A sanitary ball valve is a type of clean valve made from stainless steel that prevents dirt buildup due to its shiny surface. It works by turning a ball with a central hole 90 degrees to start or stop liquid flow. It’s made up of a steel body, the ball itself, a stem connecting the ball to an external control, seals for tight closing, and a handle or actuator for manual or automatic operation. This valve is essential in food and drug industries where cleanliness is crucial. It’s designed to let all kinds of liquids pass through easily without losing much pressure and can be connected in different ways, like clamping or welding. The best materials for these valves are stainless steel types 304 and 316, with 316 being especially good at resisting rust. They're harder to use than PVC or brass valves but much cleaner.