Quarter Turn Valves for Industrial Applications

Valves are relied upon to regulate flow in a variety of commercial, residential, and industrial applications. Multi-turn valves are widely used, predominately in manual or metering applications. These valves require multiple turns to fully open or close them.

Quarter-turn valves are so named because they only require a 90° rotation for the valve to be fully opened. These valves are common in industrial applications because they are easy automate and their function is simple — think of a switch, which is either on or off. This blog will discuss the different types of quarter turn valves and characteristics to identify them in the field.

The Types of Quarter Turn Valves Available at BI-TORQ

BI-TORQ offers two main types of quarter turn valves for industrial clients: quarter turn ball valves and quarter-turn butterfly valves. Though similar in that each only requires a quarter turn to open completely, the functional mechanism that opens and closes the valve is different.

Quarter Turn Ball Valves

Ball valves make use of a machined ball within the valve to either close off flow or allow liquids or gases through the machined opening of the ball. A few features of BI-TORQ ball valves include:

• Lockable lever handles for manual operation
• Pneumatic double-acting and spring-return actuators, or AC and DC electric actuators
• Variety of material options (brass, stainless steel, carbon steel, PVC, CPVC)
• Two-way and multi-port configurations
• Bi-directional by design
• Direct-mount ISO design (most series)

Quarter Turn Butterfly Valves

In contrast, butterfly valves make use of a plate or disc which closes off flow when shut or allows flow to pass on either side when open. BI-TORQ butterfly valves feature:

• Pneumatic double-acting and spring-return actuators, or AC and DC electric actuators
• Wafer or lug style connections
• Direct-mount ISO design
• Cast iron bodies with standard SS discs and stems
• EPDM, TFE, Viton, or Buna seats.

How to Identify a Quarter Turn Valve in the Field

Though it is easy to find and identify a valve, identifying the type of valve may be more challenging. Proper identification in the field makes a critical difference in relation to usage, maintenance, and replacement. Here are some guidelines for identifying a quarter turn valve in any specific pipeline application.

• Identify the application. Application parameters as well as the media, pressure and temperature controlled by the valve helps in its identification.
• Manufacturer/model number. Valves typically include a stamped plate that provides this information and often includes design version information.
• Identify the valve type. Observe whether function requires a simple 90° turn or multiple turns, followed by whether it has a rising stem or linear design.
• Material of construction and seat/seal material. Valve tags commonly include information about these materials.
• Valve size. This information should be stamped on the valve tag. If it isn’t, knowing the pipeline size can also help identify valve size.

These guidelines become especially important when it comes time to repair or replace a worn valve.

Quarter Turn Valves from BI-TORQ

We provide a wide range of quarter turn valves of both ball and butterfly designs. Our valves meet the specific needs of various industrial applications. Contact us to learn more about the valves BI-TORQ has available for your application or request a quote from one of our experts.