The Spears 1829 series PVC ball valve is made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) for corrosion resistance, light weight, and high strength, and it has EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) O-rings for good resistance to weathering, ozone, UV, electricity, oils, water, steam, and some solvents. This inline valve connects two pipes going in the same direction, and it has true union connections that allow in-place valve replacement. This valve has full port flow for reduced friction, is pressure rated to 235 pounds per square inch (psi) at 73 degrees Fahrenheit (F) and has an operating temperature range from 73 degrees F to 140 degrees F. It has a T-shape handle for turning the valve on and off and a socket weld connection with an internal recess on each inside diameter to allow for a smooth bore and better fluid flow. The valve’s National Pipe Taper (NPT) threads connection creates tighter seals than straight threads. This low profile, compact valve requires minimal space. Its manually operated polypropylene T-handle resists accidental turning, and it has a built-in handle lockout mechanism. The quarter turn shutoff valve has a double O-ring stem design that has a shear point above the O-ring to help prevent leakage from accidental breakage. The components are fully serviceable and replaceable. The valve meets the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard F 1970 for performance criteria and end connection dimensions and the NSF International/American National Standards Institute (NSF/ANSI) Standard 61 for potable water use. It is suitable for use in liquid transport systems, including potable water, irrigation, and fire sprinkler systems.
Ball valves use a spherical disc to control the flow between pipes, tubes, or hoses. Flow is allowed when the hole that pierces the ball-shaped disc is in line with the inlet and outlet of the valve and is blocked when the ball is horizontally swiveled 90 degrees, so that the hole of the ball is perpendicular to the opening of the valve. Ball valves can be referred to as full port or reduced port (also known as regular or standard port) depending on the inner diameter or the valve. A ball valve is full port if the hole of the ball is the same size as the inner diameter of the connecting pipeline (resulting in lower friction) and termed reduced port if the hole of the valve is one pipe size smaller than the pipe, resulting in less flow through the valve than through the shaft of the pipe. Ball valves may have a handle or lever that aligns with the ball’s position (open or closed) for manual operation. They are primarily used in air, gas, liquid, and steam applications.
Spears Manufacturing produces thermoplastic fittings and valves for fluid, drain, waste, and vent systems. The company, founded in 1969 and headquartered in Sylmar, CA, meets International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard 9001.