3-way ball valve is a type of quarter-turn valve with three ports (connections) that can be used to divert, mix, or distribute flow in a piping system. Unlike standard 2-way ball valves that simply open or close flow, a 3-way ball valve provides more flexibility in controlling direction.

the main difference between T-port and L-port in a 3-way ball valve is how the drilled hole inside the ball connects the three ports and how that affects flow direction.

Description

Structure of three way ball valve 

Body: Usually cast or forged steel, stainless steel, brass, or PVC.
Ball: Drilled with an L-port or T-port hole that connects different ports.
Stem: Connects the ball to the actuator or handle, allowing 90° or 180° rotation.
Seats & Seals: Soft (PTFE, RPTFE) or metal seats to ensure sealing.
Ports: Three connections arranged in T-shape or L-shape.
Port Configurations:
L-Port (90° flow path): Connects one inlet to one of two outlets (diverting service).
T-Port (180° flow path): Can connect all three ports, or selectively connect two (mixing or diverting).
Performance Characteristics of three way ball valve 
Quick 90° turn operation.
Compact structure compared to multiple 2-way valves.
Can be manually operated, gear-operated, or automated with actuators.
Available in floating or trunnion-mounted designs.
Sealing reliability depends on seat material (soft seat for tight shutoff, metal seat for high temperature).
 

Application Cases of three way ball valve 

Oil & Gas Pipelines: Switching flow between two different pipelines or tanks.
Chemical Processing: Mixing two different fluids into one line.
HVAC Systems: Diverting chilled water or steam between loops.
Food & Beverage Industry: Selecting between two different supply sources.
Pharmaceuticals: Controlling clean media flow with hygienic 3-way ball valves.
Water Treatment: Switching between discharge lines or combining treated streams.
 

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