3-piece ball valve alternative

[diymechanicalguy]

I like the 3-piece design as you can fully take them apart and clean components, which is obviously crucial. However, I'm not a fan of the 4 bolts it takes to disassemble. Does anyone use an alternative ball valve that still allows for complete disassembly? I'm not a fan of butterfly valves due to the disk being in the middle of the flow, but open to suggestions. I use these all over the place in my home brewing.

I typically use one of these: https://tameson.com/ball-valve/bv-2-way/bv-2w-stainless-steel/bv-2w-ss-iso-top-3-piece/

 

[Dutto]

I've worked with many kinds of ball valves and the 4-bolt system gives a very easy method of disassembly as well as a tight shut-off and I don't know of any ball valve design that is easier.

However, the design is such that it makes them very difficult to clean without disassembly because there is always the possibility that some of the product will migrate to the back of the ball housing and there is always some of the product trapped within the ball itself when it is closed.

With a butterfly valve the usual problem is that they can often leak. However, they are easier to sanitise because there is nothing trapped inside the flapper and the stem seal and trunnion are relatively easy to clean and sanitise without disassembly.

The fact that the flapper sits in the centre of the flow doesn't seriously affect the performance of the valve when it is open.

I much prefer a globe valve for control purposes and for sanitisation as well. They can often be found with metal-to-metal seals, can be "hardened down" to give a drip-free seal and when wide open the stem has a "back seat" facility that prevents anything from migrating away from the body of the valve.

Hope this helps.

 

[Clint]

Trunnion...

 

[Dutto]

Trunnion...

At the "top" end you have the stem and at the bottom end you have a trunnion that sits in a small cavity.

Actually, most people as what a "back seat" is! aunsure....

 

[Clint]

...cavity...

 

[-Bezza-]

The two piece tap doesn't seem particularly hard to clean to me.

 

[Fil]

before fitting check the nuts and not bolt heads are on the outer face. If not switch before fitting as once installed the clearance between the valve and pot wall may not allow you to reassemble in this configuration.

with the nuts on the outerface its a tad quicker (debatable i know..) to undo AND the bolts remain captive so less chance of misplacing one..