# Valves with 3 connections

3-way valves have 3 pipe connections. 3-way valves can have either a mixing or diverting duty depending upon the valve port arrangement. In a mixing duty all 3 ports are open and two streams mix together to form a combined stream. In a diverting duty only 2 ports are open this means that flow direction is through the open port with no flow in the pipe connected to the closed port.