# Ball valve

> Quarter-turn ball valves to API 608 and API 6D with ASME B16.34 ratings, two-way or three-way, and what to include in a ball valve request to quote.

URL: https://jjprojectsok.com/products/valves-process-equipment/ball-valve  
Español: https://jjprojectsok.com/es/products/valves-process-equipment/ball-valve  
Updated: 2026-10-16

Quarter-turn valve with a bored ball for fast isolation and tight shutoff.

**In short:** Quarter-turn valve with a bored ball for fast isolation and tight shutoff. JJ Projects sources it to the specification the buyer names. Typical reference, standards: API 608 (metal ball valves), API 6D (pipeline), ASME B16.34.

## Specification references

- Standards: API 608 (metal ball valves), API 6D (pipeline), ASME B16.34
- Fire test: API 607 when specified
- Ways: Two-way and three-way
- End connections: Flanged, threaded, socket-weld or butt-weld

> Typical references only. The governing specification is the one on your purchase order or datasheet.

## Typical uses

- Fast on and off isolation in process, gas and utility lines
- Pipeline block valves, including full-bore valves that allow pigging, under API 6D
- Diverting or mixing flow with three-way ball valves
- Instrument and sample isolation in smaller sizes

## What to include in a request

A request with these details can be quoted without a round of questions. Send what you have and we will ask for the rest.

1. NPS and pressure class, or the design pressure and temperature
2. Standard: API 608 for metal ball valves, API 6D for pipeline valves, or the one your specification names
3. Bore: full bore or reduced bore, and the number of ways, two or three
4. Construction: floating ball or trunnion mounted, and body in one, two or three pieces
5. Body, ball, stem and seat materials, for example carbon steel with 316 stainless trim and reinforced PTFE seats
6. End connections: flanged, threaded, socket-weld or butt-weld
7. Fire-safe design to API 607 if required, operator type, service fluid, testing and documents

[Request this item](https://jjprojectsok.com/request-a-quote?item=ball-valve)

## Questions

### What is the difference between full bore and reduced bore?

A full bore valve has a ball opening equal to the pipe bore, so flow is not restricted and a pipeline pig can pass. A reduced bore valve has a smaller opening, which makes the valve lighter and cheaper but adds pressure drop. Pipeline valves under API 6D are usually full bore.

### What does trunnion mounted mean?

In a trunnion mounted valve the ball is held by shafts at top and bottom, so line pressure does not push it hard onto the seat, and operating torque stays lower in large sizes and high pressures. A floating ball valve lets the ball move slightly against the seat under pressure.

### Can a ball valve be used for throttling?

Standard ball valves are made to be fully open or fully closed. Holding them part open can erode the soft seats. Use a globe valve or a control valve when flow must be regulated.

## Related items

- [Gate valve](https://jjprojectsok.com/products/valves-process-equipment/gate-valve): Steel gate valves to API 600, API 602 and ASME B16.34, tested to API 598, with the specification references and what a gate valve request should include.
- [Globe valve](https://jjprojectsok.com/products/valves-process-equipment/globe-valve): Globe and angle valves in steel to BS 1873, API 623 and API 602 with ASME B16.34 ratings, and what to include in a globe valve request so it can be quoted.
- [Swing check valve](https://jjprojectsok.com/products/valves-process-equipment/swing-check-valve): Swing check valves to API 594, API 6D and API 602 with ASME B16.34 ratings, tested to API 598, and what a check valve request should include.
- [Needle valve](https://jjprojectsok.com/products/valves-process-equipment/needle-valve): Needle valves in forged A105 carbon or A182 F316 stainless steel with NPT, socket-weld or tube ends for instrument and sample lines; request details.

## Guides

- [Valve types and standards: API and ASME B16.34](https://jjprojectsok.com/knowledge/valve-types-and-standards): Gate, globe, ball, check, butterfly and needle valves: what each does, which standards apply (API 600, 602, 6D, 608, 594, B16.34) and how to choose.
- [Flange pressure classes: ASME B16.5 and B16.47](https://jjprojectsok.com/knowledge/flange-pressure-classes): How ASME flange classes 150 to 2500 work: B16.5 vs B16.47, pressure-temperature ratings, facings RF, FF and RTJ, flange types and common materials.
- [Material test reports (MTRs) and EN 10204](https://jjprojectsok.com/knowledge/material-test-reports): What a material test report contains, how EN 10204 types 2.1, 2.2, 3.1 and 3.2 differ, what heat numbers mean, and what to check against the purchase order.

[All valves and process equipment](https://jjprojectsok.com/products/valves-process-equipment)