3 Piece Valves
3-piece valves, also sold as three-piece or 3 piece valves, are a useful piece of equipment for many different types of applications. Lets take a look at how these valves work, how they can benefit your system, and what you can expect from them.
What Is a 3-Piece Valve?
A three-piece valve is similar in design many other types of valves, and consists of three parts. Namely, these parts are the body, the stem, and the ball.
What distinguishes the 3-piece valve from other valves with a similar design is the assembly. You can easily disassemble the 3-piece valve into its three component parts. This facilitates cleaning, easy maintenance, and many other things which would otherwise become quite complex.
How 3-Piece Valve Works
Regardless of how the end connections are attached to the piping itself, whether they be glued, threaded, etc., they are normally connected to the valve's main body--that middle part where the ball, stem, and handle sit--in one of two ways: either they will be threaded, or flanged. A 3 piece valve that employs threaded connections will have end pieces with two sets of threads--one for connecting to the pipe, and one for connecting to the valve body. In the case of a 3 piece valve that utilizes a flange system, which are similar to flat plates, the flanges on the pipeline are bolted to the flanges on the valve body. This is typical for larger bores, and media that is under greater pressure. Both styles allow for the easy removal of the main valve housing.
What Are the Common Applications of 3-Piece Valves?
Because they’re so easy to clean and maintain, 3-piece valves have applications and uses in a range of different industries. Some of the places and ways where you may see 3-piece valves in use include the following:
- Chemical processing plants - Chemical processing plants may use three-piece valves for transporting any number of substances. Whether it be liquids or gases, chemicals or water, these valves play a critical part.
- The petrochemical industry - These valves may find use in the petrochemical industry for controlling the flow of various petroleum-based products ranging from crude oil to petrochemical derivatives.
- Pharmaceutical Manufacturing - In the pharmaceutical industry, the 3-piece valve is useful for transporting and controlling the flow of chemicals and slurries.
- Food and Beverage Industry - In the food and beverage industry, this kind of valve finds use in controlling the flow of various gases and liquids.
- Marine and Shipbuilding - In the marine and shipbuilding industries, 3-piece valves are used to control the flow of seawater, fuel, anf other fluids.
- Agricultural Applications - 3-piece valves often find use in agricultural applications where they are used to direct fertilizers and other chemicals.
3-Piece Valves - Available Materials and Sizes
3-piece valves, as with most valves, come in a wide array of different sizes and materials. The available sizes run the gambit from tiny valves of ¼” all the way to whopper 8” valves. The materials are also diverse, and include options like carbon steel, stainless steel, and bronze.
They’re also available in a range of different end types, which vary significantly depending on the system. Some of these may include threaded, socket weld, butt weld, Flanged, and compression.
Because the array is so vast and varied, it’s essential to know exactly what you need before you buy.
What Are the Advantages of Using 3-Piece Valves?
Using 3-piece valves comes with a wide array of advantages and benefits. Some of the potential advantages may include the following:
- Corrosion resistance - 3-piece valves have a high resistance to corrosion, making them ideal for systems where rust may be a problem.
- Easy maintenance - Since they come apart into three distinct pieces, keeping three-piece valves clean and maintained is easy. Thanks to their easy disassembly, you can’t go wrong using 3-piece valves in applications requiring regular maintenance.
- Versatility - 3-piece valves have many uses and can be successfully used in many different applications, making them ideal catch-alls.
- Cost-effectiveness - Generally, 3-piece valves are relatively inexpensive, making them ideal for lower-cost projects requiring affordable valves.
- Compliance with industry standards - In general, 3-piece valves meet the necessary industrial requirements and approvals. You may buy trustworthy, high-quality products with confidence.
- Readily available - 3-piece valves are usually easy to find and readily available. You’ll easilyt find the type and size your application requires.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Do I Select the Right 3-Piece Valve for My Application?
When selecting the ideal 3-piece valve for your application, you should take a few factors into consideration. The application itself should always be the main consideration, though. Defining the application and taking into account problems like:
- What will be transported by the system?
- How large is the system's pipe?
- What is the application's flow rate and pressure rating?
- Does the application have any unique temperature needs?
- Do you require a manual or remote valve actuation system?
The answers to these questions will define the size of the valve to buy, the sort of material it should be built of, and the kind of actuator it has to have.
How Should 3-Piece Valves Be Maintained?
For the most part, a 3-piece valve should require minimal maintenance. However, thanks to its unique design, the 3 piece valve can be asily cleaned by separating the three parts, and cleaning each one individually.
This should be done every four to six months, with periodic checks in-between to ensure that the valves aren’t faulty or leaky.
Where Can I Buy 3-Piece Valves?
No matter what your requirement, you can get your three-piece valves right here at ValveMan. From manual ball valves to electric actuators, carbon steel to stainless steel, we’ve got you covered. For all your valve needs, feel free to contact us. We’d love to help you get your next project done.