What do home water mains, fast food fryers, and chemical processing have in common? Ball valve! These compact yet powerful valves are catalysts for many important processes. The following diagrams and types of ball valves will give you a better idea of what’s available.
1. What is a ball valve?
Ball valves are quarter-turn switching devices. The rotating ball in the center of the valve controls the flow of liquid or gaseous media.
Pivoting balls are called swivel balls and are designed with a hole (hole) in the center. A stem on top of the ball rotates the ball to open or close the valve. The valve stem can be turned using a manual joystick or an automatic joystick. The most common materials for ball valves include steel, iron, brass, bronze, or PVC.
2. How does a ball valve work?
There are multiple ports in a ball valve, which is an opening in the valve. Two-way ball valves have two ports for traditional on/off control. Multi-way valves (3-way valves, 4-way valves, etc.) are used in applications that require multiple media sources or require media to be diverted in different directions.
The port of the ball valve can be opened or closed manually or by driving to control the medium. Manual options require a handle or lever and an operator to control the valve. Electric, hydraulic, and pneumatic drives do not require an operator to control the valve. The drive is ideal for complex control systems or those located in remote areas where operators cannot easily access them.
What do home water mains, fast food fryers, and chemical processing have in common? Ball valve! These compact yet powerful valves are catalysts for many important processes. The following diagrams and types of ball valves will give you a better idea of what’s available.
3. What is a ball valve?
Ball valves are quarter-turn switching devices. The rotating ball in the center of the valve controls the flow of liquid or gaseous media.
Pivoting balls are called swivel balls and are designed with a hole (hole) in the center. A stem on top of the ball rotates the ball to open or close the valve. The valve stem can be turned using a manual joystick or an automatic joystick. The most common materials for ball valves include steel, iron, brass, bronze, or PVC.
4. How does a ball valve work?
It is possible for ball valves to have multiple ports, which are openings in the valve. Two-way ball valves have two ports for traditional on/off control. Multi-way valves (3-way valves, 4-way valves, etc.) are used in applications that require multiple media sources or require media to be diverted in different directions.
The port of the ball valve can be opened or closed manually or by driving to control the medium. Manual options require a handle or lever and an operator to control the valve. Electric, hydraulic, and pneumatic drives do not require an operator to control the valve. The drive is ideal for complex control systems or those located in remote areas where operators cannot easily access them.
5. Advantages of ball valves
Compared with other types of valves, ball valves have the following significant advantages:
- Compact, economical design
- Fast closing speed
- Durable in high-pressure, high volume and high-temperature applications
- Not easily corroded or damaged
- long-lasting
- Suitable for a wide range of industrial applications
6. Applications using ball valves
Ball valves are used everywhere, from homes to professional industries. Here are a few examples:
Home application:
- washing machine
- outdoor hose
- dishwasher
Professional industries:
- Petroleum and natural gas
- Food and Beverage Equipment
- car
- Car wash system
- Power handling
- pharmaceutical
- Chemical admixtures and treatments
- Irrigation and water treatment equipment
- Production facilities
7. Ball valve parts
There are several components that make up a ball valve:
- Valve Body
This is the main part of the valve and contains all components for on/off control. - Rotating Ball
The ball is designed with a central hole (hole) through which the media flows. Turning the stem controls the direction of the ball. - The stem
connects the ball to the external control mechanism. For example, in a manual ball valve, the stem is connected to a handle or lever. - Seats
These are discs located between the body and the ball. The seat provides a seal between the two and supports the ball. - Power
supply The stem of the ball valve is rotated by manual or drive power. Manual actuation includes levers and handles controlled by the operator. Automation power sources such as electric, pneumatic, and hydraulic are also available. - Packing
This is the seal around the valve stem that prevents media leakage. - Bonnet The bonnet
is the part of the valve body that contains the stem and packing.
8. Valve body structure
- One Piece Ball Valve
This design features a single solid cast body. Because one-piece ball valves are not easily repairable by design, they are often considered “disposable” valves. - Two-piece ball valve This design consists of a main body and a connection at one end. If taken out of service, two-piece ball valves can be repaired. Repairs can be difficult, however, because wear may appear in the threads when the end plug is removed from the valve body.
- Three-piece ball valve
A three-piece ball valve has a body and two pipe connectors that are threaded or welded to the pipe. The main body can be easily removed for cleaning or repair without removing the pipe connectors.
9. Valve body style
Valve body styles are divided into three different types, as defined by piping guidelines:
- Split Ball Valve
This design features a valve body consisting of two parts, held together by a flange connection. One part of the body is smaller than the other, and the ball is inserted into the larger part. - Top Entry Ball Valve
The top entry design allows you to remove the top of the valve to access the interior for assembly, disassembly, repair, and maintenance. - End Entry Ball Valves
These ball valves have a single body with the ball inserted through one end.
10. Ball design
There are two main types of ball designs: floating balls and trunnion balls. Floating is the most common design, while trunnion balls are usually more expensive.
The float is supported by a cup seat to create a tight seal between the valve body and the ball. A trunnion ball works similarly to a floating ball, except the seat is spring-loaded and the ball only rotates about its axis. Trunnion valves typically have lower operating torque.
11. Ball valve hole design
The holes in the ball can be designed using three different profiles:
- Full bore
A full-bore design is also called a full port design. The bore diameter is the same as the pipe diameter, reducing friction losses and making the valve easier to clean. - Reduced Bore
Most ball valves are designed with a reduced bore. This design has a smaller diameter than a full bore and may result in smaller friction losses. - V Shape
The hole in the ball or seat can also be designed in a V shape. The V-shaped hole allows for more precise flow control when rotating the ball. - Ventilation The ventilation
ball valve has a small hole drilled into the upstream side. This hole eliminates unnecessary pressure within the valve.
12. End connection
There are two common ways to connect a ball valve to a piping system:
- Threads
Threaded-end connections can be internally or externally threaded. The female end connection on the ball valve will mate with the male pipe and vice versa. There are also ball valves that come with a female and a male end connection. - Flanges
Flanged ball valves have end connectors with bolt holes that attach to matching flanges on the pipe.
13. Driver type
Ball valves are powered by manual or automatic energy sources.
- Manual Ball Valves
These ball valves are designed with a handle or lever that must be controlled by an operator. This option is not suitable for high-cycle applications. - Pneumatically driven
pneumatic ball valves require compressed air as a power source. This option is best suited for applications requiring high durability and fast cycle times. - Applications where compressed air cannot be used rely on electric
actuators, also known as electric ball valves. This option is best suited for low cycle speeds. - Hydraulic Actuation
Hydraulic actuators are similar to pneumatic actuators but use pressurized fluid (water or oil) instead of air. This option provides more torque output than other options.
