TFT Ball Intake Valve User manual

This instruction manual is intended to familiarize firefighters and maintenance
personnel with the operation, servicing and safety procedures associated with
the Ball Intake Valve.
This manual should be kept available to all operating and maintenance
personnel.
MANUAL: Ball Intake Valve™
WARNING Read instruction manual before use. Operation of this device without
understanding the manual and receiving proper training is a misuse of this
equipment. A person who has not read and understood all operating and safety
instructions is not qualified to operate the Ball Intake Valve.
OPERATING RANGE:
Pressure Max 250 PSI
Pressure Min Full Vac.
Hydrostatic
Proof Test:
900 PSI
INSTRUCTIONS FOR SAFE OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
LIA-200 December 9, 2005 Rev 08©Copyright Task Force Tips, Inc. 2002-2005
A1306
®
1-219-462-6161
1-800-348-2686
www.tft.com
TASK FORCE TIPS, Inc. 2800 E. Evans Ave, Valparaiso, IN 46383-6940 USA
800-348-2686 • 219-462-6161 • Fax [phone]
MADE IN USA •www.tft.com

2
1.0
2.0
3.0
3.1
3.2
4.0
4.1
4.2
5.0
5.1
5.2
5.3
MEANING OF SIGNAL WORDS
SAFETY
GENERAL INFORMATION
CORROSION
USE WITH SALT WATER
INSTALLATION
MOUNTING ON TRUCK
CHANGING HANDWHEEL TO LEFT SIDE
USE
INTAKE ELBOW
VALVE POSITION INDICATOR
STORZ SUCTION GASKET REQUEST
6.0
7.0
7.1
7.2
8.0
9.0
10.0
11.0
AIR VENT AND WATER DRAIN
PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE
SETTING PRESSURE
FLOW vs. PRESSURE CURVE
DRAWINGS AND PARTS LISTS
MAINTENANCE
BALL INTAKE VALVE PRESSURE LOSS
WARRANTY
1.0 MEANING OF SIGNAL WORDS
A safety related message is identified by a safety alert symbol and a signal word to indicate the level of risk involved
with a particular hazard. Per ANSI standard Z535.4-1998 the definitions of the three signal words are as follows:
DANGER
CAUTION
WARNING
DANGER indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in
death or serious injury.
WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in
death or serious injury.
CAUTION indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in
minor or moderate injury.
2.0 SAFETY
CAUTION
WARNING
CAUTION
Kinks in supply hose may reduce water flow and cause injury or death to persons
dependant on water flow. When this valve is used on a hydrant or fire truck it is
recommended that it be used with an elbow to minimize risk of hoseline kinks.
Maximum operating pressure 250 PSI (17 bar). Do not exceed 250 PSI on either side of the
valve.
Valve must be properly connected. Mismatched or damaged connectors may cause
leaking or uncoupling under pressure and could cause injury.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WARNING Injury or death can result from burst hoses and fittings. Be sure the pressure relief valve
is set at the proper pressure for the type of hose and equipment you are using. See NFPA
1961 and NFPA 1962.
WARNING This equipment is intended for use by trained personnel for firefighting. Its use for other
purposes may involve hazards not addressed by this manual. See appropriate guidance
and training to reduce risk of injury.
©Copyright Task Force Tips, Inc. 2002-2005 LIA-200 December 9, 2005 Rev 08
The member companies of FEMSA that provide emergency response
equipment and services want responders to know and understand the
following:
1. Firefighting and Emergency Response are inherently dangerous
activities requiring proper training in their hazards and the use of
extreme caution at all times.
2. It is your responsibility to read and understand any user’s instructions
provided with any piece of equipment you may be called upon to use.
3. It is your responsibility to know that you have been properly trained in
Firefighting and /or Emergency Response and in the use, precautions,
and care of any equipment you may be called upon to use.
4. It is your responsibility to be in proper physical condition and to
maintain the personal skill level required to operate any equipment you
may be called upon to use.
5. It is your responsibility to know that your equipment is in operable
condition and has been maintained in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Failure to follow these guidelines may result in death, burns or other
severe injury.
DANGER
PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY CODE
Fire and Emergency Manufacturers and Services Association, Inc.
P.O. Box 147, Lynnfield, MA 01940 • www.FEMSA.org
FEMSA

The Ball Intake Valve is intended for use on the intake manifold of a fire engine. The valve is kept closed while the water
supply from a hydrant or another pumper to the engine is being established. This prevents the pump from sucking air
through the intake manifold and losing its prime. Once the supply hose is filled and under pressure, and the air has been
vented from the hose, the valve may be opened to connect the pump to the water supply. An adjustable pressure relief
valve mounted on the bottom of the valve opens to relieve any excess pressure that may damage the hose or the pump.
The Task Force Tips Ball Inlet Valve has a unique patented half ball, with a acts much like a
gate valve.
thermo-plastic rubber seat, and
3
3.0 GENERAL INFORMATION
4.0 INSTALLATION
Screw the large coupling to the pump inlet manifold. The valve position indicator should be clearly visible, but need not be
level.
4.1 MOUNTING ON TRUCKS
Hose couplings are attached using polymer bearing rings which provides electrical insulation to help prevent galvanic
corrosion. In the past some valves were made of bare aluminum. Task Force Tips is using a three-step process to fight
corrosion. The cast aluminum parts in this valve have been impregnated to fill the microscopic pores in the cast aluminum.
The parts are then hard anodized, and finally powder coated, inside and out, to help prevent corrosion. The effects of
corrosion can be minimized by good maintenance practice. See section 9.0 for maintenance.
3.1 CORROSION
4.2 CHANGING HAND WHEEL TO LEFT SIDE
NUTS KEY
SHAFT ASSEMBLY The handwheel is shipped from the factory on the
right hand side of the valve. The hand wheel. can be
switched to the left hand side for convenience or if it
interferes with other equipment on the pump panel.
To move the hand wheel to the opposite side,
unscrew the jam nuts on the end of the shaft. Pull the
shaft out of the gear box. As the shaft is withdrawn,
grasp the small key on the shaft so it does not fall and get lost. Remove and
switch the two plastic bushings that come out of the sides of the gearbox. The
bushing with the large hole is installed on the same side as the handwheel.
Look through the gear box and note approximate position of the keyway in the
worm inside the gear box. Slide the shaft into the gearbox on the opposite side
of the gear box with the key oriented the same as the keyway. A small dab of
grease will keep the key place. Rotate the shaft until the key finds the keyway
and push the shaft in until it stops. Screw on the nut until it is 1/6 turn past
finger tight. Tighten the second nut against the first one. If you over tighten the
first nut, the crank will be hard to turn.
3.2 USE WITH SALT WATER
Use with salt water is permissible provided valve is thoroughly cleaned with fresh water after each use. The service
life of the valve may be shortened due to the effects of corrosion and is not covered under warranty.
LARGE
BUSHING
SMALL BUSHING
©Copyright Task Force Tips, Inc. 2002-2005 LIA-200 December 9, 2005 Rev 08
Intake Elbow Swivel Air Vent & Drain
Pressure Relief Valve
Outlet
Handwheel
Shot Pin
Knob
Valve Position Indicator

0
25
50
75
100
125
150
175
200
225
250
275
300
0 25 50 75 100 125 150 175 200 FLOW (GPM)
PRESSURE (PSI)
0
5
10
15
20
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 FLOW (LPM)
125 PSI SETTING
200 PSI SETTING
50 PSI SETTING
PRESSURE (BAR)
4
To open the valve turn the hand wheel until the valve position says "OPEN". To close the
valve turn the hand wheel the opposite way until the valve position indicator says "CLOSED".
This valve is equipped with an Air Vent/Drain which will allow the air to escape from the valve when the hose is charged.
TheAir Vent/Drain is opened by turning the knob counter clockwise and closed by turning it clockwise.
To drain the water out of the valve after use open the Air Vent/Drain. A 1/2” diameter plastic tube may be used to run the
drain behind the pump panel.
To set the relief valve pressure turn the adjusting screw on the relief valve housing until the surface of the screw is even
with the desired pressure. Do not cap or plug discharge opening.
5.0 USE
5.1 INTAKE ELBOW
5.2 VALVE POSITION INDICATOR
6.0 AIR VENT AND WATER DRAIN
7.0 PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE
7.1 RELIEF VALVE SETTING PRESSURE
7.2 RELIEF VALVE FLOW vs. PRESSURE CURVE
CLOSED
OPENOPEN
3
4
1
2
1
4
1
4
1
2
3
4
CLOSED
OPENOPEN
3
4
1
2
1
4
1
4
1
2
3
4
There is a pressure relief valve on the bottom side of the valve. It may be set to any pressure between 50 and 200 p.s.i.. Its
function is to protect the pump and the supply hose from excess pressure. The relief valve may be mounted with its
opening facing the front, back, right or left.Apiece of hose or tubing may be mounted on the round spout to direct the water
coming out of the relief valve away from the pump panel. To change the orientation of the relief valve, remove the four 7/16
bolts on the corners of the relief valve flange, orient the valve the way you want it, and replace the bolts. Use a drop of
thread locking compound on the threads of the bolt to prevent them from coming loose.
PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE PERFORMANCE
The intake elbow swivels 360 degrees to help prevent hose kinks, and make connection of suction lines easier. The intake
can be turned forward or backward to help make connections in tight places if the water supply is in front of or behind the
truck. To turn the elbow, pull the shot pin knob on top of the elbow. The elbow will lock into a detent every 45 degrees. There
is a hole on the side of the elbow that can be used to attach the lanyard or chain of a cap by use of . The elbow
may be swivelled to any of eight positions by pulling the shot pin knob.
a key ring
Adjusting
Screw
Relief Valve
Discharge Opening
CAUTION Loss of prime can interrupt water flow and cause injury or death. Always bleed
out air with air valve to prevent possible loss of prime.
If your application of this product requires drafting, you may need a suction gasket, please
call 1-800-348-2686 to receive a free suction gasket by mail.
Part Numbers: 4” STORZ - item # A4216, 5” STORZ - item # A4221
5.3 STORZ ‘SUCTION GASKET’ REQUEST
©Copyright Task Force Tips, Inc. 2002-2005 LIA-200 December 9, 2005 Rev 08

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14
15
8
16
17
18 59 20
22
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24
58
27
30
32
29
33
69
68
36 37 38
61 62 63
42 43
45 46
47
50
21
14
44
49
48
51
54
60
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62 64
65
66
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8.0 DRAWINGS AND PARTS LISTS
©Copyright Task Force Tips, Inc. 2002-2005
2
57
16
LIA-200 December 9, 2005 Rev 08

6
8.0 DRAWINGS AND PARTS LISTS
Index Description QTY Part #
1 BGIV BODY - POWDER COAT 1 A1015
2 O-RING-236 3-1/4 ID 1/8 C/S 1 VO-236
3 BACK RING STAINLESS STEEL 1 A1201S
4 VALVE SEAT 1 A1520
5 PLASTIC STRIP 7.00" 1 A1290
6 SEAL RETAINER 1 A1521S
7 COUPLING 5.0"NHF X PSF7.0-NFS 1 A1261NT
COUPLING 6.0"NHF X PSF7.0-NFS 1 A1266NX
8 GASKET - 5.0" HOSE COUPLING 1 V3220
GASKET - 6.0" HOSE COUPLING 1 V3240
9 PORT PLUG 1 A1299
10 1/2-20 JAM HEX NUT 2 VT50B20JNT
11 SMALL BUSHING 1 A1525
13 GEAR BOX 1 A1505
14 3/8-16 X 1 1/4 SOCKET HEAD CAP SCREW 4 VT37-16SH1.2
15 5/32 X 7/8 HDP SPIROL PIN #12437 1 V1900
16 POSITION INDICATOR 1 A1517
17 LABEL; BGIV GEARBOX 1 AL010
18 1/4 X 1-3/8 HDP SPIROL PN 1 VP250X1.375H
20 KNOB 1 A1512
21 WASHER .812 OD X .406 ID X .065 THICK 2 VW812X406-65
22 CRANK BUSHING 1 A1513
23 3/8-16 X 1.5 BUTTON HEAD CAP SCREW 1 VT37-16BH1.5
24 CRANK SHAFT 1 A1510
25 KEY, 1/8" X 1.00" 1 X225
27 THIN WASHER 2 A1530
28 12 DP WORM 1 X220
29 INTERNAL WORM GEAR TRUNNION 1 A1501
30 GEAR THRUST WASHER 1 A1502
31 GEAR SPACER 1 A1511
32 3/8-16 X 5/16 SOCKET SET SCREW CUP POINT P 2 VT37-16SS312
33 1/4" BALL - 302 STAINLESS STEEL 72 V2125
36 CUP SEAL 6.0” ID X 3/16 C/S 1 A1545
37 HALF BALL STAINLESS STEEL 1 A1043S
38 ELBOW 4" (4” STORZ ONLY) 1 A1071
ELBOW 5" 1 A1054
42 ½ BARB X ¼ NPT FITTING 1 XX329
43 DETENT PIN 1 A1560
44 SPRING 1 X345
45 DETENT PIN HOUSING 1 A1570
46 DETENT PIN KNOB 1 A1575
47 SPIROL PIN 1 VP125X750H
48 LOCKING LEVER - MOLDED 1 A4171
49 SPRING TORSION 1 A4230
SPOUT 4”NHM X PSF5.25 1 A4620N
SPOUT 4.5”NHM X PSF5.25 1 A4625N
SPOUT 5”NHM X PSF5.25 1 A4630N
COUPLING 4.0”NH X PSF5.25 1 A4660N
COUPLING 4.5”NH X PSF5.25 1 A4665N
COUPLING 5.0”NH X PSF5.25 1 A4670N
COUPLING 6.0”NH X PSF7.0 1
MATE PSF5.25 X PSM7.0 1
PLASTIC STRIP 5.25" 1
CUP SEAL 5.25 X 4.750 X ¼ 1
LABEL; PORT COVER 1
BALL 7/16" STAINLESS 1
COUPLING HEAD STORZ 4" X 4.25PSF 1
INSERT RING STORZ 4” 1
O-RING 155 4” ID X 3/32 C/S 1
50
A1266NX
A4745
A1291
A1596
A1298
VB.437
A4114
A4164
VO-155
COUPLING HEAD STORZ 5" X 5.25PSF 1 A4115
INSERT RING STORZ 5” 1 A4165
O-RING 250, 5” ID X 1/8 C/S 1 VO-250
Continued on Next Page
Ball Intake Valve Parts List
©Copyright Task Force Tips, Inc. 2002-2005 LIA-200 December 9, 2005 Rev 08

Index Description QTY Part #
1 1/2-13 X 1.0 BUTTON HEAD CAP SCREW 1 VT50-13BH1.0
2 O-RING-236 3-1/4 ID 1/8 C/S 1 VO-236
3 DEBRIS WASHER 1 A1169
4 HOUSING W/OUT THDS 1 A1150
5 5/16-18 X 3/8 SOCKET SET SCREW CUP POINT 1 VT31-18SS375
6 VALVE SEAT 1 A1168
7 PISTON -HARDCOAT 1 A1160
8 O-RING-231 2-5/8 ID 1/8 C/S 1 VO-231
9 QUAD RING 422 1.5 ID X 1/8 C/S 2 VOQ-4222
11 SPRING SEAT 1 A1166
12 RELIEF SPRING 1 A1170
13 SMALLEY RING 1 V4210
14 ADJUSTING SCREW 1 A1167
15 SPRING HOUSING 1 A1164
16 COVER PLATE/CAP 1 X631
8.0 DRAWINGS AND PARTS LISTS
7
Index Description QTY Part #
COUPLING HEAD STORZ 6" X 5.25PSF 1
INSERT 6.0"BSPM X PSF5.25 1
COUPLING HNDL 4.0"NHF X PSF5.25 1
COUPLING HNDL 4.5”NHF X PSF5.25 1
COUPLING SH 5.0"NHF X PSF7.0 NFS 1
MATE PSF5.25 X PSM7.0-NFS 1
50 PLASTIC STRIP 5.25" 1
CUP SEAL 5.25 X 4.750 X ¼ 1
LABEL; PORT COVER 1
BALL 7/16" STAINLESS 1
*X696SX-LOCK
A4765
A4560N
A4565N
A1261NT
A4745
A1291
A1596
A1298
VB.437
COUPLING SH 6.0"NHF X PSF7.0-NFS 1 A1266NX
MATE PSF5.25 X PSM7.0-NFS 1 A4745
PLASTIC STRIP 5.25” 1 A1291
CUP SEAL 5.25 X 4.750 X ¼ 1 A1596
LABEL; PORT COVER 1 A1298
BALL 7/16" STAINLESS 1 VB.437
GASKET 4” PRESSURE (4” STORZ ONLY) 1 A4215
GASKET 4” PRESSURE (4” STORZ ONLY)/VACUUM 1 A4216
GASKET 5” PRESSURE (5” STORZ ONLY) 1 A4220
GASKET 5” PRESSURE (5” STORZ ONLY)/VACUUM 1 A4221
51 GASKET 6” PRESSURE (6” STORZ ONLY)/VACUUM 1 A4226
GASKET 4.0” HOSE COUPLING 1 V3198
GASKET 4.5” HOSE COUPLING 1 V3210
GASKET 5.0” HOSE COUPLING 1 V3220
GASKET 6.0” HOSE COUPLING 1 V3240
52 PLASTIC STRIP 4.25" (4” STORZ ONLY) 1 A1292
PLASTIC STRIP 5.25" 1 A1291
53 CUP SEAL 4.25X3.750 X 1/4 (4” STORZ ONLY) 1 A1597
CUP SEAL 5.25 X 4.750 X 1/4 1 A1596
54 BALL 7/16" STAINLESS 302 1 VB.437
56 HOLLOW TRUNNION 1 A1514
57 7/16-14 X 1 HEX HEAD BOLT 4 VT43-14HX1.0
58 LONG BUSHING 1 A1526
59 HANDWHEEL 1 X281
60 NAMEPLATE 1 A1306
61 DRAIN BODY 1 A1543
62 O-RING-115 2 VO-115
63 DRAIN SLEEVE 1 A1541
64 DRAIN LEVER 1 A1542
65 DOG POINT SCREW 1 H515
66 O-RING-110 1 VO-110
67 O-RING-128 1 VO-128
68 O-RING-214 1 VO-214
69 SET SCREW 1 VT31-18SS375
Relief Valve Parts List
©Copyright Task Force Tips, Inc. 2002-2005 LIA-200 December 9, 2005 Rev 08

0
5
10
15
20
25
30
2000 FLOW (GPM)
LOSS (PSI)
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000 FLOW (LPM)
LOSS (BAR)
4 INCH COUPLING
5 INCH COUPLING
Task Force Tips, Inc., 2800 East Evans Avenue, Valparaiso, Indiana 46383 ("TFT") warrants to the original purchaser of its Ball Intake
Valve ("equipment"), and to anyone to whom it is transferred, that the equipment shall be free from defects in material and workmanship
during the five (5) year period from the date of purchase.
TFT's obligation under this warranty is specifically limited to replacing or repairing the equipment (or its parts) which are shown by
TFT's examination to be in a defective condition attributable to TFT. To qualify for this limited warranty, the claimant must return the
equipment to TFT, at 2800 East Evans Avenue, Valparaiso, Indiana 46383, within a reasonable time after discovery of the defect.
TFT will examine the equipment. If TFT determines that there is a defect attributable to it, TFT will correct the problem within a
reasonable time. If the equipment is covered by this limited warranty, TFT will assume the expenses of repair.
If any defect attributable to TFT under this limited warranty cannot be reasonably cured by repair or replacement, TFT may elect to
refund the purchase price of the equipment, less reasonable depreciation, in complete discharge of its obligations under this limited
warranty. If TFT makes this election, claimant shall return the equipment to TFT free and clear of any liens and encumbrances.
This is a limited warranty. The original purchaser of the equipment, any person to whom it is transferred, and any person who is an
intended or unintended beneficiary of the equipment, shall not be entitled to recover from TFT any consequential or incidental
damages for injury to person and/or property resulting from any defective equipment manufactured or assembled by TFT. It is
agreed and understood that the price stated for the equipment is in part consideration for limiting TFT's liability. Some states do not
allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above may not apply to you.
TFT shall have no obligation under this limited warranty if the equipment is, or has been, misused or neglected (including failure to
provide reasonable maintenance) or if there have been accidents to the equipment or if it has been repaired or altered by someone else.
This limited warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
THIS IS A LIMITED EXPRESS WARRANTY ONLY. TFT EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS WITH RESPECT TO THE EQUIPMENT ALL
IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE. THERE IS NO WARRANTY OF ANY NATURE MADE BY TFT BEYOND THAT STATED IN THIS DOCUMENT.
11.0 WARRANTY
9.0 MAINTENANCE
This valve should be disconnected, cleaned and visually inspected inside and out at least once per month. Moving parts
such as hand wheels, valve ball/seat and couplings should be checked for smooth and free operation and greased as
needed. A silicone based grease such as Dow Corning 112 will exclude moisture and retard the effects of corrosion. Any
scrapes that expose bare aluminum should be cleaned and touched up with enamel paint such as Rust-Oleum. Replace
any missing or damaged parts before returning valve to service.
CAUTION Dissimilar metals coupled together can cause galvanic corrosion that can result in the
inability to unscrew the threads of complete loss of thread engagement over time. Per
NFPA 1962 (1998 edition), if dissimilar metals are left coupled together an anti-corrosive
lubricant should be applied to the threads. Also the coupling should be disconnected
and inspected at least quarterly.
CAUTION Any alterations to the Ball Intake Valve and its markings could diminish safety and
constitutes a misuse of this product.
10.0 BALL INTAKE VALVE PRESSURE LOSS
TASK FORCE TIPS, Inc. 2800 E. Evans Ave, Valparaiso, IN 46383-6940 USA
800-348-2686 • 219-462-6161 • Fax [phone]
MADE IN USA •www.tft.com
©Copyright Task Force Tips, Inc. 2002-2005
6004002000 12001000800 180016001400
LIA-200 December 9, 2005 Rev 08