Ball Valve

Introduction to Ball Valve

Ball valves are flow isolation valves that use a spherical ball with a through-bore to open or close the fluid passage. With a 90-degree rotation mechanism, ball valves provide fast operation, tight sealing, minimal leakage, and simple handling. They are commonly used in systems handling water, oil, compressed air, steam, chemicals, and various industrial applications requiring high sealing performance.

Their compact design, low operating torque, and high durability make ball valves widely preferred in both residential and heavy industrial systems. Depending on application requirements, ball valves are available in one-piece, two-piece, or three-piece designs; with threaded, flanged, or welded connections; and operated by lever, gear, pneumatic, or electric actuators.

Among industrial valve manufacturers, Watts stands out with over 150 years of development and is highly regarded for its expertise in mechanical and automated valve technologies. Watts ball valves are designed according to international standards and are available in a variety of materials such as brass, stainless steel, and lead-free alloys, meeting operational requirements from residential to heavy industrial applications.

Operating Principle of Ball Valve

The operating principle of a ball valve is based on the rotational movement of a spherical ball with a through-bore inside the valve body. When the lever or actuator rotates 90 degrees, the position of the bore changes, determining whether the valve is open or closed.

• Open Position: When the bore of the ball aligns with the flow direction, the fluid passes through the valve with minimal resistance. Depending on the valve design – full bore (same diameter as the pipe) or reduced bore – the flow can maintain stable velocity and pressure according to system requirements.
• Closed Position: When the ball rotates 90 degrees, the solid side of the ball blocks the flow path completely. Combined with sealing seats (typically made of PTFE or other heat/chemical-resistant materials), the valve achieves tight shut-off and minimizes leakage.

This simple operating mechanism, along with excellent sealing performance and quick response, makes ball valves a reliable choice for water, gas, steam, and chemical systems. The design also reduces the risk of sticking, simplifies maintenance, and ensures long service life.

Watts Ball Valve Product Line

Watts ball valves are developed to meet a wide range of operational requirements in water supply systems, HVAC, fluid handling, and industrial applications. Each model features specific materials, constructions, and performance characteristics, creating a diverse product portfolio suitable for various operating conditions. Below is an overview of Watts ball valve models to help you select the most appropriate solution for your application.

W-FBV-7

The W-FBV-7 is a brass ball valve from Watts, designed for water systems in residential, commercial, and light industrial applications. This valve series stands out for its stable sealing performance, simple operation, and easy maintenance. The design allows near full-bore flow, minimizing flow restriction and helping the system maintain pressure and operate efficiently. It is also one of Watts’ popular brass ball valve models, complying with the GB/T 13927-2008 test standard and suitable for various water supply applications.

Below are the key technical specifications of the W-FBV-7:

• Valve size: DN15 – DN50
• Body material: Brass
• Nominal pressure: PN16
• Temperature range: -20°C to 120°C
• Test standard: GB/T 13927-2008
• Connection standard: GB/T 7306.1
• Working medium: Water

W-Q41F-16C

The W-Q41F-16C is a PN16 flanged ball valve featuring a carbon steel body and a stainless steel ball, designed for water, oil, and gas systems in industrial applications. Its robust construction ensures good pressure resistance and stable operation across a wide temperature range. The ball and sealing surfaces are protected in the closed position, helping reduce corrosion and maintain long-term sealing performance. The valve allows low flow resistance, quick open-close operation, and easy maintenance, making it a reliable choice for pipelines requiring high mechanical strength and dependable performance.

Below are the key technical specifications of the W-Q41F-16C series:

• Valve size: DN50 – DN150
• Body material: Carbon steel surface painting
• Nominal pressure: PN16
• Temperature range: -20°C to 120°C
• Test standard: GB/T 13927-2008
• Connection standard: GB/T 9113
• Working medium: Water, oil, gas
• Operation: Manual lever, 0°-90° rotation

W-Q11F-25P

The W-Q11F-25P is a threaded stainless steel ball valve designed for water supply systems, infrastructure projects, and pipelines requiring stable fluid quality. The valve is made from CF8/304 stainless steel, providing excellent corrosion resistance and maintaining reliable sealing performance under continuous operation. Its compact structure, lightweight design, and quick open/close operation make it suitable for systems with high operating frequency. With a pressure rating up to PN25, the W-Q11F-25P performs well in applications requiring higher pressure and enhanced safety.

Below are the key technical specifications of the W-Q11F-25P series:

• Valve size: DN15 – DN50
• Body material: Stainless steel CF8
• Nominal pressure: PN25
• Temperature range: -20°C to 120°C
• Test standard: GB/T 13927-2008
• Connection standard: GB/T 7306.2
• Connection type: Thread type
• Working medium: Water

W-Q41F-16P

The W-Q41F-16P is a stainless steel flanged ball valve designed for systems requiring high durability, cleanliness, and corrosion resistance. With the body, ball, and stem all made of stainless steel, this valve ensures stable operation in various water environments and meets strict fluid quality standards. Its compact design, reasonable weight, and quick open–close operation make it suitable for pipelines with high operating frequency. The PTFE sealing mechanism provides reliable tightness, minimizes pressure loss, and ensures long service life.

Below are the key technical specifications of the W-Q41F-16P series:

• Valve size: DN50 – DN200
• Body material: Stainless steel CF8
• Nominal pressure: PN16
• Temperature range: -20°C to 120°C
• Test standard: GB/T 13927-2008
• Connection standard: JB/T 79.1-1994
• Connection type: Flanged type
• Working medium: Water

FBV-25/25N

The FBV-25/25N is a PN25 bronze ball valve designed with a robust body, compact size, and flexible operation. This valve is suitable for water, oil, and steam systems thanks to its high-pressure resistance and stable sealing performance. The high-quality bronze construction combined with PTFE seats ensures long-lasting performance, reduces pressure loss, and meets the demands of applications requiring high operational reliability. The FBV-25/25N is also WRAS certified, ensuring suitability for potable water systems.

Below are the key technical specifications of the FBV-25/25N series:

• Valve size: DN15 – DN50
• Body material: Bronze CC491K
• Nominal pressure: PN25
• Temperature range: 0°C to 170°C
• Test standard: BS 6755
• Connection standard: Threaded to BS21 BSPT, Available with NPT threading Model FBV-25N
• Working medium: Water, oil, steam
• Certification: WRAS

LF-FBV

The LF-FBV series is a full-port bronze ball valve designed for water, oil, gas, and mildly corrosive media. With a C84400 bronze body and a 304 stainless steel ball, the valve ensures stable operation, good pressure resistance, and long-term sealing performance. A key feature of the LF-FBV is its full port design, which allows unrestricted flow and is ideal for systems requiring high flow capacity and stable pressure.

The valve is equipped with virgin PTFE seats, a blow-out proof stem, and an insulated handle, enhancing operational safety and durability. It is a suitable choice for systems requiring high standards of cleanliness and fluid performance.

Below are the key technical specifications of the LF-FBV series:

• Valve size: DN15 – DN50
• Body material: Bronze C84400
• Nominal pressure: PN41
• Temperature range: -18°C to 177°C
• Design standard: MSS SP-110
• Connection standard: Thread PTF to ANSI B1.20.3
• Test standard: MSS SP-110
• Working medium: Water, oil, gas

W-L-FBV-BSPT

The W-L-FBV-BSPT is a full port bronze ball valve designed with BSPT threaded connections in accordance with BS 21, suitable for water, oil, gas, and mildly corrosive media. The valve features a high-quality bronze body, a stainless steel ball, and virgin PTFE seats, ensuring stable sealing performance and good temperature resistance.

The bottom-loaded blowout-proof stem design enhances safety, while the insulated handle provides a secure grip for operation in high-temperature environments. Thanks to its full port design, the valve allows nearly unrestricted flow, making it ideal for systems requiring stable flow and low pressure loss.

Below are the key technical specifications of the W-L-FBV-BSPT:

• Valve size: DN15 – DN50
• Body material: Lead bronze
• Nominal pressure: PN41
• Temperature range: -18°C to 177°C
• Design standard: MSS SP-110
• Connection standard: Thread BSPT to BS 21
• Test standard: MSS SP-110
• Working media: Water, oil, gas, mildly corrosive fluids

LFFBV-3C-M1

The LFFBV-3C-M1 is a two-piece ball valve made of lead-free silicon bronze, suitable for potable water systems, commercial buildings, and industrial applications requiring high safety standards. Its full port design ensures maximum flow capacity with minimal pressure loss.

The valve uses virgin PTFE seats, FKM O-rings, and a blowout-proof stem to deliver reliable sealing and long service life. An adjustable packing gland helps minimize leakage and simplifies maintenance. With a robust structure, high pressure rating, and multiple international certifications, the LFFBV-3C-M1 is suitable for water, oil, gas, and mildly corrosive media.

• Valve size: DN8 – DN100
• Body material: Lead-free forged silicon bronze
• Nominal pressure: PN41 (¼”–2″), PN27 (2½”–3″)
• Temperature range: −40°C to 204°C
• Design standard: MSS SP-110
• Connection standard: NPT thread according to ASME B1.20.1
• Certifications & Approvals:
  • Threaded valves 1/4″–2″ shall be CSA approved to ½”, 5, and 125 psig (34, 34 and 862 kPa), UL/FM approved, and 1/4″–4″ certified to NSF/ANSI standard 61/8.
  • Solder valves 1/2″–2″ shall be UL listed, FM approved, and certified to NSF/ANSI standard 61/8.

LFFBV-4

The LFFBV-4 series is a two-piece lead-free ball valve with a full port design, allowing maximum flow capacity while minimizing pressure loss. The chrome-plated ball enhances durability and wear resistance, while PTFE seats and FKM seals ensure reliable, tight shut-off. A blowout-proof stem combined with an adjustable packing gland helps minimize leakage and extend service life. This valve series is well-suited for water, gas, and residential–commercial applications requiring safe and stable operation.

Below are the key technical specifications of the LFFBV-4 series:

• Valve size: DN8 – DN80
• Body material: Lead-free forged silicon bronze
• Nominal pressure: PN41 (¼”–2″), PN27 (2½”–3″)
• Temperature range: -40°C to 204°C
• Design standard: MSS SP-110
• Connection & Certifications: Threaded valves sized 1/2″–3″ are CSA approved to ½ psig and 5 psig, and certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 61/8 by NSF. Solder valves are certified by NSF to NSF/ANSI Standard 61/8.

FBV-3C-AUS-EX/FBV-3C-AUS-TC&MB&EX/ FBV-3C-AUS-TC/FBV-3C-AUS-TC&MB

The FBV-3C-AUS is a range of full-port brass ball valves designed for HVAC systems, building services, and light industrial applications. It includes variants such as FBV-3C-AUS-EX, FBV-3C-AUS-TC, FBV-3C-AUS-TC & MB, and FBV-3C-AUS-TC & MB & EX, providing flexibility for different installation needs. The valves enable flow isolation and reconnection, with optional pressure ports and auxiliary ball valves for measurement and testing.

The valve features a forged brass body, chrome-plated brass ball, and PTFE seats for durability, high pressure resistance, and reliable sealing. A blowout-proof stem and FKM seals enhance operational safety across a wide temperature range.

Below are the key technical specifications of the FBV-3C-AUS series:

• Valve size: DN15 – DN50
• Body material: Forged brass
• Nominal pressure: 41 bar (4100 kPa) WOG (Water, Oil, Gas), non-shock
• Temperature range: -40°C to 204°C
• Test standard: WMTS 012-2016
• Connection dimension: AS 3688
• Design standard: MSS SP-110
• Certification: WMKA22100

RABV

The RABV is a DR brass angle ball valve designed for residential water supply systems, providing quick shut-off and reliable sealing performance. The 90° angle design allows easy installation in confined spaces and helps reduce pressure loss. The valve is available with two connection types: press fit and compression, making it compatible with various piping systems. It also features an anti-vandal locking lever, enhancing operational safety. This series is a suitable choice for potable water systems requiring durability and consistent quality.

Below are the key technical specifications of the RABV series:

• Valve size: DN20
• Body material: DR brass
• Nominal pressure: 25 bar (2500 kPa)
• Temperature range: 0°C to 60°C
• Design standard: WMTS-012
• Test standard: WMTS-012
• Connection standard: Thread Rp 3/4″
• Working medium: Potable water
• Certification: WaterMark Australia – WMK26060

W6000

The W6000 series is a stainless steel three-piece ball valve designed for industrial systems requiring high sealing performance and easy maintenance. The three-piece construction allows the valve to be disassembled and cleaned without removing it from the pipeline, improving service efficiency. It supports both welded and clamp connections, making it suitable for applications requiring high hygiene standards and durability. The body, ball, and stem are all made of stainless steel, combined with PTFE seats, ensuring corrosion resistance and stable operation across a wide temperature range.

Below are the key technical specifications of the W6000 series:

• Valve size: DN15 – DN100
• Body, ball, stem material: Stainless steel
• Nominal pressure: PN16 (DN15-DN50), PN10 (DN65-DN100)
• Temperature range: -10°C to 100°C
• Connection standards:
  • Welding: DIN 11850 / ISO 2037
  • Clamp: DIN 32676 / ISO 2852
• Test standard: GB/T 13927
• Working medium: Water, oil, gas

Toan Cau – Exclusive Distributor of Watts Ball Valves in Vietnam

Watts ball valves are well known for their consistent quality, durable design, and ability to meet a wide range of requirements in water systems, HVAC, and industrial applications. In Vietnam, Toan Cau is the exclusive distributor of Watts products, ensuring genuine supply along with accurate technical consultation.

With over 18 years of experience in providing advanced building material solutions, Toan Cau supports customers across projects of all scales. For assistance in selecting the right ball valve or to receive a prompt quotation, please contact the hotline 0911 771 551.