Blog / Valve Engineering
Investment Cast Ball Valves: Choosing 1-Piece, 2-Piece, or 3-Piece Design
For more than four decades, Racer Valve has manufactured investment cast (I.C.) ball valves for steam, water, oil, air, and gas. This guide explains when to specify single-piece, two-piece, or three-piece bodies, and which end connection fits your piping.
Single-piece (1PC) screw or flange end
The most economical option for general isolation. Class 150#, body test 425 PSI, seat 300 PSI, up to 180°C. Screw ends: BSP, BSPT, or NPT. Ideal for compact skids and utility lines.
I.C. Ball Valve 1PC Screw End → · 1PC Flange End →
Two-piece (2PC) flange end
Split body allows easier maintenance while keeping ANSI B16.5 flanges. Design per BS 5351 / API 6D, tested to API 598 / BS 5146.
I.C. Ball Valve 2PC Flange End →
Three-piece (3PC) — best for serviceability
Center section removes in-line for seat and seal replacement. Available screw/socket weld, Class 150# and 300# flanges, E-table and F-table facings, plus gear and actuator options on larger sizes.
Materials & standards
Body: ASTM A351 CF8, CF8M, CF3, CF3M. Ball and stem: AISI 304/316/L. Seats: PTFE or GFT. Manufacturing: BS 5351; testing API 598 / BS 5146.