What is a ball valve?

As the name implies, a ball valve has a spherical disc that acts as a stopper when the valve is closed. As one of the most commonly used industrial valves, ball valves are often used in tight shutoff applications. Ball valves get their name from the hollow, spherical component that allows media to pass when open and stops it when closed. They are a member of the quarter-turn industrial valve family.

As the world seeks more alternative energy sources, the demand for ball valves is increasing. There is no denying the importance of such valves in any industrial piping system. However, there is still much to know before using a ball valve.

What are the most common applications for ball valves?

Ball valves are used in a wide range of applications and are one of the most widely used types of valves in different industries. Ball valve are not used in applications where contamination is a problem, such as food processing services. Ball valves are difficult to clean.

Ball valves are often used in applications where a tight seal is required. They are known for their low pressure drop. Its 90-degree turn makes it easy to handle, even if the medium has high volume, pressure or temperature. It is very economical because of its long service life.

 

Ball valves are suitable for gases or liquids with small particles.

These valves do not work well with mud, which can easily damage the resilient seat. Although ball valves have a throttling function, they are not used as throttling because the friction from throttling can easily damage the valve seat. Although ball valves have a throttling function, they are not used as throttling because the friction from throttling can easily damage the valve seat.

 

How does a ball valve work?

The ball disc is opened or closed by rotating the actuator a quarter turn or 90 degrees. When the lever is parallel to the flow of the medium, the valve allows the medium to pass. When the lever is perpendicular to the flow of the medium, the valve will block the flow of the medium.

 

What are the characteristics of common ball valves?

1. Swing check: Prevents media backflow

2. Valve stop: This allows only 90 degrees of rotation

3. Anti-static: This prevents static buildup that can cause sparks

4. Fire resistant: Secondary metal seats are used as auxiliary seats in high temperature applications.

 

Advantages and Disadvantages of Ball Valves

Ball valves are ideal for use when systems need to be opened and closed quickly. These are also advantageous in applications where a tight seal is required, regardless of high internal pressures.

However, ball valves have limited throttling capability.

In fact, they are not recommended for regulating media flow. When slurries are used, the valve seats are partially exposed and quickly corrode. They are also difficult to open quickly and manually when the pressure is very high.

 

What materials are ball valves made of?

Ball valves are available in different materials. Ball valves are typically forged or cast in iron, stainless steel and other steel alloys, depending on the nature of the application. Ball valve seats can be made of resilient materials such as Teflon or metal, usually stainless steel.