Ball Valve 5501 Series | 4G Ghidini

4G Ghidini 5501 Ball Valve

Two-way, three-piece, full-bore ball valve for line isolation in industrial and hygienic pipework. The body is AISI 316L / 1.4404 stainless steel with butt-weld ends to BS-OD / ASTM A270, DIN 11850 or ISO 1127 pipe standards.

Operating Data

• Nominal sizes: DN10–DN100 or DN15–DN100, depending on version
• Pressure classes: PN16, PN25, PN40, PN64
• Seats: virgin PTFE
• Operating temperature: -20°C to +160°C, subject to pressure and media compatibility
• Operation: stainless steel lever, 90° quarter-turn
• External finish: polished stainless steel
• Flow pattern: full bore for low pressure drop and reduced flow restriction

Typical Applications and Media

Used for on/off isolation of process water, clean water, compatible food and beverage fluids, inert gases, low to medium pressure steam where PTFE limits are acceptable, and selected chemical liquids compatible with 316L stainless steel and PTFE seats.

The 316L construction is selected where corrosion resistance, weld integrity and cleanability are required, particularly in process utilities, food plants, beverage lines and stainless steel distribution systems.

Selection and Installation Criteria

• Select the valve by DN, PN rating, pipe standard and end connection geometry.
• Check media compatibility with 316L body material and PTFE sealing elements.
• For steam or thermal cycling, verify seat load, pressure-temperature limits and maintenance access.
• Butt-weld installation reduces threaded or flanged leakage points, but welding must avoid body distortion and seat overheating.
• Pipe alignment is required so that the valve body is not used to correct pipework stress.

Variants and Automation

The standard configuration is manual lever operation. Where automation is required, actuator selection should be based on valve torque, pressure differential, operating frequency, ambient conditions and fail-safe requirements. Pneumatic or electric actuation may be specified when compatible mounting arrangements and site utilities are available.

Standards and Certifications

• Butt-weld ends: BS-OD / ASTM A270, DIN 11850 or ISO 1127
• Material: AISI 316L / EN 1.4404
• Optional antistatic execution: ATEX II 2G Ex h IIC T4 Gb and II 2D Ex h IIIC T135°C Db
• Food contact option: MOCA CE 1935/2004 compliance on request

FAQ

When is a full-bore valve preferred?
When the process requires low pressure loss, good cleanability and an unrestricted flow path through the valve.

Is this valve suitable for flow control?
No. It is primarily an on/off isolation valve. Continuous throttling can damage the seats and reduce shut-off performance.