Segmental Ball Valves

Introduction

The pressurised air systems of Feldbinder silo trailers — the horizontal, non-tipping EUT and the tipping pressure silo KIP (Kippsilo) — rely on ball valves to open and shut compressed-air flow. Alongside brass-body valves, these systems use lighter aluminium valves in the segmental Type ZR (Type 500) design. The designation “Type ZR (Type 500)” refers to the valve’s construction type, not to any particular vehicle — it is a fitting classification, not a model reference.

The segmental design is attractive for Feldbinder silo trailers for two practical reasons. First, the aluminium body and handle reduce the weight of the fittings, which matters in a densely-plumbed EUT installation (and still more so in multi-compartment versions with multiple branch points) where every kilogram of hardware counts towards the vehicle’s kerb weight. Second, the segmental construction supports rebuilding: complete repair kits are available for these valves, so a worn valve is returned to service by replacing the seals rather than scrapping the entire unit. In the KIP, where pneumatics assist the discharge of low-flow-rate materials, that serviceability translates directly into lower fleet operating costs.

PHS Magnum at Chorula near Opole holds stock of Type ZR segmental ball valves together with repair kits. The full parts catalogue is at /en/spare-parts/, and service support is available via magnumchorula.pl/en/service/.

Specification and Materials

The Type ZR (Type 500) segmental design is an aluminium air ball valve engineered for in-service rebuilding using repair kits.

Complete repair kits are available. The related Prokosch design is also stocked in the catalogue.

Aluminium as the body and handle material offers two specific advantages. The first is weight: in a densely-plumbed silo trailer installation, every kilogram of fittings counts towards the vehicle’s kerb weight, so the lightweight segmental design preserves more payload capacity. The second is aluminium’s corrosion resistance in compressed-air environments with condensate. The limitation of aluminium is lower mechanical impact resistance compared with cast iron or steel, which is why the segmental valve should be handled carefully during installation and servicing — avoid overloading the handle and striking the body. The 16 bar pressure and -25°C to 90°C temperature ratings match typical air-line conditions in Feldbinder silo trailers.

Sizes and Types

Standard stock covers 1½" and 2" with PTFE and NBR seals. Direct delivery adds Viton seals, a brass ball, and additional sizes (e.g. 2½").

Seal selection is governed by the medium and operating conditions: PTFE performs across a wide temperature range and gives low rotational resistance; NBR is the economical standard for compressed air; Viton (direct delivery) is specified where elevated chemical or thermal resistance is required. The brass-ball version from direct delivery extends the selection for non-standard applications. This configurability keeps the Type ZR segmental design genuinely versatile — the same valve type can be configured for different lines within a Feldbinder silo trailer installation.

Compatibility with Feldbinder Silo Trailers (EUT/KIP)

In the EUT (horizontal non-tipping tank with pneumatic discharge through bottom cone ports), Type ZR segmental valves isolate compressed-air flow in the aeration lines and branch connections to the discharge points. The low weight of the aluminium body is particularly advantageous in multi-compartment EUT configurations with numerous fitting points.

In the KIP (Kippsilo) — the tipping pressure silo that uses pneumatic assistance for the discharge of low-flow-rate bulk materials — segmental valves operate in the same pressure circuits. Valve selection is determined by operating parameters (16 bar, -25°C to 90°C) and line size, not by trailer type. The ability to rebuild using a repair kit is especially valuable where valves operate intensively and are serviced frequently.

Common Issues in Feldbinder Silo Trailers

From our service experience with segmental ball valves in Feldbinder trailers, the most common issues are:

• Seal-side leakage — worn PTFE or NBR seals; with this valve design the correct remedy is a repair kit, not outright valve replacement.
• Stiff or binding handle — contamination of the ball or condensate deposits; cleaning and seal replacement where necessary returns the valve to normal operation.
• Seal material selection for the medium — where operating conditions are more demanding, Viton seals (direct delivery) are specified in place of NBR; for food-grade nodes the segmental Feldbinder design can be paired with chemically resistant components where the valve construction permits.
• Operation outside rated pressure or temperature — exceeding 90°C or 16 bar accelerates wear; heavier-duty nodes call for a higher-rated valve class.

Because the design is serviceable, diagnosis typically leads to seal replacement from a repair kit; full valve replacement applies only to body or ball damage.

This serviceability is the segmental design’s greatest operational advantage for fleet management. Instead of scrapping an entire valve over worn seals, a technician replaces the seal set from a repair kit — faster and more cost-effective. At PHS Magnum we stock repair kits alongside the valves as a matter of course, so seal replacement does not depend on waiting for a delivery. For Feldbinder fleets with multiple segmental valves throughout the installation, this represents a measurable saving in downtime and parts costs.

Availability and Delivery

• Stock at Chorula near Opole: Type ZR segmental valves in 1½" and 2", plus repair kits — typical items available from stock.
• 24–48 h: most standard items and repair kits.
• Direct delivery: 2½" and other sizes, Viton seals, brass ball, Prokosch design.
• Shipping: courier (PL), GLS/DHL (DACH), EU VAT invoice.

All deliveries include a material certificate. Valve, seal, and repair-kit selection support is available through PHS Magnum service.

Related Categories

• PTFE Ball Valves
• Prokosch Product Ball Valves
• Ball Valve Blow-Off
• Ball Seals
• AKO Membrane Pinch Valves — Membrane valves for discharge armature, EUT/KIP.
• Full catalogue: /en/spare-parts/

See also: This category in the full PHS Magnum network catalogue (all makes) →

Author: Aleksy Pasternak — Managing Partner PHS Magnum, 20 years in the industry, internal ISO 9001:2015 auditor (DEKRA).