Buy Ball Valves: Industrial Shut-off Valves in Brass, Stainless Steel and Ductile Iron

The ball valve is the standard shut-off fitting in piping systems. A quarter-turn is all it takes to fully open the bored ball or stop flow completely. In the open position, pressure drop is minimal — and even after countless switching cycles, the seal remains absolutely tight: bubble-tight, no exceptions. That is why ball valves are found everywhere, from domestic plumbing to high-pressure industrial plants.

Fergo stocks more than 1,172 ball valves for immediate delivery: bore sizes from DN 8 to DN 300, pressure ratings PN 6 to PN 100 and ANSI Class 150 to 600. Material choice: brass or stainless steel. End connections are available as threaded, flanged or butt-weld, each in manual or automated versions. Certifications available include DVGW, TA Luft, Fire Safe, SIL 3 and AD 2000-A4.

Design and function

When open, the ball bore aligns exactly with the pipe axis — flow passes through full-bore designs almost unimpeded. A quick quarter-turn blocks the flow entirely. Sealing is provided by PTFE or elastomer seat rings pressed tightly against both sides of the ball, maintaining a reliable seal even under pressure.

Ball valves are designed for isolation, not flow control. Operating a valve permanently in a half-open position loads the PTFE seats asymmetrically, promotes cavitation and reduces service life. For throttling or modulating duties, needle valves or control valves are the appropriate solution.

2-piece or 3-piece body?

Two-piece designs are compact and cost-effective, covering the majority of applications. However, maintenance requires the valve to be removed from the line. Three-piece designs are easier to service: the centre section — containing the ball and seats — can be withdrawn without disturbing the pipe connections. The right choice wherever maintenance frequency and critical media demand it, particularly in process plant environments.

Full bore or reduced bore?

Full bore: the ball bore matches the pipe bore, resulting in virtually no pressure drop and a fully piggable line. Reduced bore: a smaller ball bore makes the valve more compact and lighter, with easier operation, but at the cost of higher pressure drop. Where pigging is not required and pressure drop is not a concern, the reduced bore offers a more economical and space-saving solution.

Floating ball or trunnion mounted?

Up to approximately DN 150, the floating ball design is standard — system pressure pushes the ball naturally against the downstream seat. From DN 150 upwards, or for pressure classes from Class 300 onwards, a trunnion-mounted ball is the better choice: the ball is supported on upper and lower shaft pins, with spring-loaded seats pressed against it. Pipeline forces are absorbed by the bearings rather than the seating faces, reducing operating torque and extending valve life.

Ball valves in stainless steel, brass, steel and ductile iron – durable industrial valves for pipeline and flow control

SUBCATEGORIES

3-way ball valve with pneumatic or electric actuator – precise flow control for industrial applications

3-Way Ball Valves

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Flanschkugelhahn mit DVGW-Zulassung für Gas und Trinkwasser – aus Edelstahl, Sphäroguss oder Stahlguss für sichere Versorgungsleitungen

Flanged Ball Valves

Threaded Ball Valves

Weld-on Ball Valves

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Electric Ball Valves

Kugelhahn für Gas Anwendungen DVGW Zulassung

Ball Valves DVGW Water & Gas

Ball Valve Duplex

PRODUCT CONFIGURATOR

Material selection: Body, ball and seat

Brass CW617N: The classic for ball valves in building services and utilities – handles water and compressed air without problems and scores with good price/performance ratio. Suitable for drinking water, heating systems, compressed air and neutral gases (up to PN 40/63). Balls are hard chrome plated or nickel plated for better durability.

Where brass is not suitable: chloride-containing media, strong acids and alkalis, ultrapure water or pharmaceutical applications requiring zinc-free materials. In such cases, better use stainless steel.

Stainless steel 1.4408 (AISI 316 / CF8M) and 1.4404 (AISI 316L): The industrial standard, especially for process plants. Stainless steel resists chloride-containing substances, moderately aggressive acids, alkalis and many organic compounds. Temperature range from -40 °C to +400 °C, pressures up to PN 100. Used in food and pharmaceutical areas, seawater applications or chemical plants. For welded connections, 1.4404 (316L) is often used – the lower carbon content prevents problems in the weld area.

Duplex steel 1.4462 (UNS S31803): The combination of austenitic and ferritic structure provides twice the yield strength compared to 1.4408 and offers optimum protection against stress corrosion cracking – especially with chloride-containing media. Often used in offshore installations, seawater desalination, chlorine chemistry or phosphoric acid production – wherever standard stainless steel tends to pitting.

Cast steel A216 WCB and ductile iron GGG40: A216 WCB is suitable for flanged ball valves that have to withstand high mechanical loads (between -29 °C and +425 °C, up to Class 600 / PN 100). Typically for hydrocarbons, steam or neutral process media. GGG40 is used at lower pressure ratings in water and gas networks – a sensible mix of strength, toughness and cost.

Seal materials: PTFE, NBR, FKM, EPDM

PTFE / TFM 1600: All-rounder, almost chemically resistant, usable from -200 °C to +250 °C – also FDA compliant. With 15% glass fibre even more robust and stable against cold flow.
NBR: Resistant to mineral oils, fuels and hydraulic oils – but not for hot water or steam.
FKM / Viton: Withstands aggressive chemicals and various acids and alkalis, up to approx. +200 °C.
EPDM: For water, steam and mild aqueous solutions – typical for drinking water and HVAC.

Areas of Application

Process and Chemical Engineering: Stainless steel flanged ball valves (1.4408, 3-piece) with TA-Luft approval and ATEX actuators for emission-relevant processes in the chemical, pharmaceutical and fine chemical industries. The 3-piece design allows inspection and seal replacement without dismantling the pipeline.

Oil, Gas and Power Generation: Flanged ball valves made of A216 WCB, CF8M or duplex in Class 150–600 for refineries, compression systems and power plants. Fire Safe according to API 607. SIL 3 combinations for safety-oriented shut-off functions.

Water and Gas Supply: DVGW ball valves made of brass (threaded) and stainless steel (flanged) for drinking water networks, waterworks and gas distribution stations. Sealing materials certified according to DVGW W 270, ACS and WRAS.

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC): Brass threaded ball valves for heating circuits, cooling water, condensate lines and compressed air. Compact, quick to install and economical – standard choice for HVAC installations of all sizes.

Food and Pharmaceutical Industry: Stainless steel 1.4408 with FDA-compliant PTFE or EPDM seals. 3-piece design for CIP/SIP cleaning. On request: electropolished internal surface and EHEDG-compliant design.

Shipping and Offshore: Duplex and stainless steel 1.4408 for seawater circuits, bilge pumps and cooling systems. High resistance to chloride corrosion and stress corrosion cracking. ATEX actuators for tankers and offshore platforms.

Fergo: Specialist for industrial ball valves since 2004

Fergo Armaturen stocks over 1,172 ball valves for process, building and supply engineering. Delivery within Germany on the next working day for most stock items. All products including data sheets, 3D models, certificates and declarations of conformity – available for direct download without request.

Special configurations on request: ceramic or PFA-lined balls, jacketed versions, ATEX actuator packages with NAMUR valve and limit switch box, works certificates 3.1 according to EN 10204, pressure equipment documentation according to PED 2014/68/EU.

➔ Advice & quotes: +49 (0) 21 31 / 15 39 28-0 | shop@fergo-valve.com | Mon–Fri 8:00–17:00.

Anwendungsbereiche

Prozess- und Chemietechnik: Edelstahl-Flanschkugelhähne (1.4408, 3-teilig) mit TA-Luft-Zulassung und ATEX-Antrieben für emissionsrelevante Prozesse in Chemie, Pharma und Feinchemie. Die 3-teilige Bauweise erlaubt Inspektion und Dichtungswechsel ohne Rohrleitungsdemontage.

Öl-, Gas- und Energieerzeugung: Flanschkugelhähne aus A216 WCB, CF8M oder Duplex in Class 150–600 für Raffinerie, Kompressionsanlagen und Kraftwerke. Fire Safe nach API 607. SIL 3-Kombinationen für sicherheitsgerichtete Absperrfunktionen.

Wasser- und Gasversorgung: DVGW-Kugelhähne aus Messing (Gewinde) und Edelstahl (Flansch) für Trinkwassernetze, Wasserwerke und Gasverteilstationen. Dichtungswerkstoffe nach DVGW W 270, ACS und WRAS zertifiziert.

Heizungs-, Lüftungs- und Klimatechnik (HLK): Messing-Gewindekugelhähne für Heizkreisläufe, Kühlwasser, Kondensatleitungen und Druckluft. Kompakt, schnell montierbar und wirtschaftlich – Standardwahl für HLK-Installationen aller Größen.

Lebensmittel- und Pharmaindustrie: Edelstahl 1.4408 mit FDA-konformen PTFE- oder EPDM-Dichtungen. 3-teilige Bauweise für CIP/SIP-Reinigung. Auf Anfrage: elektropolierte Innenoberfläche und EHEDG-konforme Ausführung.

Schifffahrt und Offshore: Duplex und Edelstahl 1.4408 für Meerwasserkreisläufe, Bilgenpumpen und Kühlanlagen. Hohe Beständigkeit gegen Chloridkorrosion und Spannungsrisskorrosion. ATEX-Antriebe für Tankschiffe und Offshore-Plattformen.

Fergo: Spezialist für Industriekugelhähne seit 2004

Fergo Armaturen führt über 1.172 lagerhaltende Kugelhähne für Prozess-, Gebäude- und Versorgungstechnik. Lieferung innerhalb Deutschlands am nächsten Werktag für die meisten Lagerpositionen. Alle Produkte inklusive Datenblätter, 3D-Modelle, Zertifikate und Konformitätserklärungen – direkt als Download verfügbar, ohne Anfrage.

Sonderkonfigurationen auf Anfrage: Keramik- oder PFA-ausgekleidete Kugeln, Heizmantelausführungen, ATEX-Antriebspakete mit NAMUR-Ventil und Endschalterbox, Werkszeugnisse 3.1 nach EN 10204, Druckgerätedokumentation nach DGRL 2014/68/EU.

➔ Beratung & Angebote: +49 (0) 21 31 / 15 39 28-0 | shop@fergo-valve.de | Mo–Fr 8:00–17:00 Uhr.

Frequently Asked Questions – Ball Valves

A ball valve uses a rotating, perforated sphere as its closure element. With a 90° quarter-turn of the handle or actuator, the bore through the ball aligns with the pipeline (fully open) or rotates perpendicular to it (fully closed). This simple, robust design delivers several key advantages:

Bubble-tight sealing – Soft seats (typically PTFE, TFM 1600, EPDM, or FKM) press against the ball to create a leak-free seal, even at high pressures
Minimal flow resistance when open – In full bore designs, the ball bore matches the pipe inner diameter exactly, resulting in virtually zero pressure drop
Fast operation – A single 90° movement opens or closes the valve; switch times of under one second with pneumatic actuation
Long service life – Few moving parts, no packing gland wear during normal ON/OFF operation, low maintenance requirements
Compact and lightweight – Shorter face-to-face dimensions than gate valves or globe valves at equivalent bore sizes

Ball valves are the preferred isolation valve for water, gas, oil, steam (where temperature allows), and a wide range of chemical media. FERGO offers the full range of ball valve types for all industrial connection standards and automation requirements.

FERGO's ball valve range covers 8 subcategories spanning all connection types, actuation modes, and special approvals:

3-Way ball valves – L-bore (diverting) and T-bore (mixing/distributing); flanged and threaded; stainless steel, brass, carbon steel; DN15–DN100 PN10/16/25/40; manual, pneumatic, and electric; TA-Luft, ATEX
Flanged ball valves – DIN PN10/16/25/40, ANSI Class 150, ASME B16.5; stainless steel 1.4408, carbon steel 1.0619, GGG40; TFM 1600 seat; TA-Luft, Fire Safe, ATEX, AD2000-A4; DN15–DN300; manual, pneumatic, electric
Threaded ball valves – ISO 7-1 / Rp (BSP), NPT; stainless steel 1.4408, brass; PTFE/TFM seat; DN8–DN100; manual and automated; DVGW versions available
Weld-on (butt-weld) ball valves – End-to-end butt-weld connection per EN 12627 / ASME B16.25; stainless steel; for high-purity and high-pressure systems where flanged connections are undesirable
Pneumatic ball valves – Double-acting (DA) and single-acting/spring-return (SA: NC or NO); ISO 5211 direct mount; NAMUR solenoid interface; ATEX available; flanged and threaded; DN8–DN300
Electric ball valves – J4C actuator; 24–240 V AC/DC; 20–300 Nm; standard, positioner, battery backup (BSR) variants; ISO 5211; flanged and threaded; PLC/SCADA integration
Ball valves DVGW (water & gas) – DVGW-certified for drinking water and gas to German requirements; GGG40 body with stainless steel ball; PN16; threaded (Rp) and flanged (DIN PN16); TA-Luft
Duplex ball valves – Duplex stainless steel 1.4462 (SAF 2205) or super duplex 1.4410 (SAF 2507) body and ball; for seawater, chloride-bearing media, offshore, and other highly corrosive applications where standard stainless steel is insufficient

Stainless steel ball valves are the standard choice wherever carbon steel or brass reaches its corrosion resistance limits. The key grades in the FERGO range:

1.4408 / AISI 316 / CF8M (V4A) – The most common stainless steel for industrial ball valves. Excellent resistance to corrosion, most acids (except concentrated HCl and HF at high temperatures), seawater, organic compounds, and steam. Suitable for food, pharmaceutical, chemical, and water treatment applications. TFM 1600 seat for temperatures from −29 °C to +175 °C.
1.4301 / AISI 304 / CF8 – Standard austenitic stainless steel; lower molybdenum content than 1.4408; less corrosion-resistant against chlorides but cost-effective for clean water, food, and non-aggressive media where 316 is not required.
1.4571 / AISI 316 Ti – Titanium-stabilised 316; used in high-temperature applications and specific chemical environments requiring resistance to intergranular corrosion.
Duplex 1.4462 / Super Duplex 1.4410 – For the most demanding corrosion conditions: seawater, chloride-rich media, offshore. See our Duplex ball valve range.

When to choose stainless steel over brass:

Corrosive or aggressive media (acids, alkalis, solvents)
Food, beverage, or pharmaceutical applications requiring hygienic surfaces
Outdoor or moist environments where brass dezincification may occur
Steam or high-temperature applications above +150 °C
Where current drinking water regulations restrict copper alloys (e.g., KTW/DVGW)

A 3-way ball valve has three ports and two seats, allowing it to connect multiple pipeline branches. Unlike a standard 2-way ball valve (which is either open or closed), a 3-way valve controls flow direction – making it possible to divert, mix, or distribute media without additional fittings.

The two bore configurations serve fundamentally different purposes:

L-bore (L-port) – The ball bore forms an L-shape. In one position, it connects Port 1 to Port 2 (Port 3 closed); after a 90° turn, it connects Port 1 to Port 3 (Port 2 closed). Use case: diverting – switching a single inlet between two alternative outlets. Example: directing process media alternately to reactor A or reactor B.
T-bore (T-port) – The ball bore forms a T-shape. Depending on position, it can connect all three ports simultaneously, or connect any two of the three. Use case: mixing or full-pass – combining two inlet streams into one outlet, or allowing flow through from any direction. Example: hot/cold water blending, return line switching in heating systems.

FERGO 3-way ball valves are available in stainless steel 1.4408 and brass; flanged (DN15–DN100, PN10/16/25/40) and threaded (¼"–2½"); manual, pneumatic (DA/SA, ATEX), and electric (24–240 V); TA-Luft and ATEX certification. Available in the 3-way ball valve category.

Pneumatic ball valves combine the compact, reliable ball valve with a compressed-air actuator for automated or remote operation. Key selection criteria:

Double-acting (DA) vs. single-acting (SA):
- DA: Air required for both opening and closing – maximum torque in both directions; no defined fail-safe position (valve stays in last position on air failure)
- SA spring-to-close (NC): Air opens the valve; spring returns it to CLOSED on air failure → fail-safe CLOSED. Standard choice for safety shut-off duties
- SA spring-to-open (NO): Air closes the valve; spring returns it to OPEN on air failure → fail-safe OPEN. Used where the pipeline must remain open on loss of control (e.g., cooling water)
Operating pressure: Standard pneumatic actuators operate on 4–8 bar compressed air supply. The actuator size must deliver sufficient torque to overcome the ball valve's operating torque at the minimum available air pressure.
ATEX: For use in hazardous areas (Ex-zones), ATEX-rated actuator and NAMUR solenoid valve combinations are available. Pneumatic actuators are inherently spark-free, making them a natural choice for explosive atmospheres.
Control: NAMUR solenoid valves (3/2-way for SA, 5/2-way for DA) mount directly on the actuator without additional piping, controlled by 24 V DC signal from PLC.
Position feedback: Add a Switchmaster limit switch box (IP67, ATEX) for OPEN/CLOSED confirmation to the control system.

FERGO supplies pneumatic ball valves as pre-assembled, tested valve-and-actuator sets ready for direct installation.

Electric ball valves are the preferred solution where compressed air is not available, or where precise control and easy PLC integration are priorities. FERGO supplies electric ball valves with the J4C actuator series in four variants:

J4C Standard – ON/OFF control via 24–240 V AC/DC signal. Integrated end-stop switches, visual position indicator. Ideal for straightforward remote open/close without intermediate positioning.
J4C Positioner – Adds a 4–20 mA or 0–10 V analogue input for stepless positioning. The valve can be set to any intermediate position between 0° and 90°, enabling continuous flow regulation. Essential for process control loops where partial opening is required.
J4C BSR Battery Backup – On mains power failure, the integrated battery pack automatically drives the valve to the pre-programmed safe position (open or closed). The electrical equivalent of spring-return in a pneumatic actuator.
J4C Positioner + Battery Backup – The complete solution for safety-relevant control loops requiring both continuous positioning and fail-safe operation.

Technical data (all J4C variants): Torque 20–300 Nm; voltage 24 V DC / 110–240 V AC (multi-voltage); ISO 5211 direct mount; compact PA housing; compatible with Switchmaster and inductive sensors for position feedback.

DVGW-certified ball valves carry approval from the German Technical and Scientific Association for Gas and Water (DVGW), confirming that the valve meets the strict material and performance requirements for use in:

Drinking water systems – Materials in contact with drinking water must not negatively affect water quality; DVGW certification confirms compliance with German drinking water regulations (TrinkwV) and KTW guidelines. PTFE/EPDM seat materials; stainless steel or GGG40 body.
Gas installations – DVGW-approved valves confirm suitability for natural gas, biogas, propane, and other flammable gases in low- and medium-pressure networks; TA-Luft emission compliance also typically included.

When is DVGW certification required?

All valves in public or commercial drinking water installations in Germany
All valves in domestic and industrial gas supply lines
Specified in project tenders by German municipal utilities and water authorities

FERGO DVGW ball valves are available in threaded (Rp ½"–Rp 4") and flanged (DN15–DN300, PN16) versions; GGG40 body with stainless steel 1.4304 or 1.4408 ball; manual lever and automated (pneumatic/electric) versions.

Both ball valves and butterfly valves are quarter-turn isolation valves, but they suit different applications. Here is a direct comparison to guide your selection:

Choose a ball valve when:

Full bore is critical – Pig-able pipelines, no restriction to flow, or media containing solids that must pass through freely
Bubble-tight sealing under high pressure – Ball valves seal against hard seat materials (TFM, PTFE) and are leak-free at up to PN40 or ANSI Class 300
Small to medium nominal sizes (DN8–DN150) – Ball valves are cost-competitive at these sizes; at larger DN they become heavy and expensive
Threaded or butt-weld connections – Not available in butterfly valves; ball valves cover all connection types
DVGW-certified applications – Drinking water and gas installations where ball valves are the predominant certified type
3-way mixing or diverting duty – Only available as ball or plug valves, not butterfly

Choose a butterfly valve when:

Large nominal sizes (DN200–DN1200) – Butterfly valves are dramatically more compact, lighter, and cheaper at large DN; a DN600 ball valve is impractical
Space is very limited (short face-to-face) – Wafer butterfly valves require only ~45 mm face-to-face at DN100; equivalent ball valves are 3–4× longer
Lower pressure ratings (PN6–PN16) – Butterfly valves excel at lower pressures; above PN16 the ball valve becomes more suitable
Cost is a primary driver at medium-large sizes – A DN200 butterfly valve costs a fraction of an equivalent ball valve