Ball Valves 

Ball Valve: Components, Types & Specifications
 

A ball valve, also known as a globe valve, is a type of gate valve in which a rotatable ball inside a bore is used to regulate the flow of a liquid or gas. By turning the ball a quarter revolution (90 degrees) around its axis, the medium can flow through or is blocked.

They have a long lifespan and maintain a tight seal throughout that time, even if the valve is not around for a while. As a result, they are more useful as a shut-off valve therefore for example the gate valve. If you're trying to decide between a gate valve and a ball valve, read our in-depth comparison article. Ball valves are more resistant to polluted media than most other kinds of valves.

Components of Ball Valve 

1. Valve Body

This is the heart of the valve, housing the mechanical parts that allow you to turn it on and off.

2. Rotary Ball

The ball is built with a center bore (hole) that the media flows through. Turning the stem alters the trajectory of the ball.

3. Stem 

This is the link between the ball and the outside controller. For example, in a mechanical ball valve the stem is attached to a handle or lever.

3. Seats

In between the human and the ball are these discs. The seats not only support the ball but also act as a seal between the two.

3. Power Source

The ball valve stem can be turned by hand or by an actuator. Manual actuation encompasses levers and knobs that are manipulated by an operator. In addition to manual operation, automated power sources like electric, pneumatic, and hydraulic actuation are also accessible.

4. Packing 

This is a seal from around the stem that stops the media from leaving.

5. Bonnet

The packing and stem are housed in the bonnet of the body.

General Types of Ball Valves 

1. Forged ball valves

To manufacture forged ball valves, the alloys and metals necessary for their construction are shaped while they are still in their solid state. Heating the metals and alloys, or using industrial-sized equipment that provide compressive stresses to the material in order to bend it, are the two methods that are used to bend it. 

Ball valves that have been forged are preferable for use in industrial applications because they can withstand higher temperatures, pressures, and other challenging circumstances. Forged ball valves can be made out of a variety of materials, including brass and stainless steel, among others. 

A die forging machine is used during the manufacturing process to heat the metal (or alloy), compress it, bend it, and shape it according to the design of the ball valve. All of these steps are performed in order.

2. Vented Ball valves

When it comes to their overall design, normal 2-way ball valves and vented Ball Valves are essentially identical in appearance to one another. 

The most important distinction is that the output port is open to the atmosphere even when it is in the closed position. This is accomplished by drilling a small hole into the ball as well as into the body of the valve.

When the valve is closed, the holes align themselves with the port for the outlet, which results in the pressure being released. 

This is especially helpful in compressed air systems, as depressurization creates a more secure working environment than the previous option. The small venting holes gives these valves the appearance of being 2-way ball valves, but in reality, they are 3-way valves that can also be used as 2-way valves.

3. Flanged Ball Valves

The sort of connection that flanged ball valves have is what distinguishes them. Flanges, which are typically designed in accordance with a given standard, are used to make the connection between the ports and the piping system.

Due to the fact that these valves often feature a full-bore design, they are able to give a high flow rate. When choosing a flanged ball valve, it's important to consider both the pressure rating and the flange pressure rating, which indicates the extreme load that can be handled by this connection.

These ball valves can be manufactured with two, three, or four ports, and they come with an ISO top in addition to having all of the other features that are typical of a quarter-turn ball valve. 

Stainless steel, steel, or cast iron are the most common materials used in their construction.

4. Hydraulic ball Valves

Steel or stainless steel may be used in the construction of these valves. Hydraulic valves are suited for high operating pressure not only because of these materials, but also because of the seats. The seats of these valves are constructed out of polyoxymethylene (POM), a material that is suited for use in situations involving both high pressure and low temperature. 

The maximum temperature of hydraulic ball valves can reach up to 80 degrees Celsius, while the maximum operating pressure of these valves can exceed 500 bars.

5. Standard (Threaded)

The housing, seats, ball, and the lever that rotates the ball are the components that make up a standard ball valve. They come with valves that have two, three, and even four ports, and their threading can be female, male, or a combination of the two. 

The most common valve design, threaded valves come in a wide range of variations, such as miniature ball valves, slanted ball valves, ISO-top ball injectors, strainer/bleed point integration, and more.

They offer a wide variety of choices and have a large operational range that encompasses both pressure and temperature.

Specifications of Ball Valves 

1. One Piece Ball Valves Specifications

Features:

Material:

- Stainless Steel

- Teflon

Dimensions:

It is the thread size that determines the size of the ball valve that must be used. Ball Valves with a 1-1/2-inch thread pitch are commonly used.

2. Two Piece Ball Valve Specifications

Features:

Material:

- Stainless Steel 316

- Teflon (PTFE)

Dimensions:

Generally speaking, a ball valve of 2 inches in diameter will be needed for a 2 inch pipe, etc.

The installation of these threaded ball valves is tool-free.

3. Three Piece Ball Valve Specifications

Features:

Materials:

- Stainless Steel 316

-Teflon (PTFE)

Dimensions:

This valve has a three-piece body assembled with nuts, bolts, and pipe nipples.

The ball valve is located in the middle area between two threaded pieces.

Easy access is provided without having to unscrew the entire ball valve by just removing the central section.

4. Three-Way Ball Valve Specifications

Features:

Materials:

- Teflon (PTFE)

- Stainless Steel 304

Dimensions:

It may look like there are more parts to these valves than there actually are because there are three caps attached to each port end, but the body is still comprised of a single piece.

Therefore, they are limited in the size of balls they can accommodate compared to the 2 Piece and 3 Piece.

Their ID (internal diameter) is thus less than that of a full port, however, it is not as small as that of a standard port or a reduced port.

One-piece ball valves of the same size don't compare to the ID on this valve.

FAQs: Ball Valve 

Q. What are the characteristics of a ball valve?

Ans. There are a few distinguishing characteristics of a ball valve:

- There isn't a lower stem, which reduces building costs.

- Only a few sizes to choose from, ranging from half an inch to twelve inches.

- Sealing efficiency enhanced by ball on the seat

- Torque requirements are minimal

Q. What is the main function of a ball valve?

Ans. A hollow, perforated, and swiveling ball is used to regulate the flow of fluid through a ball valve.

Q. How to choose a ball valve?

Ans. Here are the tips:

- Consider the controlling method

- Valve Function

- Type requirement 

- Consider Valve component

- Performance 

- Budget 

Q. How does the ball valve work?

Ans. A ball valve is a type of shutoff valve in which a rotary ball within a bore is used to regulate the flow of a liquid or gas through the valve. To open or close the ball's passageway, simply rotate it 90 degrees around its axis.

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