Quarter-turn valves are true to their name. One quarter turn of the actuator moves one of various valve mechanisms all the way between the closed and open positions. Industrial quarter-turn valves have some flow regulation uses, such as power actuated butterfly valves.

Generally, however, they do not necessarily provide fine control like needle and other multi-turn valves. Many quarter turn valves are excellent for shut-off purposes. Here are the three main types of quarter turn valves:

1. The ball valve is perhaps the best shut-off valve there is. Multi-port versions are readily available.

2. The butterfly valve is sturdy and often power actuated. This valve works nicely for flow regulation, but is better suited to liquid, rather than gas, applications.

3. Plug valves, or stop-cock valves, are generally for low-pressure gas and chemical systems. However, they work as both shut-off and regulatory valves in many applications.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy ball valves produced by quality quarter-turn valve manufacturers

A ball valve consists of a handle outside the valve that's attached to a ball inside the valve with a port, or hole, through it. When the handle is perpendicular to the two ends of the valve, so is the port. This is the closed position. Turning the handle moves the ball so the port is in line with the two open ends of the valve, allowing flow.

I recommend: The ball valve is a very common type of industrial quarter-turn valve, so you will have no problem finding sources. Start with Grainger. They carry hundreds of ball valves, including steel and brass ball valves, and their ball valve prices are competitive. SMC also has a wide selection, including a nice selection of plastic ball valves.

Search suppliers of quarter-turn valves for butterfly valves

Butterfly valves consists of an internal disk with a stem through the middle (across the diameter) that attaches to an external actuator. Turning the actuator such that the disk is in line with the pipe allows relatively unrestricted flow. Turning the actuator a quarter-turn moves the disk to a perpendicular position to shut off flow. Various positions between the off and on positions allow for partial flow.

I recommend: Grainger carries a huge selection of butterfly valves with various manual handle types, sizes up to 12 inches, and a nice range of pressure and temperature ratings. Assured Automation carries sizes up to 24 inches, with several automated actuator options. For large industrial butterfly valves up to 110 inches, high pressure butterfly valves, or for a high-performance butterfly valve, start with Tyco Flow Control.

Find a quarter-turn valve company that has a nice selection of plug valves

Plug valves, or stop-cock valves, suit a wide range of uses. However, they typically serve low-pressure systems better than high-pressure systems. The body and cover of a plug valve contain a conical or cylindrical plug. The plug seats tightly for complete shut-off, or moves to a full range of positions for regulated flow.

I recommend: Cameron carries a range of lubricated and non-lubricated plug valves for the gas and oil industries, many of which are easy to repair. For sanitary applications, Cunico is a quality option. For larger or power-actuated industrial plug valves, Assured Automation is a good place to start.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Take advantage of the fact that quarter-turn valves suppliers are plentiful, especially for ball and butterfly valves. Check the quarter-turn valve prices on multiple websites before you buy.