Failsafe Ball Valves

Existing & Custom Designs Available

All of our failsafe valves are designed, manufactured and sold factory-direct from our New Hampshire headquarters.

Jump To:

What is a Failsafe Ball Valve
Fail Open vs. Fail Close
Features of Our Failsafe Ball Valves
Applications for Failsafe Ball Valves
Why Choose Gemini Valve?

What is a Failsafe Ball Valve?

A failsafe ball valve is commonly used to manage media flow and excessive pressure in the event of a power interruption. Power refers to the specific source that causes the actuator to move; power sources can include air, gas, hydraulic fluid or electricity. Many different factors can cause power loss, such as freezing temperatures, thunderstorms and loss of upstream pressure. No matter the cause, when a power interruption occurs, failsafe ball valves default to either an open or closed position to keep your system safe.

The components that make up a failsafe ball valve include:

Ball valve: a quarter-turn on/off valve that controls the flow of media using a pivoting ball
Failsafe actuator: a mechanism used to cycle the valve on or off that defaults to a predetermined safe position in the event of power loss

The most common type of failsafe ball valve is a single acting pneumatic ball valve, which uses compressed air to cycle the valve and a mechanical spring to return the valve to the normal position. Pneumatic failsafe devices typically consist of a spring and piston, which work together to default to open or closed whenever air pressure is interrupted.

Electric failsafe ball valves are also available, however failsafe mechanisms for electric valves are typically more complex and expensive. Electric failsafe valves store energy or utilize backup batteries that enable them to move to the safe position when a power failure occurs.

Normally Open vs. Normally Closed

Failsafe valves are available in either normally closed or normally open configurations. Normally closed valves default to the closed position when the power source is interrupted, while normally open valves default to the open position.

Normally closed valves are the most commonly used type of failsafe ball valve — and unless otherwise specified — are the standard configuration for most manufacturers. When powered by an energy source, these valves remain open. However, when the power fails, a mechanism (most commonly a spring or battery backup) inside the valve forces it to close. Normally closed valves are useful — and sometimes necessary — for projects that require the valve to be closed when power is off.

This type of failsafe can be helpful for protecting downstream equipment from excessive pressure build-up. Fail close valves are also critical in applications where the unrestricted flow of media could be dangerous, such as those involving chemicals or high temperatures.

On the other hand, normally open valves are less commonly used but can be equally critical within your pipe system. This type of failsafe valve remains closed as long as power is on but automatically opens when the signal is lost. For example, fail open valves are helpful in fire extinguishing systems. If fire interrupts a power source, the fail open valve enables water to flow through and put the fire out. Fail open valves are also commonly used to protect the upstream side of the valve from excessive pressure.

Features of Our Failsafe Ball Valves

Made in the USA
100% Tested In House
Competitively Priced
No Reseller Markups
Application-Specific Customizations Available
Factory-Direct Support
Ultra-Compact Design
Long-Lasting, Maintenance-Free
Available for ¼” to 2” pipe sizes
Electric failsafe option coming soon

Applications for Failsafe Ball Valves

Failsafe ball valves are most commonly used in processes that require an immediate response when a power source is interrupted. Fail to open ball valves are used generally in cooling systems and in cases where flow may need to be halted from time to time for scheduled maintenance.

Failsafe ball valves are useful in the following industries:

Water treatment, including fountains, aquariums and swimming pools
Landfills
Power plants
Mining
Transportation
Chemical processing
Oil & gas

Why Choose Gemini Valve?

When you entrust Gemini Valve with your project, you’ll get peace of mind knowing that your failsafe ball valves are always designed, manufactured, tested and shipped directly from one location: our New Hampshire-based facility.

Since we handle all operations under one roof, customers can expect faster communications, direct support from our team on the ground and custom orders tailored to their specific applications.

50+ Years of Engineering Expertise
USA-Based Facility in Rural New Hampshire
Family Owned & Operated
100% In-House Design, Manufacturing, Testing, Distribution & Support

Get a Quote for Your Project

For the most accurate pricing information, we’re happy to provide a quote for your specific application. In most cases, we will respond within 1 business hour!

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