Understanding the Different Types of Ball Valves and Their Applications
You might not think too much about the inner workings of your home, but there are many critical pieces of equipment that keep your utilities supplied where you need them.
The one you are most likely to notice is a ball valve. These valves are typically used for chilling pipes. As such, they’re often seen in water systems.
There are a variety of ball valves. If you’re interested in learning more about these valves and their applications, keep reading.
Full Port Ball Valves
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Full port ball valves are one of the most common types of ball valves. A full port ball valve has a bore size that is equal to or larger than the diameter of the pipe. This allows for maximum flow, as there are no obstructions in the flow path.
In applications where flow control and efficiency are important, such as irrigation systems, a full port ball valve is an ideal choice. Full port ball valves also allow for a wide range of valve operation and control, such as throttling and on-off applications.
This is well-suited for applications with abrasive and corrosive materials. Full port ball valves are available in both flanged and threaded versions and are suitable for a wide variety of process media, such as steam, gas, liquid, and oil.
Reduced Port Ball Valves
A reduced port ball valve is a type of ball valve that has an opening that is smaller than its regular-sized counterpart. This is due to the fact that the port size is smaller than the pipe or tubing that typically connects it to another valve. These are typically used in applications for small flows of liquid or gas.
This is important because it decreases the amount of lost energy and material in the process of flow reduction. Reduced port ball valves provide an efficient and reliable control solution since they experience minimal pressure droop and require minimal maintenance.
Benefits of using reduced port ball valves include full bore flow, bi-directional seal, and increased process safety. Reduced port ball valves provide cost-effective solutions for many different applications in a variety of industries, such as food and beverage, chemical, and water systems.
V-Port Ball Valves
Ball valves are important components of many plumbing, industrial, and agricultural applications, and the V-Port ball valve is one example of the variations available. This type of ball valve is for automation and offers good performance when controlling the flow of gasses and liquids. It is for a particular range of applications, such as temperature and pressure testing, as well as certain industrial processes.
The V-Port ball valve features a 2-way or 3-way valve design, meaning that it can be used to regulate the flow of process liquids or gases in either direction. Its compact design, speed of response, and simple installation make it an increasingly popular choice for many applications, both industrial and commercial. Additionally, you can adjust the multiple ports to meet the specific requirements of the application.
Multi-Port Ball Valves
Ball valves are versatile and come in a range of different types that serve a variety of functions. Multi-port ball valves are a versatile type of ball valve, capable of controlling the flow of a wide range of fluids in multiple directions. You can effectively adjust the pressure and open or close the valve.
These valves are popular in industrial applications such as flow control and instrumentation systems. They provide precise control over a variety of fluids.
The multi-port design of this type of valve provides the flexibility to direct flow in the desired direction. Having the ability to facilitate multiple fluid flow paths. This makes them an ideal choice for complex systems.
Trunnion Ball Valves
This type of ball valve has two sections, the ball, and the body, which are held together by a trunnion. The ball is a hollow, quarter-circle piece. It rotates with the help of an electric-actuating device and is to withstand pressures in high-temperature environments.
Depending on its application, a trunnion ball valve can be used to control flow in either a full-open or partially-shut position. These valves are for a range of industries including:
- Oil and gas
- Chemical processing
- Marine
- Power plants
Trunnion ball valves generally offer superior sealing performance in most demanding applications, allowing users to safely control the flow of high-pressured media. It is important to carefully consider the application and environment when selecting the right valve for a particular project. Professional engineers and technicians can help users select the right type of ball valve to achieve a reliable and high-performance system.
Floating Ball Valves
Floating ball valves are the most commonly used type of ball valve. This type of valve consists of a cylinder, which is connected to a seat, and a ball, which is fitted to the cylinder and sealed with a gasket. The metal seat ball valve restricts the flow of fluid from one side to the other.
When the valve is opened, the ball is free to move up and down as the pressure changes, allowing the fluid to flow through the valve. Floating ball valves are typically used in a wide range of applications, such as water treatment, industrial processes, power and chemical plants, and automated processing plants.
They can be used to control the flow of a wide range of liquids and gases, and are often used in systems that require precise control of flow. This type of valve is also used for on/off, pressure control, and fail-safe applications.
Top-Entry Ball Valves
They are a type of mountain ball valve with a top-mounted actuation system that can be used for high-pressure pipelines. This type of valve is constructed of a one-piece body. It eliminates limitations of size due to the flange spacing requirements of other ball valves.
They are for various applications including oil, gas, petrochemicals, and shipbuilding. Additionally, they provide excellent control of both flow and pressure. They are ideal for applications that require a wide range of regulations.
Get the Right Ball Valve Today
Ball valves are critical components in any fluid system. An understanding of their different types, sizes, and applications is essential for achieving success in a wide range of industrial and engineering applications.
To learn how to select and implement a ball valve for your application requirements, contact a professional fluid system specialist today!
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Last Updated on May 8, 2023
