How can FilterBall improve the connection of water meters?

 4 min. read

Use of gate valves as isolating component between a water meter and the drinking water network is a common practice in plumbing. Along with a Y-strainer, they are widely used in many applications. Despite the quality of the components, this solution shows several drawbacks like multiple connections between components and lower Kv value.

 

WATER METERS WITH FILTERBALL

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TECHNICAL CASE STUDY

 

► Pettinaroli brings the water meter connection to the next level, thanks to FilterBall

FilterBall is an isolating ball valve, integrating a stainless steel strainer. 1 valve replaces at least 2 components (the gate valve and the Y-strainer) on each meter: the installation is then more reliable, reducing the number of connections and, thus, the number of possible leaking points. Moreover, there is a considerable save of space as the FilterBall is more compact than any other combination of isolating valve and strainer: a full serviced water meter can be place in a small wall box.

Here following an example of a most common configuration worldwide

► Reliability and ease of installation/maintenance are the trademark of this valve

Pettinaroli know-how in ball valve manufacturing makes this valve incomparable. The valve is made of annealed corrosion resistant brass: it guarantees a perfect protection against corrosive fresh water. FilterBall is a ball valve, then the water sealing is always maximum and it avoids annoying leakages which sometimes happen with gate valves. Reliability is also provided by the design of the internally mounted stem: two FKM O-Rings and a ring of PTFE always ensure water sealing and easy operation, thanks to the adjustable packing gland.

► Pressure losses are always important in plumbing

Pettinaroli FilterBall has a higher Kv compared to a Y-strainer of the same size and with same mesh. Water path is straight and the bore size is large. Moreover, a full range of strainers with different meshes is available as spare components: the standard filter mesh is 700 µm.

Last but not least, strainers should be often cleaned, especially on drinking water networks. Every time a Y-strainer is inspected, the water between the isolating devices is drained out. The FilterBall avoids this: strainer cleaning is nothing but closing the valve and open the side cap. Just the few drops into ball are drained out. Removing the circlip which holds the strainer, it can be removed and cleaned. Everything can be placed back and run again. The side cap is upfront, making things easier to the technician.

► A wide selection of handles makes the valve suitable for different installations

Plus the large range, from ½” to 2”, covers all the applications, from small flats to big multitenant water meters. It should be noted that Pettinaroli developed specific models with strainer self-cleaning technology.

FilterBall is also commonly installed in HVAC application, isolating and protecting terminal units like fan coils, air handling units and heat exchangers: it is the core of Pettinaroli PCS kits.

Eng. PAOLO MONTAFIA

R&D Dept.

paolo.montafia@pettinaroli.com