What is Ball Valves?
A ball valve uses a hollow, pivoting ball to control the flow of fluid through it. When the hole of the ball is align with the flow, the valve is open, and when the valve handle is use to pivot the ball ninety degrees, the valve is close.
A ball valve is use to isolate parts of a plumbed system by starting, stopping, or adjusting the flow of a medium (usually water, air, or gas) between separate chambers, ducts, and pipes. Either allowing the medium to freely pass through the ball valve. Partially admitting it through a narrowed opening, or blocking it completely will achieve this. Depending on the valve type and handle position, ball valves can also divert flow in different directions.
Ball valves are easy to operate, easy to repair, and have high levels of versatility. Therefore, they are widely used in industrial applications and able to withstand pressures up to 1,000 bar (15,000 psi) and temperatures up to 400°C (752°F). Depending on the material, medium, and design use.
Typically these components use in applications where on or off are the key positions. As a result of the design of ball valves, they provide an inherently reliable shut-off function. Provided all components are working properly. On the other hand, they are often less effective at accurately controlling flow rates at graduated positions in between fully open and fully closed.
Typically, ball valves can be found in plumbing systems and other related applications, such as industrial cooling. A valve’s main function is to control the flow rate of a liquid or gas through a particular port or opening. Affecting the balance of pressure in other parts of the system.
Additionally, you’ll find them in various types of taps, faucets, and spigots, as well as on gas lines, domestic appliances, and various other industrial applications. Industrial ball valves tend to be heavier-duty and more robust in construction than their domestic counterparts. Applications, where high pressures and temperatures are present, include manufacturing, assembly and production, plastics and metals, chemical, medical, industrial power, food and beverages, printing and textiles, electronics, automotive, and logistics.
There are several types of ball valves, each suited to a different application. Manual ball valves, process ball valves, and pneumatic ball valves are available.
How Does a Ball Valve Work?
It is fairly straightforward to understand how a ball valve works. They are design with a large borehole running through the center, from one side to the other. Within a duct opening (port), the ball sits snugly on its seating. It is attach directly to the valve’s operating handle, which is usually locate above or to the side of the device. Frequently on the exterior of a pipe assembly. The ball within the port is physically rotate on its axis by rotating the handle, typically a quarter turn through 90 degrees.
In this way, the hole in the ball aligns with the flow direction of the medium inside the duct. Allowing it to freely pass through the ball valve. We call this the on or open position. Turning the handle back 90 degrees in the opposite direction, to closed or off. Causes the ball to rotate so that the hole running through it is perpendicular to the flow direction. The medium cannot pass through the ball valve at this point, and the flow is completely halt.
Ball Valve Types
There are a variety of ball valves available. Manual ball valves (also known as flow control valves) are common examples.
The difference lies in their methods of operation. A ball valve design for a specific application will also be label accordingly, such as a gas ball valve.
It does not matter what type of ball valve you are dealing with, most of them will have four main parts. They are the housing, the metal ball. The seating that holds the ball in place within the valve, and the lever used to move the ball valve between the open and closed positions. Ball valves are usually made from stainless steel, brass or nickel-plate brass, PVC, or a similar tough plastic polymer. The balls themselves are usually made of stainless steel or brass (often nickel-plated or chrome-plated brass).
The different types of attachments and fittings that ball valves have further distinguish them from one another. Among them are manual ball valves with compression fittings or threaded fittings.
Ball valves with more complex designs can provide additional flow control options besides just on/off. Depending on how the lever is position, both flange and vented ball valves can generate multiple different flow outcomes. For instance, it is necessary for a vented ball valve to block or divert flow only on the downstream or upstream side while allowing flow in the opposite direction.
Vented models accomplish this by having a secondary, smaller hole in the ball, which is align with a particular direction of ducting when the handle is position correctly. In a multi-port arrangement, such as at the junction of 3 or 4 ducts, this creates a T-shaped or L-shaped junction. Often, devices with this built-in capability are sold as 3-way or 4-way ball valves.
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Ball Valves?
It is generally accept that ball valves are low maintenance, rugged fixtures in most industrial applications. In spite of their excellent all-around durability, they require minimal maintenance and repair over the years.
Another advantage of ball valves is their simple, effective design. This means they tend to provide reliable perfect shutoff. As long as the seating, ball, and other main components of the ball valve, duct, and port are in good working condition. Flow is completely block when the valve is close. A properly functioning ball valve is not prone to leaking by allowing small amounts of liquid or gas to pass through. Since there is no opening when the ball is perpendicular to the flow direction.
The main disadvantage of a ball valve manufacturer in certain applications is their inability to accurately control specific flow rates. In order to achieve a precise flow anywhere between fully open and fully close. Various other valve types may be better suits. In systems requiring very precise control over partial flow rates. Solenoid valves, needle valves, or gate valves are much more effective and accurate than most ball valves.
