The Z-Tide Industrial FBV Series is a premium balanced mechanical float ball valve designed for accurate automatic water level control in tanks, reservoirs and process vessels. Manufactured from 304 stainless steel throughout, the balanced piston design provides exceptionally smooth operation with reduced closing force, allowing the use of a smaller float ball and shorter lever arm than conventional float valves. Suitable for threaded and flanged installations, the FBV Series delivers reliable, maintenance-free level control for industrial water systems while also serving as the pilot float valve for the Z-Tide BFF automatic float control valve range.
Valve function & operation
Function: Balanced mechanical float ball valve
Automatic liquid level control
Operating principle: Balanced piston with adjustable float lever
Automatically opens and closes according to liquid level
Water level easily adjustable without bending the float arm
Port sizes: ½", ¾", 1", 1¼", 1½", 2" and 3" BSP
Optional thread: NPT
Flange options:
DN50
DN80
DN100
DN125
JIS10K standard
Optional PN16
Pressure & flow
Standard pressure range: 0 to 10 Bar
Optional high-pressure version: Up to 20 Bar
(Using larger float ball or extended lever arm)
Maximum media temperature: +80°C
Optional all-silicone seals: Up to +150°C
Maximum media viscosity: 50 cSt
Construction & materials
Body: 304 stainless steel
Float ball: 304 stainless steel
Piston: 304 stainless steel
Shaft: 304 stainless steel
Adjusting mechanism: 304 stainless steel
Standard seals: EPDM / Silicone
Optional seals:
FKM (Viton)
All-silicone
Media compatibility
✓ Water
✓ Potable water
✓ Process water
✓ Cooling water
✓ Fluids up to 50 cSt compatible with the valve materials
Performance & design
✓ Balanced piston design significantly reduces shut-off force
✓ Smaller float ball and shorter lever arm withstand higher operating pressures
✓ Patented lever linkage prevents float arm distortion
✓ Water level adjustment without bending the float arm
✓ Low splash and reduced turbulence during tank filling
✓ Long, reliable, maintenance-free operation
✓ Can be used as the remote pilot valve for Z-Tide BFF automatic float control valves
Applications
Industrial water storage tanks
Reservoir level control
Process tanks
Cooling towers
Agricultural water storage
Chemical process vessels
Water treatment systems
Municipal water storage
Remote pilot control for BFF automatic float control valves
General industrial level control
Manufacturing quality
Manufactured entirely from 304 stainless steel with precision-machined internal components, the Z-Tide Industrial FBV Series has been engineered for reliable long-term operation in demanding industrial environments. Its balanced piston design significantly reduces the force required to close the valve, allowing the use of a compact float assembly while maintaining accurate level control at higher operating pressures. The patented lever linkage provides simple level adjustment without bending the float arm, while the full-flow construction delivers rapid tank filling with minimal splash and turbulence. The FBV Series also functions as the recommended pilot float valve for the Z-Tide BFF automatic float control valve range, providing dependable remote level control for large industrial storage tanks.
Ordering information
Simply select the required thread or flange size, seal material and pressure option before adding the valve to your basket. Optional NPT threads, PN16 flanges, Viton seals, high-pressure versions and all-silicone seals for temperatures up to +150°C are available on request.
Pressure:
0.02 Bar (20 mBar), 0.1 Bar (100 mBar), 0.2 Bar (200 mBar), 0.3 Bar (300 mBar), 0.4 Bar (400 mBar), 0.5 Bar (500 mBar), 0.6 Bar (600 mbar), 0.7 Bar (700 mBar), 0.8 Bar (800 mBar), 1 Bar, 1.2 Bar, 1.3 Bar, 1.4 Bar, 1.5 Bar, 1.6 Bar, 2 Bar, 2.5 Bar, 3 Bar, 3.5 Bar, 4 Bar, 4.5 Bar, 5 Bar, 5.5 Bar, 6 Bar, 6.5 Bar, 7 Bar, 7.5 Bar, 8 Bar, 8.5 Bar, 9 Bar, 10 Bar
Seals:
EPDM, Silicone, FKM (Viton)
Media:
Fluid (Non Aggressive), Water, Water (RO/Pure/Demin)
Port Size:
1/2 thread, 3/4 thread, 1 thread, 11/4 thread, 11/2 thread, 2 thread, 2 inch Flange DN50, 3 thread, 3 inch Flange DN80 , 4 inch Flange DN100 , 5 inch Flange DN125
Well made BUT the ball is undersized / or/ arm too short and ball goes well down in water before shut off is achieved.
Hi John.
Thanks for the review – I thought I should reply.
The valve is fully adjustable but if this isn't enough for your application and feel free to bend the arm (Its strong stainless) but do this in small increments as straightening it again would weaken it.
Thanks + Best Regards
Mike (Connexion Developments Ltd T/A Solenoid Valve World)
Reviewed on 26/05/2025 by John P - New Quay, United Kingdom
