Specifically designed ball valves are used in pipeline applications to turn off and on the flow of substances. For example, they're often used to control the flow of a gas or liquid through a pipe in gas processing, plumbing, and industrial piping systems. Additionally, they are used in food and beverage systems including brewing systems, water pipelines, and liquid food processing plants.
The ball valve consists of several parts, including a floating ball, a stem, a seat, and a handle.
How does the system work?: An opening in the center of the valve is connected to a stem and handled by a pivoting ball. A quarter-turn of the handle aligns the ball's opening with the pipeline flow, enabling liquids or gases to flow freely through the valve. When the ball opening is in the off position, there is a blockage of material flow.
Usually, ball valves are used to shut down a system quickly and efficiently. In addition, they are durable, provide a secure seal for long periods of time, and are easy to repair and operate. Because of this, these types of valves are often preferred over other quarter-turn stopping valves.
Types of ball valves
Ball valves are generally divided into five types, each of which has a similar function and is operated the same way. But the most noticeable difference is in the body design and how the balls are contained within the casing of the assembly. Split bodies, top entries, single bodies, three-piece bodies, and welded bodies are available.
In addition, ball valves are also determined by the type of opening they have. There are different types of bores, which increase precision when turning off the valve, contain more than one open or closed setting, and prevent buildup behind the ball. The bore, or port, can also be the same size as the pipeline, or smaller, which results in a restricted flow. Bore types include:
Ball Valves Full port: A full-port ball valve has a floating ball that is larger than its bore, and the bore is the same size as the pipeline. The result is free to flow of a substance, which is why full port ball valves are commonly used in oil and gas pipelines because a flow restriction can disrupt the material and cause buildup. The cost of these valves is higher because they are larger.
Ball valves with reduced ports: A reduced-bore ball valve or standard ball valve has a smaller bore than the pipeline, which restricts flow and lowers pressure. When the flow rate is not a major concern, these are typically used. Additionally, they are smaller and more cost-effective than full-port valves.
Ball valves with a cavity: Gas or liquid continuously flowing through a ball valve can cause accumulation behind the ball. Ball valves with cavity fill prevent this from happening. To prevent buildup, this type of valve has a completely encircling seat or casing. It's often used in systems where this buildup can cause bacteria, such as in breweries and food systems, or where materials can crystallize behind the ball, such as paint.
V Port Ball Valves: The V Port ball valve has a v-shaped bore instead of a cylindrical bore. When the valve is turned on, the narrower end of the V is positioned in front of the flow, and gradually, as the wider parts of the V-shaped bore reach the pipeline, more material can flow through the valve. Compared to other styles, this allows for greater precision and control.
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