Industry Insights | Banjo Corp

How to Choose the Right Valve for Liquid Handling | Banjo Liquid Handling

Written by Banjo | Oct 7, 2025 6:29:00 PM

Leaks, downtime, and costly replacements – choosing the wrong valve for your liquid handling system can have serious consequences. Whether you’re managing agricultural spraying, fertilizer transfer, or industrial chemical handling, the valve is the gatekeeper of your operation. The right choice ensures smooth, reliable flow. The wrong one could mean exposure risks, product loss, and unexpected shutdowns.

At Banjo, we know that downtime is not an option. For more than 65 years, our valves and fittings have set the standard for durability, chemical resistance, and leak-free performance in agricultural and industrial applications. In this blog, we’ll walk you through what valves do, key factors to consider when choosing one, and highlight some of the most commonly used Banjo valves.

What Does a Valve Do in a Liquid Handling System?

At its core, a valve is the control point of a liquid handling system. It’s responsible for starting, stopping, or directing the flow of fluids, and in some cases, regulating the flow rate. Think of it as the “on/off switch” or “traffic director” that keeps your operation moving smoothly.

In agricultural and industrial systems, valves rarely operate alone. They’re integrated with pumps, tanks, manifolds, strainers, and fittings – forming a complete liquid transfer network. A reliable valve ensures seamless coordination between these components.

But there are different types of valves with different use cases. Choosing the wrong one for your system can lead to serious consequences:

  • Leaks that waste product and cause costly cleanup.
  • Downtime while systems are shut down for repairs or replacements.
  • Exposure risks and contamination, especially when handling hazardous or corrosive chemicals.

It’s why selecting the right valve is so important. 

Key Considerations When Selecting a Valve

Not every valve is suited for every job. The right choice depends on your system’s design, the liquid being transferred, and the environment in which you’re working. Here are the most important factors to keep in mind:

1. Pipe Size & Connection Type

Your valve needs to match the pipe size of your system to avoid leaks, pressure loss, or unnecessary restrictions. Banjo’s manifold flange connections use clamps and gaskets instead of threads, making installation faster, reducing leak points, and allowing for easy reconfiguration when system layouts change.

2. Flow Path Options

  • Straight-through valves are best when you simply need to start or stop liquid flow.
  • 3-way valves give you more control, allowing you to divert flow between multiple paths. These are especially valuable in sprayers or transfer systems where redirection is frequent.

3. Manual vs. Electric Valves

  • Manual ball valves, as the name suggests, are manually operated. They are simpler and cheaper than electric valves, but may be perfectly suitable depending on your operation.
  • EVX electric valves can be controlled remotely, allowing you to automate from afar and perfect for systems that require precise operation. 

4. Space Constraints

In tight installations where standard valves won’t fit, stubby valves provide a compact alternative without sacrificing performance. They’re designed to maximize flow in a smaller footprint.

5. Chemical Compatibility

The fluid you’re moving determines the right seal material. Banjo offers a variety of valve material options to ensure compatibility and long product life:

  • EPDM – Excellent for water-based solutions, fertilizers, and many chemicals.
  • FKM (Viton® type) – Strong resistance to fuels, oils, and solvents.
  • PTFE – Superior chemical resistance and temperature tolerance.
  • BUNA-N – Ideal for petroleum-based fluids.

Selecting the right seal material is essential to prevent swelling, cracking, or premature failure of the valve.

Common Types of Banjo Valves and Their Applications

With over 65 years in business, Banjo has engineered valves that meet the toughest demands. Here are some of the most commonly used Banjo valve types – and when to use them:

Dry-Mate® Dry Disconnect Valves

When handling hazardous or expensive chemicals, a proper seal matters. Banjo’s Dry-Mate® Dry Disconnects are engineered to reduce spillage by up to 99% compared to standard valves. This minimizes product loss, protects operators, and helps maintain compliance with environmental regulations. They’re a must for high-risk transfer points.

Stubby Valves

In systems where space is limited, Banjo’s stubby valves deliver full-port flow in a more compact footprint. They’re lighter, easier to install in tight configurations, and still provide the durability and leak resistance Banjo is known for. Ideal for sprayers, equipment retrofits, and mobile transfer units.

EVX Electric Valves

Banjo’s EVX series sets the standard for smart valve control. These electric valves are:

  • Compact – up to 35% smaller and lighter than competitive valves.
  • Durable – IP68 waterproof rating and tested in 52 separate durability trials.
  • Smart – multiple protocol options (On/Off, CAN/ISO BUS, regulating with feedback), plus diagnostic monitoring for voltage, cycle counts, and temperature. They’re the best choice when the operator isn’t near the valve or when automation is needed for precision spraying and agricultural applications.

Want Banjo Valves?

With Banjo, you get valves that are engineered to perform under the toughest agricultural and industrial conditions. Our products deliver:

  • Leak-Free Performance – Precision sealing and durable materials keep product contained and operations safe.
  • Proven Durability – Built to withstand chemicals, pressure, and heavy use without premature failure.
  • Versatility – From manual ball valves to advanced EVX electric valves, Banjo offers a complete solution for every system.
  • 65+ Years of Trust – Farmers, OEMs, and distributors worldwide count on Banjo to minimize downtime and maximize efficiency.

With Banjo, you’re not just buying a valve – you’re buying confidence, backed by expert support and a global distributor network. Find an authorized distributor near you today.