M21 Si and M21 Vi ISO Ball Valve Installation and Maintenance Guide

Key safety requirements for installing, isolating, and maintaining M21 Si and M21 Vi ISO reduced-bore ball valves.

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M21 Si ISO and M21 Vi ISO Ball Valve Diagram

1. Safety Information

Safe operation of this product can only be guaranteed if it is properly installed, commissioned, and maintained by qualified personnel in compliance with the operating instructions (see Section 1.11). The installation and safety instructions for the pipeline and plant construction must also be observed, together with the proper use of tools and appropriate safety equipment.

1.1 Intended Use

Refer to the Installation and Maintenance Instructions, nameplate, and technical documentation to ensure that the product is suitable for its intended use. The products listed below fully comply with the requirements of the European Pressure Equipment Directive 97/23/EC and can be supplied with the CE mark where required. The products are classified under the Pressure Equipment Directive as follows:

ProductGroup 1 GasesGroup 2 GasesGroup 1 LiquidsGroup 2 Liquids
M21Si ISO and M21Vi ISODN15 - DN25SEPSEPSEPSEP
DN322SEPSEPSEP
DN40 - DN5021SEPSEP
DN65 - DN100212SEP
DN150322SEP

i) This product is designed for use with steam, compressed air, water, and other industrial fluids classified as Group 2 fluids under the Pressure Equipment Directive. It may also be used with methane, propane, oxygen, and hydrocarbons classified as Group 1 fluids under the Pressure Equipment Directive. Consult Spirax Sarco regarding use with other fluids.
ii) Ensure that the product materials are suitable for the operating conditions and that the maximum and minimum system pressures and temperatures are within the product’s design limits. If the product’s maximum operating limits are lower than the system operating conditions, or if product failure could result in hazardous overpressure or excessive temperature, install an appropriate safety device.
iii) Ensure that the product is installed correctly and that the inlet and outlet are not reversed.
iv) Spirax Sarco products are not designed to withstand external loads. The installer must prevent external forces in the system from being imposed on the product.
v) Before installation, remove the protective covers from all product connections.

1.2 Access

After installation, ensure that there is sufficient space to operate the product. Where required, prepare a safe working platform before operating the product. Provide suitable lifting equipment where necessary.

1.3 Lighting

Ensure adequate lighting, particularly where detailed or complex work is required.

1.4 Hazardous Liquids or Gases in the Pipeline

Consider in advance what fluids are present, or may previously have been present, in the pipeline. Pay particular attention to flammable substances, substances hazardous to health, and fluids at extreme temperatures.

1.5 Hazardous Working Environment

Consider explosion hazards, oxygen deficiency (for example, inside tanks or in low-lying areas), hazardous gases, extreme temperatures, hot surfaces, fire hazards (for example, during welding), excessive noise, and moving machinery.

1.6 The System

Understand the operation of the complete system. Before performing any operation, such as closing isolation valves or switching electrical equipment, consider whether it could place any other part of the system or any personnel at risk.

Hazards may include isolation of vents or protective devices and the disabling of controls or alarms. Open and close isolation valves slowly to prevent system shock.

1.7 Pressure Systems

Ensure that the system is isolated from pressure or completely drained. Consider double isolation and locking or labeling closed valves. Never assume that the system has been completely depressurized merely because a pressure gauge reads zero.

1.8 Temperature

After isolation, allow the product to cool to ambient temperature to prevent burns.

1.9 Tools and Spare Parts

Before starting work, ensure that suitable tools and spare parts are available. Use only genuine Spirax Sarco spare parts.

1.10 Protective Clothing

Consider whether operators or nearby personnel require protective clothing to guard against hazards such as chemicals, extreme temperatures, radiation, noise, falling objects, and injury to the eyes or face.

1.11 Permit to Work

All work must be performed or supervised by suitably competent personnel. Installation and operating personnel must be trained in accordance with the product’s Installation and Maintenance Instructions to ensure correct use of the product.

Where a permit-to-work system is in force, it must be observed. Where no such system is in force, the responsible person must understand the nature of the work and, where necessary, appoint an assistant with specific responsibility for safety.

Post warning notices where necessary.

1.12 Handling

Manual handling of large or heavy products may present a risk of injury. Lifting, pushing, pulling, carrying, or supporting a load using bodily force can cause injury, particularly to the back. Assess the task, the individual, the load, and the working environment, and use handling methods appropriate to the site conditions.

1.13 Residual Heat

During normal operation, the external surface of this product may become very hot. When used at the maximum permissible operating temperature, the product surface temperature may reach:

  • M21Si: 260°C (500°F)
  • M21Vi: 230°C (446°F)

This product is not self-draining. Exercise caution when removing or relocating it from its installed position (refer to the “Maintenance Instructions”).

1.14 Freezing

Non-self-draining products used where the ambient temperature may fall below freezing must be protected against frost damage.

1.15 Safety Information - Product-Specific Information

Hydraulic Locking

When a ball valve is used in hot or cold applications involving both steam and water, it may be susceptible to hydraulic locking. During valve closure, water trapped inside the ball is heated, creating high hydraulic pressure within the ball. To prevent hydraulic locking, a small hole is drilled in the ball during manufacture so that pressure can be relieved after the valve is closed. Certain Spirax Sarco ball valves are clearly marked with the correct installation orientation so that the hole faces the steam side when the valve is closed.

1.16 Disposal

Unless otherwise stated in the Installation and Maintenance Instructions, this product is recyclable and presents no ecological hazard when disposed of with due care.

1.17 Returning Products

Under EC health, safety, and environmental legislation, customers and distributors returning products must provide information about any hazards and the precautions to be taken regarding residual contamination or mechanical damage that could present a health, safety, or environmental risk. This information must be provided in writing and must include health and safety data sheets identifying any known or potential hazards.

2. Product Information

2.1 Introduction

M21Si and M21Vi are reduced-bore ball valves with a one-piece design and standard ISO mounting. They are intended for isolation service only and can be used with most industrial media. They must not be used as control valves.

ISO Mounting

The integral ISO valve body enables automatic actuation without removing the valve, thereby maintaining sealing integrity. Spirax Sarco ISO series ball valves can be easily configured for manual or remote operation.

Available Models

M21Si2 ISOGalvanised carbon steel body, PDR 0.8 seats
M21Si3 ISOStainless steel body, PDR 0.8 seats
M21Vi2 ISOGalvanised carbon steel body, PTFE seats
M21Vi3 ISOStainless steel body, PTFE seats

Standards

This product fully complies with the European Pressure Equipment Directive 97/23/EC. CE marking is available upon request.

Certification

An EN 10204 3.1 certificate is available for this product.

Note: Please specify this requirement when ordering.

Note: For further information, refer to technical information sheet TI-P133-77.

2.2 Sizes and Pipe Connections

DN15, DN20, DN25, DN32, DN40, DN50, DN65, DN80, DN100 and DN150

Standard flanges: EN 1092 PN40

Face-to-face Dimensions:

  • DN15 to DN100: face-to-face dimensions in accordance with DIN3202 F4
  • DN25 to DN150: face-to-face dimensions in accordance with BS 2080.

Size and pipe connection diagram

2.3 Pressure/Temperature Limits

M21Si2 ISO and M21Si3 ISO ball valves with PDR 0.8 seats
Pressure-temperature limits for M21Si2 ISO and M21Si3 ISO ball valves

M21Vi2 ISO and M21Vi3 ISO ball valves with PTFE seats
Pressure-temperature limits for M21Vi2 ISO and M21Vi3 ISO ball valves

Diagram showing the area in which this product cannot be used
This product must not be used in this area

Body design conditionsPN40
PMAMaximum allowable pressure40 bar g @ 120°C(580 psi g @ 248°F)
TMAMaximum allowable temperatureM21Si260°C @ 0 bar g(500°F @ 0 psi g)
M21Vi230°C @ 0 bar g(446°F @ 0 psi g)
Minimum allowable temperature-29°C(-20°F)
PMOMaximum operating pressure for saturated steam serviceM21Si17.5 bar g(254 psi g)
M21Vi10.0 bar g(145 psi g)
TMOMaximum operating temperatureM21Si260°C @ 0 bar g(500°F @ 0 psi g)
M21Vi230°C @ 0 bar g(446°F @ 0 psi g)
Minimum operating temperature. Note: Consult Spirax Sarco for lower operating temperatures.-29°C(-20°F)
ΔPMXMaximum operating differential pressure is the same as PMO
Maximum design cold hydraulic test pressure:60 bar g(870 psi g)

3. Installation

Note: Before installation, read Section 1, “Safety Information”.

Although the valve has a robust design, stresses caused by poor pipe alignment and/or incorrect pipe length can adversely affect the valve and must be avoided. Particular attention must be paid to correct pipe alignment, ensuring that the pipe and valve are on the same axis.

The valve is intended for on/off applications and can be operated manually.

Allow sufficient clearance when installing the valve to facilitate operation and maintenance.

Before installing the valve, ensure that the size, pressure rating, materials, connection type and other specifications are suitable for the application.

Before installation, remove any contaminants that may have accumulated in the ball valve during storage. Keep the valve clean during installation, as contaminants can damage the valve seats and operating mechanism.

To reduce seat wear caused by coarse particles, install a strainer upstream of the ball valve.

Ensure that the handle is positioned correctly during installation. Ideally, the stem should be vertical. When used with gases, the ball valve may be installed in any position; see Figure 3 below.

When used with steam:

  1. Install a drain point upstream of the ball valve.
  2. Open the ball valve slowly to prevent water hammer.

Installation arrangement for liquids

When used with liquids, do not install the valve upside down (Figure 2).
Figure 2 Incorrect installation arrangement for liquids

Note: Always open the valve slowly to prevent system shock.

Installation arrangement for gases

Figure 3 Correct installation arrangement for gases

4. Commissioning

After installation or maintenance, ensure that the system is operating correctly and test any alarm or protective devices.

5. Operation

The ball valve is operated manually using the handle. Ensure that the handle is operated in the correct direction.

It is intended for on/off service and may be either fully open or fully closed.

6. Maintenance

Note: Before carrying out any maintenance work, read Section 1, “Safety Information”.

6.1 General

For all mechanical equipment, regular maintenance is the most effective means of ensuring continued operating efficiency.

Regular maintenance of all equipment is essential, even for valves that are only used occasionally.

6.2 Introduction

Remove the valve from the pipeline. The body assembly can then be replaced with a new one. Note: The body insert (2) can only be removed using a special tool supplied by Spirax Sarco. See Section 7, Available Spare Parts. After replacing the seats and reassembling the valve, it is recommended that the following tests be carried out before commissioning at the installation site:

  • Cold hydraulic test at 60 barg (870 psi g).
  • Seat leakage test using compressed air at 7 barg.

6.3 Replacing the Seats (5):

  • Remove the body as described in Section 6.2.
  • Once the body has been removed, remove the seats (5) and O-rings (6).
  • Fit the new seats (5) into their corresponding positions in the body.
  • Refit the ball valve insert (2) using a new O-ring (6), and tighten the valve; see Figure 1.

6.4 Replacing the Stem Seals:

  • Remove the body as described in Section 6.2.
  • Remove the nuts (15 and 16).
  • Replace the stem seals (9 and 10).
  • Refit the ball valve insert (2) using a new O-ring (6), and tighten the valve to the recommended torque; see Figure 1.

6.5 Reassembly

Reassemble in the reverse order of the steps described above. Tighten the bolts and nuts (15, 16) to the recommended torque; see Table 1.

Reassembly diagram for DN15 to DN50

Figure 4 DN15 - DN50

7. Spare Parts

Spare Parts for DN15 to DN50

Solid lines indicate available spare parts; broken lines indicate parts that are not supplied as spares.

Available Spare Parts

Seat, stem seal and body gasket set5,6,9,10
Insert tool - special tool for removing the ball valve insert (2)Not shown

How to Order

Order spare parts according to the description in the “Available Spare Parts” column, specifying the ball valve size and model.

Example 1: Seat, insert O-ring and stem seal set for a Spirax Sarco DN50 flanged PN40 M21Si2 ball valve.

Spare parts diagram for DN15 to DN50

Spare Parts for DN65 to DN150

Solid lines indicate available spare parts; broken lines indicate parts that are not supplied as spares.

Available Spare Parts

Seat, stem seal and body gasket set

5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12

Insert tool - special tool for removing the ball valve insert (2)

Not shown

How to Order

Order spare parts according to the description in the “Available Spare Parts” section, specifying the ball valve size and model.

Example 1: Seat, stem seal and body gasket set for a Spirax Sarco DN50 flanged PN40 M21Si2 ball valve.

Spare parts diagram for DN65 to DN150

FAQ

Can Spirax Sarco M21Si ISO and M21Vi ISO ball valves be used for flow regulation or fitted with actuators?

The M21Si ISO and M21Vi ISO are one-piece reduced-bore ball valves designed solely for media isolation and fully open or fully closed operation. They must not be used as flow control valves. The integral ISO mounting arrangement allows an actuator to be fitted without removing the valve, enabling automatic on/off operation or remote control while maintaining valve sealing integrity.

What are the differences between the M21Si and M21Vi in terms of seats, body materials, and selection for steam service?

The M21Si uses PDR 0.8 seats, while the M21Vi uses PTFE seats. Model suffix 2 denotes a zinc-plated carbon steel body, while suffix 3 denotes a stainless steel body. For saturated steam service, the maximum operating pressure is 17.5 bar g for the M21Si and 10.0 bar g for the M21Vi. At 0 bar g, their maximum operating temperatures are 260°C and 230°C, respectively. Selection must account for media and material compatibility as well as pressure-temperature limits. The maximum temperature and maximum pressure must not be combined as a permissible operating condition.

What are the installation requirements for M21Si ISO and M21Vi ISO ball valves in steam, liquid, or gas pipelines?

For steam service, a drain point must be provided upstream of the ball valve, and the valve must be opened slowly to prevent water hammer. For liquid service, the valve must not be installed upside down. For gas service, it may be installed in any orientation. The preferred installation position is with the stem vertical. Before installation, remove any debris from inside the valve. A strainer must be installed upstream to reduce particle-induced seat wear. The pipeline and valve must also be aligned coaxially, with no pipe strain or external loads applied to the valve body, and sufficient space must be provided for operation and maintenance.

Why can hydraulic lock occur in ball valves under alternating steam and water service, and what installation precaution is required?

When the ball valve is closed, water trapped inside the ball may generate high hydraulic pressure as it is heated, potentially causing hydraulic lock. The small pressure-relief hole in the ball releases pressure generated after closure. For ball valves marked with the correct installation orientation, ensure that the hole faces the steam side when the valve is closed.

What maintenance conditions and retesting are required when replacing the seats or seals of M21Si ISO and M21Vi ISO ball valves?

Maintenance must be performed by qualified personnel. First isolate the system, verify that it is fully depressurized, and allow the valve to cool to room temperature. A zero pressure gauge reading alone must not be taken as confirmation that the system is depressurized. Valve body disassembly requires a special Spirax Sarco body insert tool. Genuine Spirax Sarco spare parts must be used and matched to the ball valve size and model. After replacing the seats and reassembling the valve, a cold hydraulic test at 60 bar g and a seat leakage test using compressed air at 7 bar g are recommended before on-site commissioning. After installation or maintenance, verify that the system operates correctly and test all alarms or protective devices.

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