IMI PBM 3-, 4- and 5-Way Sanitary Multiport Ball Valve
Sanitary 3-, 4- and 5-way multiport ball valve, IMI PBM Igenix® range
IMI PBM Valve Solutions – Multiport valves for diverting and bypassing clean fluids
The IMI PBM 3-, 4- and 5-way multiport range is designed for processes that multiply 2-way valves where a single valve would suffice: CIP/SIP loop diversion, tank selection, product bypass, multiple sampling points, utility fluid distribution.
A single multiport valve can replace up to four conventional 2-way valves, with a corresponding reduction in piping, fittings, dead legs and installation costs.
Used in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, food processing and cosmetics, on mixing stations, distribution manifolds and cleaning circuits.
Available configurations
Three main configurations, with sealing seats at each port (true multiport valves, not adapted 2-way valves):
| Configuration | Ports | Operating angles | Typical functions |
| 3-way | 3 | 90° to 180° | L-port or T-port, selection or mixing |
| 4-way | 4 | 90° to 360° | Multi-directional diversion, CIP bypass |
| 5-way | 5 | 90° to 360° | Complex manifolds, multi-tank selection |
Flow patterns customisable to the process.
Piggable “Y” port configuration available for pigging circuits.
Body and wetted-part materials
316L stainless steel as standard.
Composition and traceability compliant with ASME BPE. 3.1 material certificate supplied for all wetted parts.
Special alloys available on request depending on chemical compatibility.
Seats, seals and sealing
Standard V-TEF™ (modified PTFE) seats and seals. Alternatives available depending on chemical compatibility and temperature.
USP Class VI elastomers, FDA-compliant materials.
Bubble-tight sealing upstream and downstream at each port, regardless of ball position.
Elimination of O-rings in the fluid path, removing as many retention points and facilitating in-line cleaning.
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, which is particularly critical on heavily cycled multiports (daily CIP diversion).
True-Bore® design and hygiene
Full port, with a ball diameter equal to the nominal diameter of the connected tube, across the entire 1/2″ to 4″ range.
No restriction, no turbulence, no stagnation zone in the open position.
Continuous, hygienic fluid path compliant with GMP requirements.
Surface treatments performed without animal-derived ingredients (ADI-free).
Surface finish
| Finish | Internal Ra | Target applications |
| Standard mechanical | ≤ 1.60 µm (63 µin) | Sanitary and food processing applications |
| Fine mechanical | ≤ 0.51 µm (20 µin) | Standard pharma, biotech |
| Electropolished | ≤ 0.38 µm (15 µin) | High-purity pharma, WFI |
Roughness can be as low as 0.13 µm (5 µin), on request.
Dimensions and connections
Sizes available from 1/2″ to 4″ (DN 15 to DN 100).
Hygienic clamp (Tri-Clamp) connections, extended tube ends for orbital welding, sanitary thread or flanges to specification.
Compatible with ASME BPE, DIN 11864 and SMS dimensional standards.
Operating range
Operating pressure up to 19 bar (275 psig CWP) depending on size and temperature.
Full vacuum rated as standard.
Temperature up to 232 °C with V-TEF™ seats, reduced ranges with alternative elastomers.
Actuation
Manual operation by multi-position handle or automation.
Integrated Direct Mount Actuation interface on the stem axis, precise alignment with multi-angle (90°, 180°, 360°) pneumatic rotary actuators and positioners.
Limit switch boxes suited to multi-position configurations.
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, port configuration, serial number.
Individually packed in a polyethylene sleeve, with capped ends.