Before discussing the different types of ball valves and their advantages, you understand what they are.
A ball valve is used in piping systems to control the flow of liquids or gases in the pipe. Ball valves online are available to make it easier to stop or allow the liquids, vapours, or gases from flowing through the piping system. These shut-off valves use a rotating ball with a bore inside the valve to fulfil their purpose.
The ball has a shaft connecting it to the rest of the mechanism, and it helps rotate the ball on the valve. The amount of substance allowed to pass through the valve depends upon the amount of bore touching the base of the pipe. The flow is completely stopped by the ball valve when the cross-sectional area of the bore is perpendicular to the fluid flowing.
Ball valves are usually operated manually by using a lever or a wrench and turning the shaft. An actuator can also be used to operate the valve.
Parts Of the Ball Valve
Ball
The ball is spherical and has a hole in the middle. Two types of balls are used in ball valves: solid and hollow. The latter is lightweight and cheaper in comparison with solid balls.
Valve Housing
The valve housing is the outer body of the ball valve. It shields all the internal components of the ball valve. The valve housing is made up of thermoplastic or thermoplastic-lined metal. Using thermoplastic metal for the outer body helps protect the components of the ball valves.
Shaft
The shaft is the connecting link between the control mechanism rotating the ball and the ball. There are various ways to operate a shaft. It can be operated manually or by hydraulic or electric actuation.
Types of Ball Valves
You can purchase various ball valves online. These can be classified based on the assembly of their housing, ball design, or bore. Some of the ball valves are as follows:
Top-Entry Ball Valve
As the name suggests, with a top-entry ball valve, you can access the internal of the ball valve from the top. This is a massive advantage in maintenance processes such as cleaning, inspection, and repairing.
Floating Ball Valve
In these valves, the ball is free to move and is placed between two seats supporting the ball valve. This type of valve suits liquids and gases flowing at low to moderate temperatures.
Trunnion Ball Valve
The trunnion is an additional shaft that supports the ball in this kind of ball valve. With this, the ball can only move about its axis. These valves are more versatile than the floating ball valve but also costlier.
Advantages of Ball Valves
- Convenient: Ball valves are easy to operate due to their quarter-turn mechanism. They are lightweight and convenient to use, as they can be easily installed or removed.
- Versatile: Ball valves can withstand high pressures, and the different types of materials available make them useful in many different industries.
- Cost-Effective: Ball valves are cheaper than other kinds of complicated valves available in the market. The reduced amount of upkeep also helps them be cost-efficient.
- Less Leakage: The ball sits tightly within the seats, making leakages rare.
Conclusion
Ball valves are used to control the flow of fluids. There are different ball valves, so they simultaneously satisfy many industries’ needs.
