Inquiry for Three-Way Ball Valves: Confirm Flow Direction and Switching Position First

Inquiries for three-way ball valves should not state only the diameter and quantity. The purchasing party should first explain clearly the functions required by the pipeline, allowing the supplier to confirm the flow pattern, operating position, and sealing requirements based on actual working conditions. Similar external appearances do not indicate identical internal flow relationships.

Sketch the Pipeline and Port Purposes First

Provide a simple schematic of the pipeline, labeling the equipment or lines connected to each port, normal flow directions, and the branches intended to be connected or isolated under each operating state. Do not judge the internal flow path solely by the handle direction, nor directly apply port numbering from other manufacturers to the new product.

Clarify Switching Process Requirements

Explain to the supplier whether brief interconnections between different branches are allowed during switching, whether a specific intermediate position is required, and which flow path must be maintained in the shutdown state. Request the supplier to provide flow path diagrams and position explanations corresponding to the quoted model, to be verified and confirmed by system design personnel.

Complete Working Condition and Installation Information

List medium names and compositions, normal and abnormal operating conditions, working pressure and temperature ranges, piping connection standards, installation space, and maintenance conditions. Material and seal selections should be confirmed by the supplier based on this information; a certain valve body material cannot be assumed to make the entire valve suitable for all temperatures.

Actuation and Delivery Verification

Clarify manual, pneumatic, or electric operation requirements, as well as on-site power conditions, feedback signals, and desired state upon loss of power. The quotation attachments should include the model, interface dimensions, flow path and operating position diagrams, applicable operating conditions, and agreed inspection items. Unconfirmed details should be listed as pending items rather than written as guaranteed parameters in advance.

The accompanying image comes from Wikimedia Commons, created by Sonett72, and released into the public domain. The image shows a conceptual diagram of flow paths in a three-way ball valve, which is not an actual photo of our company's product, nor does it imply that all models support the illustrated positions. Actual connectivity relationships, switching sequences, and sealing capabilities shall be subject to the specific model documentation provided by the supplier.