For those new to valve configurations, the difference between a T-port and an L-port designation in a three way ball valve can be confusing. By keeping a few simple facts in mind, it is easy to understand the difference and to determine which option is the right one for your application.
The Basics of the Three Way Valve
At three way ball valve has three different ports. It has two ports located at each end of the valve, and a third port in the middle of the valve body. This additional third port allows for diverting or routing the fluid or air through the valve in more than one direction by turning the handle or the lever.
The interior of the valve is a ball. There is a hole drilled through this ball that either creates the shape of a capital T or resembles the L shape.
T-Port Valve
The T-port ball valve offers four different options for diverting the media. When the T-shape drilled in the ball is aligned with the three ports, all are open, and it allows for mixing of the two inlet port media streams and exit through the lower pressure third outlet.
When one of the arms of the T is not aligned with a port, the fluid travels in the L-shape, in one port, and out the middle port. Turning another quarter turn results in a straight path through the valve, with the third port shut off. The final position is the L in the reverse position.
L-Port Valve
The L-port allows two different inlet ports to provide media to the designated outlet port, although only one at a time. This is commonly used if there are two sources for the media, allowing the operator to switch tanks or lines by simply turning the lever on the three way ball valve.
Both possible options are very efficient types of valves and are used in a wide number of industries and applications, just be sure to know what type of control is needed through the valve before making a choice.
