Your Peculiar Split Body Ball Valve

Kinvalve Most Versatile Split Body Ball Valve

Kinvalve split ball valve has a pretty modern design for its usage. It gets manufactured in different materials depending on your choice. You would find diversity in this product that would help you decide easily.

It is available in stainless steel, carbon steel, and steel mainly. Stainless steel prevents rust and gives a shiny and catchy look to the split ball valve.

Carbon steel makes the product effective for working in extreme environments. Also gives a matte look to it.

Figure 5 Carbon steel split body ball valve

As the name refers, a split body ball valve gets manufactured into two parts. They get joined together and make the whole product work. Its appearance has a crack in it hence the name has “split” in it.

The Kinvalve split body ball valve gives you a diversity of arrangements. The parts can be altered in terms of material as well as sizes and design according to your choice.

Unlike other ball valves, Kinvalve split ball valve consists of bolts and nuts also made of stainless steel, not just the body.

Split ball valves made with the casting method are known as cast steel body split ball valves. Casting is the method in which the metal is firstly in a liquid form, which then gets the shape of whatever mold we pour into it.

It hardens and takes the shape of that mold. Cast steel bodies are more complex detailed in design.

Figure 6 Cast steel split ball valve

Forged steel split ball valves are those which get manufactured through the forging of the metal. It is more strong and heavy-duty but some complex and delicate parts are hard to forge. These are great for corrosive and acidic fluids.

Figure 7 Forged steel split ball valve

Kinvalve offers both types of split ball valves, forged and cast steel, size range from ½ inch to 10 inches.

Split body ball valves also include a Blow-out proof stem design. Under high-pressure situations, the stem can detach from the body causing fire and destruction. In the blow-out proof stem design, the stem is attached to the body in such a way it can bear high pressure and prevent damaging fire.

Figure 8, Blow-out proof stem

The flexible configurations are there to help you in every way possible.

They are convenient and user friendly for corrosive and abrasive fluids. You do not have to worry about damage and leakage of your chemicals anymore.

It is most known for its flexibility and extraordinary sealing property. It makes it handy for you to clean and clear it properly leaving zero residues and dirt behind which keeps the product new and safe for the long run.

Your ball valve will go a long way and will not have to change even the smaller spare parts of the product.

Figure 9 Dissembled split body ball valve

Kinvale is known best for the quality and reliability of its products. There is no compromise on the materials of our product line so that you are never provided with a faulty product.

Kinvalve offers a full port split body ball valve which allows you to have a fast and steady flow.

Full port means the inside diameter of the ball valve is the same as the size of the pipeline it is going to attach with.

This provides a seamless flow without wastage. Your satisfaction is the highest priority of Kinvalve thus it provides you with a wide range of sizes and designs in its split ball valves.

Figure 10 Full Port VS Standard Port

Kinvalve split body ball valve has robust construction for safe transmission of liquids or gasses through it. Its modern design gives more room for safety and reliable work.

It possesses a fire-safe design that protects the split ball valve from getting damaged and prevents the fluid or gas from leakage. A split body ball valve with two sets of seats can perform a fire-safe activity.

In case of fire, the secondary seats melt and the primary seats keep on working safely preventing any kind of leaks.

Figure 11 Fire-safe Split Body Ball Valve Design

The parts of a split body ball valve are easily replaceable and so that you do not have to buy the whole product again. You can just replace the one faulty part and keep on with your regular work.

Figure 12 Dissemble and Replace

To make your precious time worth spending, Kinvalve makes the availability quick and safe. The fine quality saves you from the continuous wastage of money in the repeated maintenance and replacement of your ball valves.

You can get the finest products at reasonable prices here.

We provide a special range of prices in case of larger quantity orders. Feel free to contact and reach out to us for your desired products. We promise a fast and sound delivery service.

For more queries, contact us.

Split Ball Valve: The Ultimate FAQ Guide

This guide is all about what you would want to know regarding a split body ball valve, be it about its working, appearance, size, or types.

It will make it easier for you to decide before you actually buy it.

What is a Split Ball Valve?

Split Ball Valve

It is the type of ball valve made up of two sometimes three or four halves, joined together to make the whole product.
Since its body parts are divided, it is called a split body ball valve

The parts or halves are joined together with the help of bolts & nuts or screws.

The halves when get docked together, perform their function properly.

It is designed as such to work perfectly even under drastic conditions. Its body shape helps it maintain fluid pressure.

Do Split Ball Valves fail?

Like anything else in the world, split ball valves can turn out to be imperfect due to some reasons.

No valve can work perfectly forever and it is destined to wear out and get damaged over time.

A few reasons due to which your split body ball valves can get damaged early are listed below:

a)Leakage of a split ball valve happens due to the kind of seats used in it. There are two types of seats used in a split body ball valve

1.Soft seated ball valve

Figure 3 Soft seated ball valve

2.Metal seated ball valve

Figure 4 Metal seated ball valve

The split ball valve with metal seat leaks due to low sealing capacity and frequent wear.

Soft seal split ball valve due to the seats aging, wearing, or temperature and pressure factors to damage, resulting in leakage.Usage of soft seated ball valve with dirty fluids also may cause damage and end up leaking.

b)Metal seat in a ball valve is not suitable for a perfect torque action which again leads to the leakage of fluid.

c)The body parts of the product were not docked together perfectly.

d)Bolts and nuts getting moist and affected from the outer environment turn out rusty.

Figure 5 Rusty bolts in split ball valve

e)Leakage of fluids from at certain points which ultimately result in rusting and stop working.

Figure 6 Leakage path and rusting parts

f)You may have chosen an unsuitable body material for the fluid medium, resulting in corrosion and leakage.

g)You did not clean it properly and frequently if it was placed somewhere where dust had easy excess to it, ruining the perfect functioning of the split ball valve.

h)Check for loosened bolts and nuts and tighten them so that the product does not fall apart.

i)Overpressure of fluids or any other thing can bend the metal from certain sensitive areas sometimes.

Figure 7 Fracture surface

This process is also known as the surface fracture of metal.

Figure 8 Fracture structure close up

Here are some trouble shootings for your information.

Can Split Ball Valves be repaired?

The answer depends on how damaged the product is.

Split body ball valves are made of strong materials to overcome and bear high pressure and drastic conditions.

However, it is almost inevitable for any ball valve to not get damaged.

Split ball valves are most likely to get damaged due to leakage and it happens because the seats used in them fail to seal.

To repair that you need to change or repair the seat inside it.

It is better to understand your usage first after that you should buy the split ball valve with the respective kind of seat inside it.

If the damage belongs to outer spare parts and covering of the valve, then you can simply remove and replace it with a new one.

If the actual ball has become faulty, then you will have to change the whole valve as it will not stop leaking at this point.

Figure 9 Parts of split body ball valve

What is the Flow Direction of the Split Ball Valve?

A split body ball valve has two to three types and its direction of flow varies with that.

3-way split body valve has the ability to divert or mix the fluid flow from three ports.

It can either join two ways of fluid together or close two ways and allow the fluid to pass in one direction only.

It also has the characteristic to let the liquid pass in all three directions.

Figure 10 Three way split body flow path

3-way ball valves usually consist of two types of port configuration

1. L-port configuration
2. T-port configuration

L-port is the type where the valve allows the flow in the shape of alphabet L.

Figure 11 3-way split ball valve L-port flow path

T-port allows the valve to let the liquid or gas flow in a way that it acquires the shape of the alphabet T.

It has the specialty to connect the third valve with the other two, regulating the flow according to your needs.

Figure 12 3-way split ball valve T-port flow path

The standard split body ball valve possesses bidirectional flow.

The 4-way ball valve as obvious from the name has 4 ports.

It allows the flow in such a way that it takes a shape similar to the alphabet X.

Figure 13 Four-way split ball valve X-port

What are the Types of Split Ball valves?

There are commonly 3 types of Split Body Ball Valve:

1. Two-piece split body ball valve

Figure 14 Two-piece split body ball valve

2. Three-piece split body ball valve

Figure 15 Three-piece split body ball valve

3. Multiple ports split body ball valve

Figure 16 Multiple Port split ball valve

What is the Working Principle of Split Ball Valve?

A regular split body ball valve works or moves at an angle of 90 degrees.

When the handle or regulator moves, the ball inside moves along.

This results in the regulation of flow control.

When the ball rotates to open, it makes a path perpendicular to the fluid flow way.

Similarly, when it rotates in the opposite direction, closes the way from which fluid flows.

When the seat comes in contact with the ball and attaches, it then seals.

Why Would You Use Split Ball Valve?

Before buying the product you must know in how many ways it can benefit you.

This would help you make a fine decision about it.

This product will help you in the following ways:

1. You will not have to worry about a high-temperature environment as it is made with fine material and has the ability to bear that.
2. It works best even under extreme pressure.
3. It is well suited for abrasive or harsh liquids.
4. It will give you a rich performance as compared to other types of valves in the market.
5. Its thickness prevents leakage on a better level than others.
6. Split ball valves are removable and their construction is always highly precise which makes it easier for you to replace or repair the components.
7. Apart from separate parts, even the whole unit can be replaced perfectly without any difficulty.
8. Split ball valves have come with many options including trunnion mounted balls, spring-loaded seat rings or Double Block and Bleed function, etc.

What is a Three-way Split Ball Valve?

A Three-way split ball valve has three openings to it.

This means the fluid or gas can flow from three different directions.

It offers a wider range in the world of ball valves by offering more area and openings.

This type shuts off the flow from any of the 3 sides of it making way for fluid in its desired direction.

What is the Working Principle of a 4-way Split Ball Valve?

A 4-way split ball valve works in four directions.

It connects the four endings with four different chambers or sides.

This allows the fluid to flow in whatever direction you want.

This type has the ability to shut off either port of it for seamless flow according to your need.

It can allow the flow to pass in two directions by closing two ports.

Figure 18 Four-way split ball valve

With the help of its lever, in which way you rotate it the flow will start flowing in that respective way.

So it can turn itself into a three-way as well as a four-way split ball valve.

Similar to other types, its handle moves or works at a 90-degree angle.

What is the Difference Between 3-way and 4-way Split Body Ball Valve?

Every type has its own features and that’s what makes it different and special from the other.

There are a lot of functions that all of these types have common in them but at least two or three features exist in each which makes it stand out among others.

Those features are what often define the product on the whole.

Functions of 4-way split body ball valve that makes it different from 3-way, are the following:

1. 4-way split body ball valve gives you a wider range and diversity in its usage.
2. You can pass the flow in one more direction while using a 4-way split ball valve.
3. Material is refined in such a way to make it feasible for the drastic pressure of a fluid.
4. Its thickness makes the leakage rate even less than a 3-way split ball valve.
5. It can connect with four different ports which makes the work even easier for you.
6. It gives you the option to block any of the four ports stopping the flow of unwanted fluids and only allowing the ones you want.

How to Replace a Split Ball Valve?

The process is not that complicated and you can probably do this on your own.

Following are the tools you might need for the process:

1. Screwdriver
2. Wrench
3. Piece of cloth
4. Nuts and bolts
5. Any oil for lubrication depends on your availability and need.

After getting access to all these, move on to the next steps.

1. Shut off the fluid or gas supply so that it does not create any mess for you.
2. Pat the cloth over it to absorb any leftover water or fluid.
3. To change or replace the ball valve you need to open its nuts and bolts with the help of a screwdriver.
4. Lubricate the bolts with the oil if they are hard to open due to rust or being in that place for a long time.
5. After opening them, remove the outer parts piece by piece.
6. Disassemble all the parts of the split ball valve and place it aside after removing it.

Figure 19 Disassemble of split ball valve

7. Align the parts you need to put back together.
8. Carefully choose and inspect the split ball valve for replacement before actually doing it

so that you do not end up being with the wrong one.

9. Place the split ball valve into its place.
10. Put all parts together and secure it with bolts using the screwdriver again.

Follow all steps carefully and you will be able to replace it.

Seek professional help in case of any difficulty.

Why is it called Split Body Ball Valve?

The name actually indicates the physical structure and form of a product.

The product looks like it has a crack in it since it is divided into two halves joined together.

Split literally means divided or broken into two or more parts.

The product has the working principle similar to other ball valves, split into two portions the ball gets formed when the parts align together.

It is different from regular valves since it is not manufactured as a whole body.

This is the reason the product is called and known as “Split Body Ball Valve”.

What is the Material of Split Ball Valve?

Different materials get used in the manufacturing of Split Ball Valves.

The most common and reliable of them are:

1. Stainless Steel
2. Carbon Steel
3. Cast Iron
4. Brass or bronze
5. Plastic

The working and durability of split ball valves depend as well as varies on the type of material it is made of.

The type of material which gets used in the making also makes the product either cheap or expensive.

Good quality material prevents mishaps, makes the function of the split ball valve better in many ways, be it leakage control, pressure bearing ability, temperature resistance, or prevention of rust.

Is Carbon Steel Split Ball Valve better than Stainless Steel Split Ball Valve?

Both perform their functions in a valuable manner but there are a few factors that make carbon steel split ball valves a little superior to stainless steel split ball valves.

Carbon steel is an advanced, modern, and stylish type of material.

The most eye-catchy thing about it is its color which makes it stand out among other materials.

Its surface is not shiny or silver.

Unlike stainless steel, carbon steel has a matte finish it which attracts people the most.

Figure 20 Carbon steel split ball valve

Carbon steel split ball valves are more effective when it comes to working at an extreme temperature environment since carbon steel has a melting point a little lower than stainless steel.

Its low melting point makes it essential to use as the distribution of heat becomes more convenient.

Carbon steel, due to the presence of carbon in it is harder than stainless steel.

Stainless steel has a shiny surface which some people might prefer but if you are looking for something dark and matte you must go for carbon steel split ball valves.

Figure 21 Stainless steel split ball valve

What are the Parts of a Split Body Ball Valve?

A Three and four-way split body ball valve has the following parts which make it a whole product when joined together:

1. Body
2. Cap
3. Ball
4. Ball Seat
5. Body Gasket
6. Bolt Washer
7. Bolt
8. Lower Thrust Washer
9. Compress Ring
10. Upper Thrust Washer
11. V-Ring Stem Packing
12. Thrust Washer
13. Anti-Static Stem
14. Gland
15. Belleville Washer
16. Stem Nut
17. Handle
18. Handle Sleeve
19. Rivet
20. Stem Adapter
21. Triangle Stopper
22. Lock Saddle
23. Locking Trigger
24. Fix Plate
25. Stop Bolt

Figure 22 Parts of split ball valve

Each part has its own significant value and the absence of any single piece can affect the working of the product.

What is the difference between a Split Ball Valve and a Single Piece Ball Valve?

The single-piece ball valve is made as one whole product.

It has no cracks or halves in it which need to be joined together to function properly.

It gives surety of little to no leakage due to how it is formed.

A single-piece ball valve is a smaller product as compared to a split body ball valve and is used accordingly.

Whereas a split body ball valve is an advanced type of ball valve.

It is formed in that way to provide better performance and more flow directions.

The single ball valve is mostly used in sanitary and at a domestic level while the split body ball valve due to its diversity is commonly used at an industrial level.

How is a Split Ball Valve better than a One Piece Ball Valve?

The preference of one product over the other depends on the number of ways it works better than the other.

A split ball valve has more options to give to its users, unlike a one-piece ball valve.

It was designed a little complicated so that it may perform more and better functions than one-piece ball valves, thus it is not a simple product.

Split body ball valves are engineered for your most complicated and severe applications.

Thanks to their ingenious construction, you can customize these split ball valves with numerous selections, such as floating or trunnion mounted balls, soft or metal seats, spring-loaded seat rings, or Double Block and Bleed function.

You can use these split body ball valves for a broad range of applications, you will not have to worry about extreme pressure levels as split body ball valves work just fine under high-pressure levels.

These can be added to already manufactured and fixed taps according to your need of use or changing conditions.

The one-piece ball valve has only one type and its only function is to connect one part of the flow to another with simple opening and closing.

Figure 23 one-piece ball valve

On the other hand, a split ball valve is the one, offering many functions it has two or three types in its category.

Split body ball valves are designed with two piece or three piece bodies, you can maintain them easily and quickly.

Split ball valves feature bolted body construction providing uncomplicated uncomplicated disassembly or assembly, you can conveniently access the trim and replace components without any difficulty.

These are some of the reasons which make it clear that a split body ball valve is better in usage than one piece ball valve.

What are the Dimensions of a Split Body Ball Valve?

Dimensions o split body ball valve differs with its type.

Each type has its own dimensions.

A three-way split body ball valve has the following dimensions:

For size 2″: Diameter Nominal (DN) is 50

For size 2 ½”: Diameter Nominal is 65

For size 3″: Diameter Nominal is 80

For size 4″: Diameter Nominal is 100

For size 6″: Diameter Nominal is 150

This is only a fragment of the dimensions of a three-way split ball valve written above.

Dimensions might change with every product depending on its size, pressure, diameter, or width.

Figure 24 Split body ball valve dimensions

What are the Benefits of a Split Body Ball Valve?

Thanks to the perfect design, you can see the figure of split ball valves in various industrial fields.

Easy to maintain

Using a split body ball valve will save you from extreme difficulties and complexity as it is designed in an easier way to perform its function faster with more reliability.

Its rigorous design production makes each part of the product convenient to replace and maintain.

You can replace whole units of it if needed with lesser money and effort.

Rugged

Split body ball valves are durable and long-lasting due to their type of construction.

The material and technique used in its manufacturing make it reliable even for abrasive and acidic fluids.

Split body ball valves are made of strong and sturdy materials so can bear uneven, powerful forces of any kind.

The bolted split body ball valves are often used in transport pipelines and can perform other heavy-duty functions.

Flexible

Many options come with split ball valves, some of those are:

Trunnion mounted balls

Spring-loaded seat rings

Double block and bleed function

These give you variety and flexibility in terms of usage. It does not limit itself to one function only but gives you a list to choose from. Its wide range of functions and options makes it a flexible product for you.

When do you replace a Split Body Ball Valve?

A split ball valve is not meant to work perfectly forever, no ball valve is.

When you buy a product you are supposed to take good care of it afterward, else it will definitely wear out eventually.

Sometimes, even after taking every precaution split ball valves get damaged and stop working.

It can get rusty due to fluid leakage or a moist environment.

Its metal can get unstructured which affects the perfect functioning of the product.

Sometimes, the alignment of both halves of a split body ball valve does not match which leads to leakage.

These and many other reasons lead to the ultimate damage of the split body ball valve.

At that time, it becomes necessary to replace the damaged, non-functional split body ball valve with a new one.

Can Split Ball Valves Control the Flow Rate?

One of the basic functions of split ball valves is to control the flow rate of any fluid which is passing through it.

The amount of fluid that passes through the valve can be controlled by opening and closing it.

But for this purpose, the split ball valve has to use a V port ball valve.

V port ball is generally known as the ball for the control of flow.

It commonly rotates at the angles of 60, 30, and 15 degrees.

When you try and open the flow, the v port allows the regulation of flow in a very subtle manner, the flow starts at a specific speed which gradually changes according to your need.

As the ball rotates and the v-shaped port moves along, the flow rate differs with the angle of the v port.

Figure 25 V port split ball valve flow control         Figure 26 V port split ball valve flow rate

If you open the valve only partially, less amount of fluid will be able to pass through it.

Similarly opening it fully will let more fluid pass.

Thus a split ball valve has a proper control overflow rate.

Figure 27 Flow rate control by a split ball valve

Does Split Body Ball Valve Design Prevent Leaks?

Yes, it definitely prevents leakage of fluid or gas.

Prevention of leakage mostly depends on loose or damaged sealing.

Just for the sake of a good sealing function, split body ball valves are made up of two types of seats that are metal seats and soft seats.

The introduction of soft seals in split body ball valves has made it become able to claim that it prevents leakage.

Soft seats fit perfectly leaving no space or air bubbles which does not let the fluid leak n any way.

Split ball vales are made of either stainless steel or carbon steel which are quite fine, and are often used in high-quality products.

Its thickness is made in such a way, the fluid does not get pass through it.

If the split ball valve is made of stainless steel, even the corrosive and abrasive fluids will not be able to harm it or create leakage.

In this way, a split body ball valve plays a vital role in the prevention of leakage.

Is Split Ball Valve a Fire-Safe Design?

One of the types of split body ball valves includes a fire-safe design.

In this type, even at an extreme temperature the valve does not leak or get damaged.

Even if the valve caught fire somehow, the valve is designed in such a way that only the outer will get damaged a little but the valve will work perfectly without causing any leakages.

This design usually has:

1. Primary seat
2. Secondary seat

In case of fire, the primary seal gets closed and the secondary seat works for fire safety.

Fire occurs in a normal ball valve, its seals burn out and melt, which results in damage.

On the other hand, a fire-safe ball valve having two sets and kinds of seals, on the disruption of fire the soft seal or primary seal gets exposed and might even melt.

But after this, the secondary seal will act as a fireproof seal and will not let the flow stop or get damaged due to fire.

Figure 29 Fire safe design