Ball Valve with nipples - Type FR3 | ADLER

ADLER FR3 Three-Piece Ball Valve with Weld Ends

The ADLER FR3 is a full-bore, three-piece ball valve for welded installation in PN40–PN63 process lines. Socket-weld (SW) and butt-weld (BW) ends are used where threaded joints or flanges are not preferred due to leakage risk, vibration, temperature cycling, or plant piping specifications.

The three-piece construction allows removal of the centre body for seat, ball, and seal maintenance while the welded end connections remain in the pipeline, provided isolation and depressurisation procedures are followed.

Technical Characteristics

• Nominal sizes: ¼” to 4”
• Pressure rating: PN40 to PN63, depending on size, material, and configuration
• End connections: Socket Weld or Butt Weld
• Body material: ASTM A351 CF8M
• End materials: ASTM A105, CF8M, or CF3M
• Seats: PTFE, with RPTFE available for increased mechanical stability
• Ball: ASTM A479 304/316 or cast CF8/CF8M
• Anti blow-out stem design
• PTFE/graphite chevron stem packing rings
• Antistatic device
• Top mounting flange: ISO 5211

Standards and Certifications

Design and construction are in accordance with BS EN 12516-2, ISO 14313, and EN 16722 M3. Available executions include PED 2014/68/EU, ATEX 2014/34/EU, ISO 15848 fugitive emission control, fire-safe design to ISO 10497 / API 607, and SIL 3 capable assessment to IEC 61508.

Sealing and Stem Options

• PTFE seats for general chemical, utility, and clean service duties
• RPTFE seats where higher seat load resistance or pressure cycling is expected
• O-ring stem option for specific leakage-control requirements
• Pocketless seats for services where product retention must be reduced
• Overpressure hole in the ball for cavity pressure relief
• Stem extension or cryogenic extension for insulation, low-temperature, or remote access applications

Actuation and Control Interfaces

• Manual lever or oval handle
• Gear operator for larger sizes or higher operating torque
• Pneumatic actuator for on/off automation
• Electric actuator where instrument air is not available
• Pneumatic or electro-pneumatic positioner for modulating service, where permitted by process conditions

Variant Selection

• Socket-weld ends are commonly selected for small-bore high-pressure utility and process lines.
• Butt-weld ends are used where full weld penetration and piping-code continuity are required.
• CF8M/CF3M wetted ends are selected for stainless piping and corrosion resistance; ASTM A105 ends are used on compatible carbon-steel systems.

Typical Applications and Media

Suitable for steam distribution, fuel gas, process gases, chemical liquids, condensate, thermal fluid systems, and auxiliary plant networks. Final selection should consider pressure-temperature rating, seat compatibility, corrosion allowance, operating torque, leakage class, fire-safe requirement, and maintenance access.

FAQ

Can the valve be serviced without cutting the pipe?
The centre section can be removed after isolation and depressurisation, while the welded end pieces remain installed.

When is a welded-end ball valve preferred?
It is commonly specified for permanent process piping, high-pressure small-bore lines, steam service, or applications where threaded leakage paths are not acceptable.

Is the valve suitable for automated operation?
Yes. The ISO 5211 top flange allows mounting of pneumatic or electric actuators, with positioners where control duty is required.