Using Ball Valves in-line

Dirk Diggler · 28 Sep 2015 at 12:44

I came up with the "genius" plan of ordering some ball valves to make it easier to change out GPU's. Basically, a ball valve on the in and out so that I can simply close both and isolate the card from the loop.

However, when I look through the valve I realise that the hole is a fair bit smaller than a 13/10 fitting. Is this deceiving? Can I expect flow restriction to be minimal?

This is the valve:

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=WC-060-AQ&groupid=962&catid=1529&subcat=2588

ErikN · 28 Sep 2015 at 12:48

That particular one is indeed rather low flow. There are others that offer higher flow (larger hole), bitspower has one, unsure if ocuk stock it.

stuie · 28 Sep 2015 at 12:48

g/14 fitting same as all the other components in the loop

ErikN · 28 Sep 2015 at 12:48

Though for quick disconnects, you are better off with something like so:
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=WC-145-KA&groupid=962&catid=1529&subcat=2305
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=WC-136-KA&groupid=962&catid=1529&subcat=2305

Dirk Diggler · 28 Sep 2015 at 13:39

stuie said:
g/14 fitting same as all the other components in the loop

Yes, I was thinking surely they must be tested for a minimum flow rate?

ErikN said:
Though for quick disconnects, you are better off with something like so:
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=WC-145-KA&groupid=962&catid=1529&subcat=2305
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=WC-136-KA&groupid=962&catid=1529&subcat=2305

Those fittings have corrosion issues, which is why I have avoided.

Undesirable · 28 Sep 2015 at 17:13

The silver quick disconnects are fine.

ErikN · 28 Sep 2015 at 21:42

String said:
Yes, I was thinking surely they must be tested for a minimum flow rate?

Those fittings have corrosion issues, which is why I have avoided.

Undesirable said:
The silver quick disconnects are fine.

Did not know that about the black ones, good to know.