Three-Way Flow Control Without the Multiport Ball Valve
For larger-diameter piping systems, achieving three-way flow control with a multiport ball valve can quickly become an expensive solution. For this application, Max-Air provided an alternative: a ductile iron tee fitted with two 6″ Delta T 051 Series lug-style butterfly valves, creating a practical three-way valve arrangement while avoiding the cost of a large multiport ball valve.
The two butterfly valves are operated by a Max-Air MT Series pneumatic actuator using a mechanical linkage that allows the valves to operate together from a single actuator. The automation package also incorporates a 45 Series limit switch for position feedback and an SV Series solenoid valve, with the solenoid terminated directly to the limit switch for a clean, integrated installation.
This configuration demonstrates how standard butterfly valve and pneumatic automation components can be engineered into a more specialized flow-control solution. By combining the ductile iron tee, Delta T 051 Series butterfly valves, Max-Air pneumatic actuation, position feedback, and solenoid control into one assembly, the customer receives a cost-effective three-way flow control solution for a larger-diameter pipeline without moving to a more costly multiport ball valve design.
