components without disconnecting pipelines.

Welded joints tested to 1.5x MAWP (Maximum Allowable Working Pressure) to prevent leakage in high-vibration environments.

Full-Bore Flow Efficiency:

Unrestricted flow path (equal to pipe diameter) reduces turbulence and pressure loss, achieving Cv values 20% higher than standard reduced-bore valves.

Polished ball (Ra ≤0.8μm) and PTFE seat provide bubble-tight shutoff (API 598 standards) and low operating torque (≤15 N·m for 2" valves).

High-Performance Materials:

Body: Carbon steel (up to 425°C) or stainless steel (up to 650°C), compatible with corrosive media like acids, alkalis, and seawater.

Seat: Reinforced PTFE, RPTFE, or metal-to-metal (stellite overlay) options for temperatures ranging from -46°C to 815°C.

Safety Enhancements:

Integral blowout-proof stem and anti-static device (connects ball to stem to dissipate static charge), meeting API 6D and ISO 14313 safety standards.

Lockable handle (90° travel) prevents unauthorized operation, with optional position indicator for visual flow status.

Application

Ideal for industrial processes requiring precise flow control:

Oil & Gas: On/off control in refinery pipelines, wellheads, and petrochemical plants, compliant with NACE MR0175 for sour gas service.

Power Generation: Steam and condensate systems in thermal power plants, withstanding high-pressure steam (up to 250 bar) and rapid temperature changes.

Chemical Processing: Corrosive fluid handling in chemical reactors and mixing systems, with stainless steel variants meeting FDA 21 CFR Part 177 for food-grade applications.

Water Treatment: Heavy-duty water and wastewater pipelines, providing reliable shutoff for pumps, filters, and storage tanks.

FAQ

Q: What welding standards do the ends comply with?

A: Butt-weld ends meet ANSI B16.25 and ASME B31.3, suitable for both GTAW (TIG) and GMAW (MIG) welding processes.

Q: Can the valve be installed in vertical pipelines?

A: Yes, the three-piece design allows installation in any orientation, though horizontal installation is recommended for optimal seat wear distribution.

Q: What is the typical maintenance interval?

A: Routine maintenance (lubrication, seat inspection) every 12-24 months, depending on media corrosivity and operating frequency.

Q: Are fire-safe designs available?

A: Yes, optional fire-safe construction (API 607 compliant) with graphite packing and metal seats for emergency shutdown systems.