Ball Valves and Propane

[Diggin It]

I need a 3/4" ball valve with a port for a manometer to test pressure. The ones I've seen so far run close to $40, but now I find this one with a port called out differently as a waste port.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/AMERICAN-VALVE-Brass-3-4-in-FNPT-Ball-Valve/1000242259

Since it's the weekend, I can't call the manufacturer. Will this handle propane and if not, why not?

 

[Egon]

That is a port for depressurization of a line when the valve is closed.

The valve and fittings have to be adequate for the pressure involved. Usually the body will have a stamp for this.

 

[Diggin It]

And that stamp would be?

Propane isn't listed in PSI as far as I know. Usually 'water column' whatever that converts to.

 

[ponytug]

I don't think that is the one you want. You are looking for a relatively obscure valve, and $40 sounds about right from memory. These valves are only used in gas service. The alternative is to plumb in a normal valve and a manometer port downstream that I think will probably set up you back more than the special valve by the time that you are done.

The ball valves that I have seen will state (somewhere) rated for use with water, air, gas (natural/propane), or at least the standard that they meet. Or just water, or just gas. The primary issue with propane/gas is gasket and packing material that won't leak or degrade with the hydrocarbon and mercaptan exposure. Neither is operated at much pressure, hence the measurement in inches of water.

Best of luck.

All the best,

Peter

 

[Damifino]

You need to have a valve with AGA stamp on it, American Gas Association. A 1" column of water = 0.036127291827354 psi. here's one not to bad on price. Amazon.com: Jomar T-23IPS JOMAR 12-34 Gas Ball Valve: Home Improvement

 

[Diggin It]

^^ I was all set to go for that and decided to do one more check for the part number. This is the same one, isn't it?



JOMAR VALVE 12-34, 3/4" FNPT BRASS GAS BALL VALVE, INLINE, T23FF, FREE SHIP 662527291493 | eBay

And what's the difference between that one and this one other than price?

Generac Ball Valve 3/4" Pressure Rated W/ Test Port Part# K8754 | eBay

Looks like I can even see the JI brand on it.

 

[LouNY]

Just for information many valve will have a label such as;
WOG- Water Oil Gas
WO - Water Oil
or just W- Water
and then often a pressure such as;
600 WOG for 600 PSI Water Oil or Gas

 

[Peter 315]

^^ I was all set to go for that and decided to do one more check for the part number. This is the same one, isn't it?



JOMAR VALVE 12-34, 3/4" FNPT BRASS GAS BALL VALVE, INLINE, T23FF, FREE SHIP 662527291493 | eBay

And what's the difference between that one and this one other than price?

Generac Ball Valve 3/4" Pressure Rated W/ Test Port Part# K8754 | eBay

Looks like I can even see the JI brand on it.

Looks the same to me...same part numbers

 

[kenmac]

And that stamp would be?

Propane isn't listed in PSI as far as I know. Usually 'water column' whatever that converts to.

about 28'' wc =1 psi
If that's what your asking

 

[kenmac]

Amazon.com: Jomar T-23IPS JOMAR 12-34 Gas Ball Valve: Home Improvement

I have used these ball valves in the past. Haven't used them with a test port though

You using something like this Amazon.com: Yellow Jacket 78 Complete Test Kit, -35" W.C: Industrial & Scientific to test with , or water gauge ?