Instrumentation ball valves are widely used in process measurement and control systems in food & beverage, medical equipment, transportation, chemical processing, water treatment and oil & gas industries. Popular ball valve designs are available in stainless steel and brass. They incorporate one-piece packing for clean and accurate samples as well as designs that allow for a drop-in fit for easy replacement of the packing. Brass instrumentation ball valves are rated for pressures up to 3,000 PSI and temperatures to 350°F, while stainless steel instrumentation ball valves are rated for pressures up to 10,000 PSI and 450°F. 

A ball valve consists of a ball-shaped component containing a port through its center to stop or start fluid flow. Flow occurs when the port is aligned with both ends of the valve. In terms of operation, when the valve handle is turned to the open position, the ball rotates to where the port through the ball moves in line with the valve body inlet and outlet. When the valve is shut, the ball is rotated so that the port closes the glow opening of the valve body and the flow is stopped.