Types: 2-Way, 3-Way, Floating, Trunnion & V-Port
A 2-way ball valve shuts off or opens a single flow path. A 3-way ball valve switches, diverts or mixes media via an L-port or T-port bore. In a floating ball valve the ball is pushed into the seat by line pressure for a reliable seal up to medium sizes, while a trunnion mounted ball valve carries the ball on fixed bearings for large sizes and high pressures. A V-port ball valve uses a V-shaped bore for precise flow control.
Two further characteristics define flow and maintenance:
- Full bore: the ball bore matches the pipe inner diameter for minimal pressure loss and pigging
- Reduced bore: a smaller bore, more compact and economical
- 1-piece / 2-piece / 3-piece: the 3-piece design allows inspection and seat replacement without removing the valve from the line
Materials: Stainless Steel, Brass, Carbon Steel & Duplex
The body material determines media resistance and the temperature and pressure range. Stainless steel ball valves in 1.4408 (CF8M) or 1.4404 (316L) resist acids, alkalis and aggressive media — typical for chemical, pharmaceutical, food and water treatment duties. Brass ball valves in CW617N are economical and light, the classic choice for potable water, heating and gas.
For high pressure and energy applications, carbon steel (WCB) and ductile iron are available; duplex and other special alloys are supplied on request. For a deeper comparison, see our technical guide to stainless steel ball valves.
Seat & Seal Materials: PTFE, NBR, FKM & EPDM
The seat and stem seal decide temperature and media suitability:
- PTFE / PTFE + 15% GF / TFM 1600: broad chemical resistance, up to approx. +180 °C
- FKM (Viton): oils, fuels, higher temperatures
- NBR: water, air, mineral oil
- EPDM: hot water, steam, alkaline media
Connections: Flanged, Threaded, Weld End & Tri-Clamp
The connection type follows nominal size, pressure and installation method. Threaded ball valves with BSP (ISO 228) or NPT threads are compact and ideal for DN8 to DN100. Flanged ball valves to EN 1092-1 offer a standardised, removable and maintenance-friendly joint from DN15 upward. Weld end valves (socket weld or butt weld) give a permanent, low-leakage joint for high-pressure and process lines, while Tri-Clamp connections suit hygienic duties.
- Threaded: DN8–DN100, quick installation, tight spaces
- Flanged: from DN15, standardised to EN 1092-1, easy to service
- Weld end: low-leakage for high pressure and oil & gas
- Tri-Clamp / compression fitting: for sanitary and instrumentation lines
Browse the full range of flanged ball valves.
Actuation: Manual, Pneumatic & Electric
Ball valves are available manual and automated. A hand lever suits simple shut-off. Pneumatic actuators — single acting with spring return or double acting — deliver fast cycling, while electric actuators (24V–230V, with position feedback) enable remote control and PLC integration.
Thanks to the mounting pad to ISO 5211, a manual ball valve can also be automated later. We supply pre-assembled, tested valve-actuator units — including a limit switch box where required:
Pressure & Temperature: PN16, PN40, High Pressure & Cryogenic
Most industrial duties run on PN16 or PN40. For higher demands, Fergo offers high pressure ball valves up to 500 bar and ANSI Class 600 versions for oil, gas and power applications. For low temperature and cryogenic service, ball valves with an extended stem are available.
The permissible temperature range depends on the body material and seal: PTFE seats typically reach up to approx. +180 °C, while high temperature versions use metal or graphite-reinforced seats. For steam or extreme-temperature duties, our engineers confirm the right material and seal combination with you.
Certifications & Applications: Fire Safe (API 607), WRAS, Gas & Sanitary
Depending on the version, Fergo ball valves carry the relevant industry approvals: Fire Safe to API 607 with an ISO 5211 mounting pad, WRAS and gas approvals for supply networks, TA-Luft for low-emission stem sealing, SIL 3 for safety-related shut-off, plus sanitary 316L designs with food-grade seals.
The Fire Safe test to API 607 confirms that a soft-seated valve stays sealed during and after fire exposure. For potable water and gas, only approved models may be installed. Approvals are model-specific and stated on each datasheet — see ball valves for water & gas and our certificates.
Select the Right Ball Valve and Order from Stock
Fergo ball valves cover every industrial requirement — from a brass threaded valve to an automated stainless steel flanged ball valve with approval. Filter the industrial ball valve range by DN, PN, material and connection, and order from stock for EU-wide delivery in 2–10 working days. Not sure which version fits? Request a free technical review and our engineers will configure the right valve-actuator unit for your application.
Ball Valves — Frequently Asked Questions
When should I choose a stainless steel ball valve over brass?
Brass is economical up to around DN50 and well suited to potable water, heating and gas. As soon as aggressive media, acids, higher temperatures or food and pharmaceutical duties are involved, stainless steel 1.4408 or 316L is the better choice. Stainless steel is also preferred for larger sizes and flanged connections.
What's the difference between full bore and reduced bore ball valves?
In a full bore valve the ball bore matches the pipe inner diameter, so pressure loss is minimal — important for pumps, pigging and high flow rates. A reduced bore valve has a smaller bore, is more compact and economical, and is sufficient for most shut-off duties.
Which ball valves are approved for drinking water and gas?
Only approved valves may be used in potable water and gas networks. Fergo supplies brass and stainless steel models with WRAS, DVGW and gas approvals; the approval is model-specific and stated on the relevant datasheet.
Can I automate a manual ball valve with a pneumatic or electric actuator?
Yes. Ball valves with an ISO 5211 mounting pad can be automated with a matching actuator. Fergo supplies pre-assembled and tested valve-actuator units — optionally with a limit switch box — so nominal size, torque and actuation are correctly matched.
What does Fire Safe (API 607) mean for ball valves?
Fire Safe to API 607 is a fire test for soft-seated valves. It confirms that the ball valve stays sealed during and after fire exposure, limiting the escape of flammable media. Such versions are typically required in oil, gas and chemical plants.