Introduction

Ball valves are commonly used to connect steel pipes or critical components and other equipment. Choosing the right ball valve is crucial; an incorrect selection can lead to leaks and pipeline malfunctions. This guide provides a detailed introduction to ball valves, including their types, applications, and installation.

What Is a Ball Valve?

Ball valve is a common type of valve. While there are different subcategories, they all belong to the 90-degree rotary valve category. They primarily control the flow of liquids or gases through a ball inside the valve. When the valve is open, the ball inside the valve body aligns with the pipe orifice. To close the valve, it is rotated.

The following is a more detailed introduction to ball valves, including but not limited to how they work, installation, and applications.

How Does a Ball Valve Work?

A ball valve works by rotating a hollow ball inside the valve body, aligning the orifice with the pipe, thus opening and closing the valve. Normally, the valve is open when the handle is parallel to the pipe.

This type of ball valve is convenient and quick to operate. Replacing pipes is also very convenient, requiring no experience.

What is a Ball Valve Used For?

The main purpose of a ball valve is to divide pipelines. In some long pipeline systems, it’s inevitable that a section of pipe or fitting will break. In this case, only the two ball valves above and below that section of pipe need to be replaced, avoiding waste.

Of course, the selection of ball valves needs to be based on specific requirements, such as: material, pressure rating, temperature range, and whether it’s for oil, water, or gas.

What is a Ball Valve in Plumbing?

Ball valves in pipelines mainly control the flow of substances. They are typically used in the following places: under water tanks, near pumps, at water tank outlets, or at maintenance isolation points.

What are the Main Ball Valve Types?

When buyers inquire about “ball valve types,” we can introduce them according to the different types.

Based on orifice diameter, they can be divided into two types: full-bore and reduced-bore. As the names suggest, one has a normal diameter, and the other has a smaller diameter. Full-bore ball valves can effectively reduce pressure drop compared to reduced-bore ball valves.

Based on their structure, ball valves can be categorized into three types: one-piece, two-piece, and three-piece. One-piece ball valves are compact. Two-piece ball valves are typically used in industrial systems. Three-piece ball valves offer easier disassembly and maintenance.

Based on the ball support, ball valves can be divided into float-mounted and trunnion-mounted ball valves. Float-mounted ball valves are commonly used in small-diameter ball valves, while trunnion-mounted ball valves are more often used in large-diameter, large-size valves.

How Does a Ball Valve Compare With a Gate Valve?

Ball valves are a type of quarter-valve. Gate valves use a combination of a gate and a wedge to control opening and closing.

For the average person, it’s easier to tell whether a ball valve is open or closed. Gate valves take longer to open and close and are typically used in applications requiring less frequent switching.

What’s the Difference Between a Ball Valve and a Stop Valve?

Stop valves require multiple turns to open and close, making them suitable for precise flow rate control. Ball valves only require a 90-degree turn.

Besides the difference in opening and closing, their internal core structures also differ. A ball valve has an internal ball with a perforation. The internal structure of a gate valve is a plunger-type valve core.

How Do You Tell the Ball Valve On/Off Position?

The on/off position of a ball valve is located in the most obvious part: parallel to the pipe is open, and 90 degrees to the pipe is closed. This is the standard design for a manual ball valve. There are also electric ball valves. Refer to the drawings and instructions provided by the supplier for specific on/off positions.

What Happens When a Ball Valve Fails?

A ball valve malfunction can lead to leakage. Whether it’s seat leakage or stem leakage, it can make operation difficult, requiring replacement with a new ball valve.

Buyers need to select the appropriate material, pressure rating, and temperature rating of the ball valve based on their actual needs when purchasing.

How Do Water Tank Ball Valves Work?

A water tank ball valve is a type of ball valve that uses buoyancy as its power source for control.

What Should New Buyers Check Before Purchasing a Ball Valve?

For novice buyers, knowing how to choose a ball valve is crucial. This is even more important than a basic understanding of ball valves. Here are some aspects to consider when selecting a ball valve:

What medium does the ball valve handle: water, gas, oil, natural gas, chemicals, or others?

What are the required operating pressure and temperature for the ball valve?

What dimensions of the ball valve are required? Must it match the pipe dimensions.

What type of connection is required? Threaded, socket weld, butt weld, clamp, or flange?

Is a full-bore or reduced-bore valve required?

Is the valve electrically operated or manually operated?

Does the valve have certificates and production testing reports?

Does the manufactured valve meet standards?

Is it pipe-compatible?

What Should Overseas Distributors Confirm With Suppliers?

When purchasing, overseas distributors and suppliers need to confirm the following aspects of the product:

Valve material.

Valve pressure rating.

Valve temperature range.

Valve size specifications.

Valve operation type.

Materials of all valve parts.

Product testing. Testing reports should include: TC, test report, fire safety certificate (if applicable), and third-party inspection.

Packaging and shipping.

Which Ball Valve Materials, Seats, and End Connections Should You Choose?

Common materials for ball valves include brass, cast iron, carbon steel, stainless steel, and PVC. Different materials are chosen depending on the application. Some special applications may require corrosion-resistant treatment.

For connections, large-diameter ball valves generally use flange connections and welding. Smaller diameters may use threaded connections.

These are also points to consider when specifically selecting a ball valve.

Summary

Ball valves are quite common in piping systems. Therefore, understanding ball valves is essential for better selection and use. The above is an introduction to ball valves. Hopefully, it can provide some reference for beginners when selecting ball valves.