A ball valve comprises a perforating, hollow, and pivoting ball that works as a flow control device to control the flow of liquid or gas. The ball rotates to open or close the valve using a handle or lever, and its position controls the flow.
It closes when pivoted to 90 degrees by the handle and opens when the flow inlet and ball hole are aligned.
An easy visual confirmation of the valve’s status occurs when the lever is perpendicular to the flow while open and flat when open.
Ball valves are durable and permit only a 90-degree rotation to open or close them. They offer ease of operation and the ability to withstand high pressure.
Ball valves are used in industries because they seal provide a tight seal. They work well even after lots of use or sitting idle for a long time. This makes them great for shutting off and controlling flow, which is why they’re preferred over gate and globe valves. Let us know more about flow control valves.
• Brass Ball valve
• Flow Regulator Valve
• Manifold Valve
• Mild Steel Ball Valve
• Iron Ball Valve
• Stainless Steel Ball Valve
• PP Ball Valve
- Body
The shell of a ball valve holds all the valve’s components and is its first pressure boundary, resisting the flow of materials through connected pipes. The body is the main framework of the valve, holding and protecting its other parts.
- Bonnet
The bonnet covers the opening of the ball valve’s body and is bolted or screwed to it to keep it secure. It acts as the second pressure boundary, adding strength to withstand the pressure of materials. The bonnet is of the same material as the valve body for strength and durability.
- Trim
The trim of a ball valve includes all its moving parts: the ball (disk), seat, stem, and sleeves. The hollow ball acts as the disk and is positioned at the center of the valve. It rotates to control the flow of materials. The stem connects the ball to the actuator, so when the actuator turns, it rotates the ball. Welded joints hold the stem, ball, and actuator together.
- Actuator
The actuator is what we use to open and close the ball valve. It can be used with handwheels, levers, motors, solenoids, pneumatic operators, or hydraulic arms. It is mounted on the bonnet of the ball valve through a yoke.
- Packing
Packing stops leak around the stem. It’s placed between the stem and the bonnet in a ball valve. Typically made of materials like flax or Teflon, packing seals the internal parts to prevent leaks.
Functioning of a Ball Valve
Ball valves are shut-off valves that control the flow of materials using a ball inside. This ball is like the disc in other valves and moves to start or stop the flow. It has a hole called the bore.
To close the valve, you move the actuator again. This makes the ball turn so the bore is perpendicular to the flow, stopping the materials. Most ball valves need a 90-degree turn for full opening or closure. Opening the valve a bit can damage it, so ball valves aren’t used for controlling flow, especially for gas.
According to ball valve manufacturers, they can be uni-directional, bi-directional, or multi-directional depending on the number of seats and ports. Multiport ball valves can let flow in different directions. Rapid opening and closing can damage downstream equipment due to surge pressure.
Ball valves manufacturers say these are great for many industrial uses because they prevent leaks. They can open and close with little pressure loss, perfect for handling liquids and gases. They’re versatile too, working underwater, underground, and in very cold conditions. Ball valves are essential for air, gas, and liquid applications demanding complete sealing. They’re also handy for draining liquids and venting gases at different points. You can use them for controlling cooling and feeding water systems, as well as for steam and various processes in industries like petroleum refining, desalination, and brewing. Stainless steel ball valves are especially common in these industries.
Advantages
- Seal tightly to prevent leaks
- Open and close fast
- Are smaller and lighter than gate valves
- Have multiple ports, saving space
- Come in many different designs
- Work well with both clean and slurry materials
- Stay reliable even in high pressure and heat
- Are easy to control compared to other valve types
Selecting the appropriate ball valve involves thorough consideration of types, materials, and applications, ensuring optimal performance and reliability for industrial needs. To get more details about flow control valves in Texas, contact Arek Solutions.
At Arek Solutions, we specialize in manufacturing flow co
