CPEX Ball Valve Flow Direction

[Prevailing Reef]

I notice that there is a “flow” direction arrow on the CPEX true union ball valves.

Does it really matter which direction it is mounted?

I had planned on using it in a manner that the flow could be coming from either direction.

 

[Samina]

I don’t see why that wouldn’t work. From my understanding, most ball valves that have a directional marking on them have an eccentric or “c” shaped ball closing mechanism inside. So because of that, using them in the wrong orientation doesn’t allow for them to flow properly to the desired tuning unless the valve is completely open. In a ball valve without the flow marking, there is a uniform sized ball inside with a hole in its center. So this allows for flow and complete utilization of the valve to restrict flow to the adequate tuning in either direction.
But a cepex industrial ball valve (like the one BRS carries) has a flow marking on it because of it’s threaded seal ability. The valve has an uniform ball similar to those valves that are bidirectional. But that extra red piece or key to tighten the ball valve you received with the valve is the reason for that flow direction marking. The mechanism to receives that works with the key part is on one side of the ball inside the valve. And that is on the opposite side of the arrow head marking flow direction. It allows you to keep the pressure within the system upflow to the valve while servicing the ball valve if need be.

 

[Prevailing Reef]

I don’t see why that wouldn’t work. From my understanding, most ball valves that have a directional marking on them have an eccentric or “c” shaped ball closing mechanism inside. So because of that, using them in the wrong orientation doesn’t allow for them to flow properly to the desired tuning unless the valve is completely open. In a ball valve without the flow marking, there is a uniform sized ball inside with a hole in its center. So this allows for flow and complete utilization of the valve to restrict flow to the adequate tuning in either direction.
But a cepex industrial ball valve (like the one BRS carries) has a flow marking on it because of it’s threaded seal ability. The valve has an uniform ball similar to those valves that are bidirectional. But that extra red piece or key to tighten the ball valve you received with the valve is the reason for that flow direction marking. The mechanism to receives that works with the key part is on one side of the ball inside the valve. And that is on the opposite side of the arrow head marking flow direction. It allows you to keep the pressure within the system upflow to the valve while servicing the ball valve if need be.

Awesome, thanks for the explanation.

So since I’m not using this to fine tune anything, it’s only opened or closed, having flow direction going either direction or pressure pushing on both sides when closed is okay, correct?

 

[Samina]

I think that would work, but I have never used one in that manner so I can’t say for sure. Just know that servicing the valve if you ever need to may be a bit of pain in that type of application. But I think you should be able to use it the way your wanting to since it’s going to either be open or closed

 

[coreytrv]

I was actually wondering about this as well.

Supposedly you're able to open up the valve, and tighten the internal mechanism, without having to drain the system.

The directions state:

"If the valve is installed correctly pointing in the direction of flow marked on the body, it is possible to carry out the maintenance downstream without problems. By simply closing the valve this acts as a plug."

However, the key is on the upstream side per the arrow (key noted in RED) where flow comes from, it seems it would need to be on the other side to perform maintenance with fluid in the system...?