Ball Valves and Propane

[RalphVa]

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?

In the propane dewaxing process, we used big ball valves on the batch chiller inlet and outlet stream control. These were vented in between the seats. We, of course, vented them back to the system where the venting could be collected. Pressure will drive the valve against the back set of seats and, if the front set is loose at all, will allow propane to go by and into the vent areas between the seats.

Not sure where you'd run the vent between the seats in a home/office situation.

Ball valves are better than gates, because the gates could collect frozen propane-water complex or just ice and not shut off. Guess just use the ball valves with vents closed.

Ralph

 

[Diggin It]

Arrived today. Stamp is 600 PSIG O2-G-Ga. Not sure what the 2003 is, part number, series, standard ... hope it isn't a MFG date ;-)

No flow direction marked, but I plan to set it with the arrow so the valve can be shut off to connect the tester if needed. If they never use it, I'm OK too.

 

[ponytug]

Congratulations on the new valve! I know it has been a journey.

Unless it is marked with an arrow indicating flow, most ball valves are bidirectional. So, you are good to go.

All the best,

Peter