3-way ball valves are designed to divert or control the flow of liquids or gases from one place to another. Unlike a 2 way valve, which only has a basic on/off function, 3-way valves can be used to control flow in for more complex needs.
3 way valves are often used to:
- Stop flow completely
- Switch between different sources
- Combine two different sources
- Switch flow between two destinations
- Divert one source to a different destination
Plastic 3-way ball valves are sometimes referred to as multi-port valves. These ports are labeled as A, B, and C in most cases, so you can easily identify which port is intended for what purpose.
The valve is connected to three different tubes. These three tubes are either bringing liquid or gas to the valve or taking it away from the valve.
Two inlet tubes and one outlet tube can be used to combine two sources into one. One inlet and two outlets can split the flow of one source in two different directions.
A 3-way valve requires an actuator to open and close the valve. With an electronic actuator, flow is controlled by an electronic signal and uses electricity as a source of energy to make the actuator function.
A manually operated valve requires a person to be present to operate the actuator. The person acts as the “signal” and changes the flow directions as needed. In this case, the person is also the source of the energy required to power the actuator.
