3-Way Valve

Three-Way valves control fluid flow differently than their two-way counterpart in that they are used for
mixing, diverting or selecting.

Mixing valves combine two fluid streams into a single one:



Diverting valves, as the name implies, divert an incoming fluid to one of two output ports:



Selecting valves are basically diverting valves in reverse; the incoming fluid is selected from one of two ports and exits the output port:



Three-way ball valves are available in two basic configurations: T-Port and L-Port.

T-Port 3-way valves have three holes drilled to resemble the shape of the letter "T". T-Port Valves can be used in all three modes, depending on the valve setting. Referring to the figure below, T-Port valves can be set in four different positions.

• T1 Flow Path (Left Mixing):       Media entering from left flows straight through valve, mixing all ports in Position 2, until diverted left and out front port                                                      in Position 2.


• T2 Flow Path (Left Diverter):     Media entering from left flows straight through valve in Position 1, until diverted left and out front port in Position 2.


• T3 Flow Path (Right Diverter):  Media entering from right flows straight through valve in Position 2, until diverted right and out front port in Position 1.


• T4 Flow Path (Right Mixing):    Media entering from right flows straight through valve, mixing all ports in Position 1, until diverted right and out front                                                     port in Position 2.

Note that there is always a fluid path through the valve regardless of setting. T-Port valves can therefore never be closed.

L-Port 3-way valves have two holes drilled on different sides (90°) and resembles the shape of the letter "L". L-port valves can be used as diverter or selector valves, but not as a mixing valve. L-Port valves have a single setting to divert flow to the left or right with one 90º turn of the handle:



3-Way Valve Actuation

Valworx valves come with an integral mount for easy attachment to a valve actuator. (For a primer on motorized valves click here). The standard valve setting depends on the type of actuator.

For more information regarding three-way ball valves, click here for ProTips: 3-Way Ball Valves.