IMI PBM 3-Way Divert Port Ball Valve
Sanitary 3-way diverter ball valve, IMI PBM Igenix® range
IMI PBM Valve Solutions – Diverter valve for clean switching between two lines
The IMI PBM 3-way diverter range is designed to divert a flow between two outlet lines with positive shut-off on the blocked port, with no mixing or leakage from one side to the other.
Unlike a multiport valve, where the objective is multi-seat diversion, the diverter valve focuses on upstream-downstream sealing on the closed port, making it the specified choice where cross-contamination between the two outlet lines is not acceptable.
Used in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology for product/CIP selection, in fine chemicals for switching between reactor and discharge, in food processing for batch/purge separation, and in industrial gases (cleaned for oxygen service as standard).
Two main series
| Series | Body type | Standard ID Ra | Target applications |
| Forged Series 8 | Forged low-ferrite 316L body | 0.38µm EP (15 µin) / 0.51 µm (20 µin) | High-purity pharma, WFI, pure steam |
| Cast Series 9 | Cast low-ferrite 316L body | ≤ 0.76 µm (30 µin) | Sanitary, food processing and cosmetics applications |
Mechanical finishes and electropolishing available for both series.
Surface treatments without animal-derived ingredients (ADI-free), compliant with current pharma requirements.
Body and wetted-part materials
Low-ferrite 316L stainless steel as standard, forged (Series 8) or cast (Series 9).
Alternatives available in Hastelloy® C-276, Hastelloy® C-22 (UNS N06022) and AL-6XN® (UNS N08367) for corrosive media.
Composition and traceability compliant with ASME BPE. 3.1 material certificate supplied for all wetted parts.
Cleaning for oxygen service available as standard, suitable for industrial and medical O₂ networks.
Seats, seals and sealing
Standard V-TEF™ (modified PTFE) or S-TEF® seats depending on chemical and thermal requirements.
Graphite body seals for high temperatures and steam service.
Live-loaded stem packing, with Belleville springs that continuously compensate for packing settlement and maintain stem sealing without periodic re-tightening.
Bubble-tight sealing upstream and downstream on the closed port, meeting or exceeding
MSS SP-134 requirements for leakage performance.
Full vacuum rated as standard.
Ball and flow configuration
Unidirectional flow ball with a vent (vented ball) to prevent overpressure in the ball cavity during position changes, particularly with thermally unstable fluids or liquefied gases.
Common port available in side-entry or bottom-entry configuration, depending on the piping geometry.
Full port across the entire 1/2″ to 4″ range, with no restriction or turbulence in the open position.
Adjust-O-Seal® technology
Progressive tightening of the seats against the ball by adjusting the body bolts, in-line, without dismantling or process interruption.
Compensates for normal seat wear over cycles and extends the valve’s service life.
Elimination of O-rings in the fluid path, removing as many retention and potential contamination points.
Grounding and ATEX service
Internal and external grounding between ball, stem and body, ensuring the valve’s electrical continuity on circuits subject to static electricity build-up (solvents, powders, hydrocarbons).
Configuration compatible with ATEX zone 1 and 2 requirements.
Dimensions and connections
Sizes available from 1/2″ to 4″ as standard, up to 6″ on request.
Hygienic clamp (Tri-Clamp) connections, extended tube ends for orbital welding, sanitary thread, ANSI or DIN flanges to specification.
Compatible with ASME BPE, DIN 11864 and SMS dimensional standards.
Operating range
Operating pressure up to 62.1 bar (900 psig CWP) in the forged Series 8 version, 49.6 bar (720 psig, ANSI class 300) in the cast Series 9 version.
Temperature range from -200 °C to +205 °C, extended to +232 °C with V-TEF™ seats depending on series.
Cryogenic compatibility available for liquefied gas applications (LN₂, LO₂, LNG).
Actuation
Quarter-turn operation, patented lockable handle as standard, lockable oval handwheel as an option for sizes above 3″.
Integrated Direct Mount Actuation interface on the stem axis, ensuring precise alignment with the pneumatic or electric actuator and extending cycle life.
Full range of actuators, limit switch boxes and positioners available.
Traceability and packaging
Each valve is supplied with a 3.1 material certificate according to EN 10204 for all wetted parts (CMTR), a USP Class VI declaration of conformity for elastomers and an FDA statement for product-contact materials.
Laser marking on the body: reference, size, material, serial number.
Individually packed in a polyethylene sleeve, with capped ends.
Valves cleaned for oxygen service are supplied sealed in double bags with a cleaning certificate.