This Dixon MBV50 mini ball valve is made of nickel-plated brass for higher corrosion resistance than regular brass or steel, and has a blow-out proof stem to reduce leakage and valve damage. This valve has PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) seats for resistance to chemicals, moisture, and high temperatures and buna-n (buna-nitrile) stem seals for high tensile strength and abrasion tear, and compression set resistance. This standard port inline valve has 1/2" female National Pipe Taper (NPT) threads for connecting two male threaded pipes going in the same direction. This mini ball valve is pressure rated to 450 pounds per square inch (psi) at a maximum operating temperature of 330 degrees F, and is suitable for use in air, water or inert gas applications.

Ball valves use a spherical disc to control the flow between pipes, tubes, or hoses. Flow is allowed when the hole that pierces the ball-shaped disc is in line with the inlet and outlet of the valve and is blocked when the ball is horizontally swiveled 90 degrees, so that the hole of the ball is perpendicular to the opening of the valve. Ball valves can be referred to as full port or reduced port (also known as regular or standard port) depending on the inner diameter or the valve. A ball valve is full port if the hole of the ball is the same size as the inner diameter of the connecting pipeline (resulting in lower friction) and termed reduced port if the hole of the valve is one pipe size smaller than the pipe, resulting in less flow through the valve than through the shaft of the pipe. Ball valves may have a handle or lever that aligns with the ball’s position (open or closed) for manual operation. They are primarily used in air, gas, liquid, and steam applications.

Dixon Valve & Coupling Company manufactures pipe and hose fittings and accessories. The company, founded in 1916, is headquartered in Chestertown, MD.