First Three-Way Ball Sector Valve for the Ideal Control of Flow Rates

12.07.2024
In many industrial processes, three-way valves perform the important function of mixing or splitting flowing media. Schubert & Salzer has now developed the first three-way ball sector valve for the ideal control of the flow rate of liquids and gases.
First Three-Way Ball Sector Valve for the Ideal Control of Flow Rates

With the world's first three-way ball sector valve, Schubert & Salzer Control Systems achieves particularly high volumetric flow rates that are virtually identical in all directions. (Image source: Schubert & Salzer Control Systems GmbH)

"Our approach of using the ball sector design for three-way valves is completely new. In this way, we achieve about 20% higher KVS values than three-way valves with a conventional design", explains Reiner Wolf, Head of Mechanical Design and Development at Schubert & Salzer Control Systems. These extraordinarily high flow rates are achieved through the special design of the ball sector and the valve body. The resulting straight flow in one direction and the minimised flow deflection in the other result in the very high and almost identical KVS values.

Excellent control behaviour
Superior control accuracy is ensured by the optimised contour of the ball sector and its backlash-free bearing, together with the actuator and positioner. The positioning angle of 90 degrees enables a very large control range to be achieved. The rangeability is 300:1.

The forces of the flowing media are completely absorbed by the bearing shafts of the three-way ball sector valves, which is why pneumatic or electric actuators require only very low actuation forces. The relatively low actuator torque also remains almost constant over the entire actuation range. Changes in differential pressure therefore have hardly any effect on the control accuracy of the three-way ball sector valves.

The actuator can be attached to the upper or lower shaft end. This results in a particularly high degree of flexibility in adapting to different installation situations.

Optionally available with digital positioner
Especially in combination with the digital positioner type 8049 from Schubert & Salzer, the three-way ball sector valves can maximize their control potential. In addition to an Ex and FM version, the controller can also be equipped with IO-Link. This provides extensive status data for analysis and predictive maintenance.

Three-way ball sector valves offer particularly high added value in the temperature control and mixing processes of the steel, chemical, food and beverage industries as well as in power generation, the manufacture of plastic and rubber products and for use in test benches.

More articles on this topic

Zenit Presents Grey CTG Pumps for High-Concentration Organic Wastewater Management

15.09.2025 -

Zenit Grey CTG submersible pumps are designed for handling high-concentration organic wastewater containing solids and fibrous materials in civil and industrial applications. Their distinctive feature is the innovative Tsurumi Pump cutting system, which, by combining a channel impeller with sharp edge blades and a fixed blade on the suction flange, creates an effective scissor-like action that grinds solid and fibrous waste.

Read more

KROHNE: Using Electromagnetic Flowmeters for Better Management of Produced Water

15.09.2025 -

The oil and gas industry is increasingly relying on electromagnetic flowmeters, commonly known as magmeters, as a crucial tool to address the ever-growing challenges of managing produced water – the water that is brought to the surface during oil and gas extraction operations. Not only is the volume of produced water surging, but at the same time, the industry faces mounting constraints on its use and disposal.

Read more

Progressive Cavity Pumps: A Multi-Talent for the Global Mining Industry

15.09.2025 -

The mining and metals industry plays a critical role in supporting global progress. From consumer electronics and agriculture to infrastructure and transportation, modern society depends on a secure and sustainable supply of minerals. This dependence is growing as the world accelerates toward an energy transition, requiring large volumes of critical raw materials such as copper, lithium, and rare earth elements.

Read more

Parker Launches the VA130 Mobile Valve

15.09.2025 -

Parker Hannifin announced the launch of its innovative VA130 mobile valve, completing the Parker VA Series valve portfolio. Precision-engineered using high-grade materials, this valve offers unmatched flexibility and customization, enabling seamless integration into both simple and complex hydraulic systems across a broad range of applications.

Read more