Low torque 4" ball valves
We have used Balon ball valves with great success for our 2" and 3" applications, but the torque on a 4" Balon is too much for one person to operate with one hand. Handle length is limited to about 2 feet. We use Balon ratchet-turn ball valves in some applications, but for this it is not fast enough. We need an operator to stand at a manifold and simultaneously open one valve with one hand, while closing the other valve with the other hand. The whole operation must take less than about 2 or 3 seconds. We tried SRI valves, which have a much lower operating torque, but their reliability is unsatisfactory and we have difficulty successfully redressing them.
I have had very good luck with Trunion Ball Valves in that service. The trunion bearings support the ball and keep the dP from shifting it hard into the downstream seat. I've been buying 4-inch trunion PBV valves from Zy-Tech in the states for pricing in the ballpark you are looking for.
I think the small Balon valves are floating ball, and with a few hundred psi dP floating ball valves become very difficult to start to open (although they move easily as some of the dP gets off of them).
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