The brass ball valve consists of a metal ball with a central bore, a brass die-cast valve body, two PTFE sealing seats, and a milled stem for rotating the ball.
The metal ball is positioned between the two PTFE seats to control the flow. When the ball is rotated to the appropriate angle, the fluid flows through the bore from the inlet to the outlet of the valve body.
A brass ball valve controls the flow of fluids or gases using a precision-machined ball with a central bore.
Engineers seat the ball between two PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) sealing elements inside a robust brass die-cast valve body.
When the valve stem, mechanically linked to the ball, rotates, it turns the ball 90 degrees:
Open Position: The bore of the ball aligns with the inlet and outlet ports, allowing unobstructed fluid flow through the valve.
Closed Position: The solid side of the ball rotates to block the flow path, creating a tight seal and stopping the flow completely.
The PTFE seats create a low-friction, leak-tight seal, even under varying pressure and temperature conditions.
Fast and reliable shut-off
Excellent durability
Resistance to wear, corrosion, and contamination
These characteristics make brass ball valves ideal for a wide range of residential, commercial, and industrial applications.
Brass ball valves are widely used across a variety of residential, commercial, and industrial applications due to their durability, corrosion resistance, and cost-effectiveness. Common uses include:
Residential Plumbing:
Control of water supply lines, shut-off valves for sinks, toilets, and outdoor spigots.
Commercial Plumbing Systems:
Water distribution networks, HVAC systems, and building maintenance applications.
Water Wells and Irrigation:
Flow control in well systems, agricultural irrigation setups, and garden watering systems.
Industrial Applications:
Air, gas, and non-corrosive fluid systems where moderate pressure and temperature resistance is required.
Potable Water Systems:
No-Lead Brass ball valves are used to meet drinking water standards, unless the water has aggressive properties such as high salinity, where materials like stainless steel or PVC may be more appropriate.
Brass ball valves are especially preferred for their ability to provide reliable sealing, ease of operation, and suitability for both low and moderate pressure systems.
Standards: Complies with ANSI/ASME B1.20.1 – General Purpose Pipe Threads (BSP, BSPT, NPT, etc.)
Working Pressure (CWP): 230 PSI (non-shock)
Maximum Temperature: 250°F (121°C)
Maximum Working Pressure: 20 Bar (290 PSI)
Duration: 3 years
Full Bore (Full Port): Ensures unrestricted flow.
Optional Stainless Steel Ball (AISI 316): Available upon request.
Durability: Robust construction with thick walls for enhanced strength.
Manufacturing Standards: Produced under stringent European quality control standards.
Leakage Testing: 100% leakage testing performed on all valves.
Body and Socket: Brass, Nickel-plated brass.
Ball: Nickel-plated brass (standard); stainless steel (optional).
Brass Composition: Ensure the brass is of high quality, ideally free from lead (for potable water applications), and meets industry standards. Look for certifications like No Lead Brass or Lead-Free Brass.
Nickel Plating: High-quality brass ball valves should have nickel plating to enhance corrosion resistance and ensure longevity, especially in environments with water or chemicals.
PTFE Seals: A good brass ball valve will use high-quality PTFE (Teflon) sealing elements. The seals should be made of durable, high-performance materials like reinforced PTFE for better resistance to chemicals, temperature, and pressure.
Spring Mechanism: Check if the valve uses a spring (like a cup spring) to maintain constant pressure on the seals, ensuring they remain leak-free over time.
Smooth Operation: The ball valve should open and close with minimal effort, without any binding. A smooth handle operation indicates quality internal components and proper assembly.
Full-Port Design: The valve should offer a full-bore or full-port design for unrestricted flow. This design helps minimize pressure loss and flow restrictions.
Pressure Tolerance: Ensure the valve can handle the required pressure ratings for your application. A good valve should have a high working pressure tolerance (e.g., 230 PSI or higher).
Temperature Resistance: The valve should be capable of withstanding the maximum temperature conditions of your system (e.g., up to 250°F/121°C for many standard models).
Quality Control: Ensure that the valve has undergone 100% leakage testing to guarantee it meets reliability standards. Look for manufacturers who perform rigorous testing on each valve.
Durable Build: A good brass ball valve should have thick walls and robust construction for enhanced durability. Thin or weak walls can lead to breakage under high pressure or impact.
No Visible Defects: Check for smooth finishes without cracks, blemishes, or inconsistencies in the brass or plating, as defects can affect performance and longevity.
Compliance with Standards: Verify that the valve complies with ANSI, ASME, or other recognized standards. For example, look for valves that meet ANSI/ASME B1.20.1 for general-purpose pipe threads.
Warranty Coverage: A good manufacturer will offer a warranty (e.g., 3 years), providing confidence in the product’s longevity and performance.