3 WAY VALVE

3 Way Valve 

Fig. 3 way valve 

•  The functioning of a 3-way valve is significantly different from other types of valves, which typically only operate in a 2-way manner. Unlike 2-way valves, the 3-way valve can control the fluid exchange between three separate transfer lines. For better control, the 3-way valve is usually paired with an actuator which itself is powered pneumatically, by electricity, or by temperature.
• One of the functions of the 3-way valve is to completely shut off flow to one pipe, while at the same time allowing for fluid transfer to begin in a connecting pipe. The valve can also be used to mix two of the liquids that are being sent through the pipes. Lastly, the 3-way valve can take fluid from a single pipe and separate it into two pipes. And while all 3-way valves work similarly, there is a vast array of different valve sizes, which have varying flow rates.

• Fig. Converging flow
• The 3-way valve is perfect for controlling the flow of three separate fluid lines, which allows it to regulate temperatures efficiently. The 3-way valve can shut off one pipe while allowing another to open, which can change the temperature of the fluid being output.
• Also, the 3-way valve can be used to mix varying levels of hot and cold fluids by letting specific amounts of each fluid come together, thus changing the overall temperature. Some applications utilize 3-way valves, and one of the most popular is in radiator systems. Also, the 3-way valve is used in controlling the temperature of flooring systems. To accomplish this, the valve is usually paired with an actuator which is connected to a controller, and this will tell the valve when to open and close.