Ball Valve
A ball valve is an on/off valve with a bored sphere that rotates to align or block the bore. It gives bubble-tight shut-off and drains cleanly, which is why it is the default hygienic shut-off valve.
What is a Ball Valve
The ball has a central port; rotating it 90° lines the port up with the pipe (open) or across it (closed). Sanitary versions use an electropolished 316L bore and tri-clamp ends for CIP/SIP. Actuated versions add a pneumatic (fail-safe) or electric (modulating) head.
Materials & standards
- Electropolished 316L stainless steel bore for hygienic duty
- PTFE seats and seals
- Tri-clamp (3A) hygienic ends
- Pneumatic or electric actuator options
- 3-way porting for diverter/service selection
Typical applications
- Hygienic on/off shut-off in pharma, food and dairy
- Sampling and drain valves
- CIP/SIP isolation loops
- Pneumatic/electric automated lines
- 3-way diverter and mixing service
Ball Valve at a glance
| Sealing | Bubble-tight |
|---|---|
| Cleanability | Excellent, full-bore, easy to CIP |
| Relative cost | Moderate; higher than butterfly for large bore |
| Best use | Tight shut-off and clean-in-place isolation, especially small bore |
Frequently asked questions
Why choose a ball valve over a butterfly valve?
Ball valves give bubble-tight shut-off and the best cleanability for small-bore hygienic isolation; butterfly valves win on cost and weight for large bore.
Are sanitary ball valves 3A compliant?
Yes, KOSA sanitary ball valves use electropolished 316L and tri-clamp ends built to 3A hygienic practice for CIP/SIP loops.
Can ball valves be automated?
Yes, with a pneumatic actuator (spring-return fail-safe) or an electric actuator for modulating control.
Last updated: 2026-10-08
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