Ball valves can be used in many different applications. However, they are primarily used in industrial processes, in the fields of water supply and water/waste water treatment. In addition to this, GEMÜ plastic ball valves are successfully used in the chemical industry. Alongside valves with straight through body (2/2-way valves), T valves (3/2-way valves) are also available. Accessories, such as seal adjusters and stroke limiters, manual overrides, proximity switches, optical position indicators and electrical position indicators, round off the ball valve portfolio.

The ball valve comprises a ball with a continuous bore hole, which generally sits in a body between PTFE sealing rings. The ball is connected via an externally positioned shaft. The valve can be opened and closed by rotating it through 90°. Depending on the material combination, ball valves can be used for medium temperatures up to 200 °C and operating pressures up to 63 bar, and they can also be used without any problems in vacuum applications. They are suitable for mechanically pure, inert or corrosive liquids, gases or vapours, making them ideal for numerous industrial applications, process media distribution, water supply and treatment, swimming pool processes, electroplating, etc. A major advantage for “full bore” ball valves is that, when they are opened, the full cross section of the pipeline is free, resulting in minimal pressure loss and a high Kvs value. This makes them ideal for high viscosity media and they are the only named type of valve that is also piggable. In contrast to the 2-piece valves, 3-piece ball valves have the advantage that the wearing parts are easily replaceable. For change-over or distribution tasks, 3-way ball valves are also available with a choice of a ball with an L- or T-bore.

For hygienic applications, there are dead space- and surface-optimized solutions. Where space is an issue, compact valves with short lengths can also be provided.

For all the valve types specified, GEMÜ offers numerous customized accessories for automation and process optimization. Electr. position indicator, position and process controllers, sensor systems and measurement devices, are easily and quickly fitted, adjusted and integrated in the existing process control technology.