A ball valve, as its name suggests, controls the flow of substances from one opening to another using a ball. The ball contains a port, sometimes called a bore, in the center. When this central port is aligned with the pipeline, the ball valve is in the open position, which allows fluid or gas to pass through. When the port becomes perpendicular, the ball valve closes, blocking the flow path and preventing substances from passing.
Overview
Most standard ball valves have special stop measures that only allow a 90-degree rotation, but a few offer a 360-degree rotation. A 90-degree spin is technically all that’s require to open and close ball valves. But there are some applications where the whole movement of the core is prefer. With its reliable and air-tight sealing, the ball valve is a popular industrial choice. Consequently, they are ideal for industries dealing with potent chemicals or gasses that require quick and secure shutoffs, such as the natural gas industry. Despite this, they shouldn’t use in throttling-like applications where continuous wear on their seats could compromise their integrity.
Depending on how the ball moves, there are three primary types of ball valves:
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Trunnion Mounted Ball Valve – There is an additional mechanical anchoring system at the top and bottom of this type of ball valve, thus making it suitable for use where high pressures are present. Specifically, the trunnion-mounted stem absorbs any additional thrust or pressure from the pipeline and prevents any friction that would otherwise reduce working life and impact operations.
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Floating Ball Valve – Trunnion-less floating ball valves don’t have the added stability of a trunnion and are instead connected only to the stem. By allowing the ball to ‘float’ downstream of the flow. Floating ball valves create their own seal because the ball presses against the seat and creates its own seal.
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Rising Ball Valve – A tilt-and-turn ball valve reduces the chance of seal rubbing — seal rubbing is one of the leading causes of premature valve failure. The core wedges against its seating when the valve is turn to the close position. By turning the valve to the open position, the center core tilts away from the seal, allowing liquid or gas to flow uniformly across.
Why Choose a Ball Valve?
Ball valves are popular due to their compact and low maintenance design that requires no lubrication and provides a tight seal with minimal torque. In addition, ball valves are the least expensive option of all valve arrangements.
Most ball valves have poor throttling characteristics, causing their seats to erode easily due to poor throttling characteristics. With the trunnion-mounted ball valve design, this has been somewhat remedied. But should still consider when purchasing ball valves for high throttling applications.
As a result of their ability to successfully use across a variety of applications and markets, ball valves are often chosen. In addition to the oil and natural gas industry, ball valves are widely use in manufacturing, chemical storage, and even residential applications.
Aira Euro Automation is one of the prominent ball valve supplier in India and in more than 30 countries across the world.
Also, read Here is Everything You Need to Know About Industrial Valves
