Hudson, Massachusetts-based Clark Solutions (Clark) has introduced their 8E Electric and 8P Pneumatic Series Direct Mount Ball Valves. The new 8E and 8P Series Ball Valves are offered in a wide variety of models, from 1/4” to 4” brass or stainless steel, in 2-way or 3-way configurations, with T port, L port, full port, or standard port options, and with double acting actuators or spring return actuators. Featuring the lowest possible operating torque compared to all other ball valves used in industry today, according to Clark, 8P Series Ball Valves require only a minimum of 80 PSI air supply.
The traditional “floating” style ball valve used today has sealing components that are forcibly compressed together in order to make an effective ball to seat connection to ensure tight sealing. However, the end result of this design creates the need for a high initial breakaway torque because when operated, the ball is attempting to dislodge itself from the downstream seating surface. 8E and 8P Series Direct Mount Ball Valves incorporate technologically advanced “O” ring back TFE seats to dramatically reduce operating torque. Viton O-rings are inserted into grooves formed and located on the backside of the TFE seat, preassembled as a unit and then assembled into the valves. The ball valve is assembled and tested with the O-rings exerting only a minimum amount of pressure on the TFE seats. The O-rings in turn seal on both the upstream and downstream side of the ball. Due to light force exerted, only a “single point” of each seat comes in contact with the ball.