The GF Piping Systems type 375 two-piece ball valve has a PVC (polyvinyl chloride) body that weighs less than valves made from metals, and it has EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) O-rings for good resistance to weathering, ozone, UV, electricity, oils, water, steam, and some solvents. The PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) seat resists chemicals, moisture, and high temperatures. This valve connects two pipes going in the same direction and has true union connections that allow in-place valve replacement. It has a full port for reduced friction; the inner diameter of the valve is the same as the inner diameter of the pipes it connects to enable maximum operating efficiency. This valve includes socket weld connections with an internal recess on each inside diameter to allow for a smooth bore and better fluid flow. Valves in sizes 3/8" through 2" also include National Pipe Taper (NPT) threaded connections, which create tighter seals than straight threads. It is pressure rated to 232 pounds per square inch (psi) at 72 degrees Fahrenheit (F) using the socket connections and is pressure rated to 150 psi at 72 degrees F using the NPT threaded connections. The ergonomic manually operated handle for turning the valve on and off has an integrated tool for adjusting the union bushing. This valve complies with NSF International/American National Standards Institute (NSF/ANSI) 14 and 61 standards for potable water. It is used in non-critical chemical applications, water treatment, and swimming pools.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.GF Piping Systems manufactures piping components and systems for gas and water distribution. The company, founded in 1802 and headquartered in Schaffhausen, Switzerland, meets International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards 9001:2008 and 14001:2004.
