Ball valves are a type of shut-off valve designed to control the flow of a gas or liquid through the use of a pivoting ball that has a port through its center. When the ball is rotated 90°, the medium is either blocked or allowed to flow through, depending on the orientation of the port. Ball valves come in a wide range of styles, materials, and sizes to meet the particular needs of various applications.
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What Are Ball Valves?
Ball valves are installed throughout piping systems to allow, obstruct, and control the flow of various vapors, gases and liquids. The ball is mounted against two seats and is connected with a shaft to the control mechanism used to rotate the ball. When the port opening is perpendicular to the flow, the fluid is not allowed to pass through the valve. By rotating the port to the open position, fluid is allowed to pass through at a controlled rate.
Design
One key design element of ball valves is their construction material. Ball valves can be constructed from a wide range of materials, such as metals, plastics, or metal fused with ceramic. The ball itself is often plated with chrome for added durability. The ideal ball valve material depends on factors such as operating temperature, pressure, and the type of fluid that will move through it.
Another design aspect of ball valves is their port profile. The hole through the ball can have different profiles such as V-shaped, reduced port or full port:
A V-shaped or characterized profile allows for more precise control of flow rate by rotating the ball. The profile can be optimized to achieve linear flow characteristics.
This is the most common type of bore profile. Reduced bore ball valves can introduce friction losses into a system; however, these losses are relatively small compared to other valve types.
These ports have the same diameter as the pipe, meaning they are easier to clean and there are no extra friction losses. However, full port valves often cost more and are bigger than standard ball valves.
Function
Similar to other valves that use a rotating disc to control the movement of fluid throughout a system, ball valves use a ball to control the fluid. By moving the actuator, the ball rotates to a point where the port aligns with the valve body outlet and inlet, allowing the fluid to flow through the valve.
The valve needs a one-quarter turn of a handwheel to move from fully open to fully closed. This small degree of movement allows operators to quickly open and close the valve in the event of an emergency. By closing the valve, operators can easily isolate a section of piping for repairs, installation, or inspection.
Applications
Because of minimal flow restrictions, ball valves cause a low-pressure drop compared to other valve types, which prevents valve damage. Since ball valves only require a one-quarter turn to fully open or shut off, they offer a great way to immediately allow or restrict fluid flow. This advantage makes ball valves a popular option for a wide range of residential and specialized applications, including:
Outdoor hoses, plumbing, washing machines, and other residential applications
Oil and gas refining and processing applications
Automotive production applications
Power processing
Ball Valve Parts
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Valve Housing or Body
This exterior shell houses the other valve components. It&#;s often constructed from a rigid metal that can provide adequate protection to the internal components.
Ball
The spherical ball features a hole in the center, known as a port. The port serves as an opening to either allow or block the flow of fluid, depending on its position. When the cross-section of the port aligns with the fluid path, fluid is allowed to flow through. This is crucial in preventing throttling.
Seat
The seat seals the gap between the ball and the body of the valve.
Stem
The stem connects to the actuator or handle that rotates the ball. It has o-rings or other seals in place so fluid can&#;t leak between the shaft, stem, or bonnet.
Bonnet
This is part of the valve housing. It contains and protects the shaft and its packing.
Working With RED-WHITE VALVE CORP.
At RED-WHITE VALVE CORP., we specialize in creating high-quality ball valves for various residential, commercial, and industrial applications. Our products include:
Ball valves with DZR brass:
AB
and
AB
Comprehensively certified valves:
AB
and
AB
Are you interested in learning more about Flanged Ball Valve? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!
For more information about our capabilities, or for help determining the right ball valve for your application, contact our experts or request a quote today.
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Ball Valve Dimensions
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(Materials)
(OP)
17 Oct 06 00:34I have a questions in regards to ball valves.
I have some client valve specifications which specify "Long Pattern" as per ASME B16.10 as opposed to "Short Pattern". I am mainly dealing with 150# and 300# flanged ball valves.
As I have gone through manufacturer models, I have noticed that some ball valve types are not manufactured in both patterns. Does anyone know when long pattern and short pattern are typically used by ball valve manufacturers?
For example, I have noticed that Velan, Milwaukee and Kitz have Short Patterned Unibody Regular Port Valves. Full port valves are generally long pattern. Are there other trends from anyone else's experience?
Replies continue below
(Materials)
17 Oct 06 03:46Hi,
Tables are presented in ASME B16.10. These tables show for each pressure class per diameter the differences between short and long pattern.
All manufactures who supplies according to API 6D have to comply with subject tables.
Success.
Regards,
FKE
(Mechanical)
17 Oct 06 06:36Hello Rydia,
Long pattern ball valves are supplied according to the ASME B16.10 specification to ensure standardisation and exchangeability.
Many ball valve suppliers can produce their valve with a smaller dimension. This will save material. Users can choose to save this weight and pay less money. The back side is that you cannot easily change supplier after the initial purchase.
Regards,
Terje
(Electrical)
17 Oct 06 08:57Many standards were published after manufacturers already had products in the market. Manufacturers participate in standard development. The long and short patterns may accommodate the dimensions that already existed during the development of the standards.
(Mechanical)
19 Oct 06 12:27Rydia,
When ball valves first came into the market, they competed against gate valves. So the end to end dimensions are those of old gate valves, and not what is really ideal for ball valves. What the manufacturers do is select the shortest possible length from the available sizes in which they can fit the ball, seats, flanges, assembly of the flange and any body bolting. This will be what they sell in high volume. Lengths that are longer are not need to build or install the valve, so they are less common, harder to find, and are more expensive.
Because of this history, there is no standard length based on valve size, port size, pressure class, etc. It is going to vary by manufacturer depending upon the size, port diameter, seat type, floating ball or trunion, etc. As mentioned above, items that require a longer body length to fit all the parts are where you will find long body lengths. Items like, full port, trunions, spring loaded seats, etc. All the expensive stuff that you should not use unless you really need to.
bcd
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