Please explain Ball Valve with Boiler Drain

josephny

I looked at the documentation, but I think my question is too basic for the authors to have thought anyone would ask....

I have a bunch of Webstone H-50613 ball valves with boiler drains.

I understand the main ball valve part of it (opens and closed flow between the two ports of the valve).

My confusion starts with the boiler drain port. There is a valve on the boiler drain port (so that's clear).

What I don't understand is the interaction between the two valves. That is, if the main ball valve is closed and the boiler drain valve is open, what is the origin of the liquid flowing out from the drain port? Does the fluid come from one or both of the main ports (if only one, which one)?

Likewise, if the main ball valve is open and the boiler drain valve is open, what is the source of the liquid?

I google for a cross section or animation, but couldn't find.

Thank you.

clammy

Some valve can drain in either position so say you wanted to purge only one side of the valve this would enable you to do so with out have another tee and drain valve on the other side . I can see that in some setting it could be confusing trying to figure out which side is being drained . When I use these types of valves I set it up that the handle will drain the side which I know will need to be either drained or flushed from and in changing the handle position it will drain the opposite piping. Hope this helps .
Peace and good luck clammy

yellowdog

look inside the valve and turn the handle to see what is happening in different positions. now look at the picture on the handle to see the flow directions. it should all make sense. you can also remove the handle and turn the ball so it will purge from the opposite direction. that is why there is a sticker included with the valve.

dko

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oe-Vugd9RP8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0Ab357lR3M

josephny

Wow!

I am so glad I asked this and so appreciative of the answers.

(I'm also relieved that my question wasn't as stupid as I thought it could be.)

Thank you.

DanHolohan

There are no stupid questions. We all began at the beginning. Thank you for asking.

GroundUp

I use these valves often for expansion tank isolation. In the event that the tank fails, one can close the main handle and isolate the tank from the system. Then a hose can be hooked to the drain to relieve most if not all of the pressure in the tank to minimize spillage. I've used them for other applications as well, but I've always got a handful of them on the truck. Great idea on Webstone's part, IMO.

josephny

DanHolohan said:

There are no stupid questions. We all began at the beginning. Thank you for asking.

Thank you.

Loved your book -- changed my life (well, at least taught me super cool things)!

Lyle {pheloa} Carter

I see the subject has been very well covered by my fellow readers. if you're looking at a valve that is already installed.. I believe webstone has always stamped a T or an L ( Depending on the valve) at the top of the ball valve stem to indicate which way the holes are facing in the ball.