
What are the advantages of ball valve?
Main advantages of ball valve
- Suitable for frequent operation. It can be opened and closed quickly and easily;
- The fluid resistance is small. Its resistance coefficient is equal to that of the same length of pipe section;
- Simple structure, small relative volume, lightweight. ...
- Plastic is widely used as sealing surface material, which has good sealing performance;
What are the components of a ball valve?
Ball valves are constructed with several crucial components: Valve Body. This is the main part of the valve and contains all of the components for on/off control. Rotary Ball. The ball is designed with a center bore (hole) that the media flows through. The direction of the ball is controlled by turning the stem. Stem.
What is ball valve used for?
Ball valves are used for tight shutoff service. The soft seat gives a tight seating capacity for ball valves. The name ball is derived from the ball-shaped disc located within the body, these valves are light and durable. These valves are widely used in industries because it can be used in high pressure and temperature applications.
What does a ball valve look like?
The primary component of a ball valve is a steel ball that contains a network of grooves and holes. These grooves and holes align with the hot and cold water inlets. Then, adjusting the ball with the faucet handle controls water temperature and flow rate. The downside of ball valves is their relative complexity.

How does a one way ball valve work?
0:472:46How A Ball Valve Works & How To Specify One | Tameson - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe two parts that can close the ball are pressed or welded against each other.MoreThe two parts that can close the ball are pressed or welded against each other.
How does the valve work?
The simplest, and very ancient, valve is simply a freely hinged flap which swings down to obstruct fluid (gas or liquid) flow in one direction, but is pushed up by the flow itself when the flow is moving in the opposite direction. This is called a check valve, as it prevents or "checks" the flow in one direction.
How does a 2 way ball valve work?
For a 2-way ball valve, the flow direction is from the input to the valves output. The flow can be closed by turning the valve handle perpendicular to the direction of flow. Therefore, turning the valve handle in line with the flow will open the valve.
How do you know if a ball valve is open or closed?
Ball valves Open or closed: When the handle of a ball valve is parallel to the valve or pipe, it's open. When it's perpendicular, it's closed. This makes it easy to know if a ball valve is open or closed, just by looking at it.
How does a ball valve seal?
Floating ball valves are attached only to the stem, not held in place by a trunnion. This sometimes causes the ball to float slightly downstream, which then causes the ball to press against the seat, creating a positive seal.
How do you turn on a ball valve?
0:081:56Which Direction to Turn on Plumbing Valves? : Plumbing Help - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd turn it clockwise to shut it off. And counterclockwise to turn it back on this is just anotherMoreAnd turn it clockwise to shut it off. And counterclockwise to turn it back on this is just another demonstration of a ball valve this is actually for a toilet or underneath the sink.
Does ball valve have flow direction?
Ball valves may be installed in vertical or horizontal pipe runs, they are bi-directional therefore flow direction is not critical, however the best practice is to set up the valve handle to point in the direction of flow whenever possible.
Why is it called a ball valve?
The term ball valve refers to the fact that the internal mechanism that is used to change the flow through the device is a spherical ball that has a hole drilled through it which serves as the valve's flow control.
How does a ball valve fail?
Common Ball Valve Failures One of the most common types of ball valve failures involves a buildup of dirt and sediment within the valve, making it difficult to open and close. The use of solvent cement glue can also clog up the ball, causing it to stick to the inside of the valve and resist turning.
Are ball valves air tight?
The ball valve is often a valve of choice in pipeline applications, as it is very reliable and provides an air-tight seal when it is turned off, as well as being quick and easy to operate. They are quite compact and generally require little maintenance.
How do you free up a ball valve?
Ball valve stuck Turn off the main water supply. Then, loosen the valve by opening and closing it multiple times by turning its handle. Gently hammer the valve body multiple times on the valve body to break and free up the particles that are trapped between the ball and the valve body.
Can you break a ball valve?
Because there is no 'stem' inside a ball valve, raising or lowering a gate (such as in a gate type valve), it is very unlikely to ever fail or break.
How does the water valve work?
The internal ball has a hole through the center of it. When the valve is open, the hole is aligned with the direction of the water pipe, allowing water flow. When the handle is closed, the ball rotates 90 degrees, so the hole in the ball is blocked. This is a common type of valve on main water pipes.
How do heart valves work?
The valves prevent the backward flow of blood. These valves are actual flaps that are located on each end of the two ventricles (lower chambers of the heart). They act as one-way inlets of blood on one side of a ventricle and one-way outlets of blood on the other side of a ventricle.
What does the valve do in the heart?
How do the heart valves function? As the heart muscle contracts and relaxes, the valves open and close, letting blood flow into the ventricles and out to the body at alternate times.
What controls the valves to open and close?
Camshaft. The function of the valves is very closely related to that of the camshaft and the two act together, with the camshaft controlling the opening and closing of the valves.
What is a ball valve?
A ball valve is a shut off valve that controls the flow of a liquid or gas by means of a rotary ball having a bore . By rotating the ball a quarter turn (90 degrees) around its axis, the medium can flow through or is blocked. They are characterized by a long service life and provide a reliable sealing over the life span, ...
Why is the ball supported at the top and bottom of the valve?
The ball is supported at the top and bottom to reduce the load on the valve seats. Floating: The majority of ball valves have a floating ball. The ball is supported by the valve seats. Trunnion: Valves with large diameters and high operating pressures (for example DN >100mm and 30 bar) have often a trunnion design.
What is a vented ball valve?
Vented ball valves look almost the same as the standard 2-way ball valves when it comes to their design. The main difference is that the outlet port vents to the environment in closed position. This is achieved by a small hole that is drilled in the ball and in the valve body. When the valve closes, the holes line up with the outlet port and release the pressure. This is especially useful in compressed air systems where depressurization provides a safer working environment. Intuitively these valves look like 2-way ball valves while in fact they are 3/2-way due to the small borehole for venting.
How many ports does a ball valve have?
The valve may have two, three or even four ports ( 2-way, 3-way or 4-way). The vast majority of ball valves are 2-way and manually operated with a lever. The lever is in line with pipe when the valve is opened. In closed position, the handle is perpendicular to the pipe.
What is a hydraulic ball valve?
Hydraulic ball valves are specially designed for hydraulic and heating systems due to their high operating pressure rating and hydraulic and heating oil resistance. These valves are made of either steel or stainless steel. Besides these materials, the ball valve seats also make hydraulic valves suitable for high operating pressure. The seats of these valves are made of polyoxymethylene (POM), which is suitable for high pressure and low temperature applications. The maximum operating pressure of hydraulic ball valves goes above 500 bar while the maximum temperature goes up to 80°C.
What is a three piece valve?
Three-piece: More expensive valves have often three pieces. The parts are generally clamped together by bolt connections. The advantage of this embodiment is that the valve can be serviced without removing the entire valve from the pipeline.
What is the valve stem?
The valve stem (1) is connected to the ball (4) and is either manually operated or automatically operated (electrically or pneumatically). The ball is supported and sealed by the ball valve seat (5) and their are o-rings (2) around the valve stem. All are inside the valve housing (3).
What is a Ball Valve?
Ball valves are quarter-turn on/off devices. A pivoting ball in the center of the valve controls the flow of liquid or gas media.
What is a two way ball valve?
Two-way ball valves have two ports and are used for traditional on/off control. Multi-port valves (3-way, 4-way, etc.) are used in applications that require more than one source of media or that need to divert media in different directions.
What is a V-shaped valve?
The hole in the ball or the valve seat can also have a V-shaped design. V-shaped bores can more precisely control flow rate when rotating the ball. A vented ball valve has a small hole drilled into the upstream side. This hole eliminates unwanted pressure within the valve.
What is pneumatic ball valve?
Pneumatic ball valves require compressed air as a power source. This option is best for applications that require high durability and fast cycling times. Electric Actuation. Applications without access to compressed air rely on electric actuators, which are also known as motorized ball valves.
What is a seat on a golf ball?
Seats. These are discs that lie in between the body and the ball. Seats provide a seal between the two and also support the ball. Power Source. The stem of the ball valve is rotated using manual or actuated power sources. Manual actuation includes levers and handles that are controlled by an operator.
How is the direction of a ball controlled?
The direction of the ball is controlled by turning the stem. This connects the ball to the external control mechanism. For example, in a manual ball valve the stem is connected to a handle or lever. These are discs that lie in between the body and the ball.
How many types of valve body styles are there?
There are three different types of valve body styles, as defined by Piping Guide:
Why is a ball valve not multipurpose?
Thicker liquids also make it difficult for the valve to open and close. Hence, it causes its lifespan to reduce rapidly due to its wear and tear. Besides that, using a ball valve in a high-velocity flow situation can also cause problems, as the ball valve function is not premeditated to resist this level ...
Why is it important to choose the right valve?
Choosing the right valve is important for your business. It can make a huge impact on efficiency and profitability. A ball valve generally functions as a quarter-turn valve that works in controlling flow through a hollow, perforated and revolving sphere.
Is a ball valve a good choice?
Hence, if you are looking to slow the flow of fluid, a ball valve won’t be a good choice. Ball valves are also not multipurpose.
How do ball valves work?
It is a type of ball valves where the ball assembles from the side part . Mostly, it assembles in 2 or 3 parts of the body. Each body part assembles with screws/studs, such as to connect two flanges pieces. Side entry ball valves generally make of forged metal. Assemble each body part after forging. This design minimizes defects caused by the casting valve. These valves have an easy assembly. Its trim also has a comfortable alignment. These types of ball valve have quick delivery times while casting products requires additional testing.
What are the parts of a ball valve?
These types of ball valve have three parts: a body and two end caps. Usually, all three parts are bolted together. The three-piece design makes it easy to remove the valve ‘s core, including the seat, stem, and ball, from the pipe. This allows you to effectively remove debris, replace seats and seals, and minor polish scratches on the ball without removing the tubing from the valve body. The advantage of this personification is that the valve can repair without eliminating the valve from the pipe. Compared to other types of ball valve, these have a high price.
What is a two piece valve?
The two-piece valve consists of two parts; one part has an end joint and body, the second is attached to the 1st part, the trim is attached in place, and includes the second end joint. This valve can disassemble for inspection, maintenance, and cleaning. To separate the two parts, it must be completely detached from the pipeline. The inside diameter of a two-piece ball valve is usually slightly condensed and can be used or repaired once.
What is a single body valve?
Single body or one-piece valve includes in the famous types of the ball valve. It has a solid cast body to reduce the risk of leakage. It is the cheapest type of ball valves . These types of the ball valve cannot open for maintenance or cleaning. Single body valves typically use in less demanding functions. Single body valves often have smaller openings, are relatively cheap, and are generally disposable.
Can ball valves be repaired?
It is a fully welded valve and does not pass-through leakage paths by bolt connections. It cannot be repaired on-site. These types of ball valve use used in buried or underground applications where maintenance is not desirable, like in subsea and gas transport purposes.
What is ball valve?
A ball valve is a device with a spherical closure unit that provides on-off control of flow. Ball valves have a spherical closure unit that provides on/off control of flow. The sphere has a port (bore) through the center. When the valve is positioned such that the bore is aligned in the same direction as the pipeline, it is in the open position, ...
What is the most common ball valve design?
The most common ball valve design is two way, which enables flow to linearly travel from the inlet to the exit. Three- and four-way ball valves enable flow to travel in multiple directions, including 90° angles.
What is a full port ball valve?
Full-port (fullbore) ball valves have a bore internal diameter (ID) approximately equal to the pipeline ID, which reduces friction and pressure loss across the valve and eliminates flow restrictions. This type of bore is ideal when pigging may be necessary.
What is a trunnion ball valve?
This design makes them suitable for larger-bore and higher-pressure operations as well as reduces valve torque because the ball is supported in two places. The trunnion-mounted stem absorbs the thrust from the line pressure, preventing excess friction between the ball and seats; therefore, at full-rated working pressure, operating torque remains low.
What causes a rising stem ball valve to fail?
Rising stem ball valves incorporate tilt-and-turn operation, eliminating seal rubbing —one of the primary causes of valve failure. When the valve is closed, the core is wedged against the seat, ensuring positive shutoff. When the valve is open, the core tilts away from the seal, and flow passes uniformly around the core face.
What happens when a valve is rotated 90 degrees?
When rotated 90°, the bore becomes perpendicular to the flow path, meaning the valve is closed, and fluid cannot pass through.
What is a floating valve?
Floating ball valves are attached only to the stem, not held in place by a trunnion. This sometimes causes the ball to float slightly downstream, which then causes the ball to press against the seat, creating a positive seal. Rising stem ball valves incorporate tilt-and-turn operation, eliminating seal rubbing—one of the primary causes ...
How do ball valves work?
Ball valves are usually connected to a cistern via two nuts on the valve stem, and are connected to their supply pipe via a tap connector. Plastic cold water storage cisterns and feed and expansion cisterns are generally supplied with a small plastic or metal backing plate.
What is a part 1 ball valve?
The Part 1 ball valve is easily recognised by its piston-like shape. Inside the valve is a small piston with a washer on the end, and inside the piston there is a slot in which the end of the float arm sits. The arm is secured to the valve via a split pin.
What is float arm?
Instead of pushing a piston, the float arm pushes a small plastic or brass plunger into the valve housing, which in turn pushes a rubber diaphragm against the valve seating, closing the valve. The small plunger protrudes from the valve housing, and is partly visible. Part 2 ball valves offer a number of advantages over Part 1 valves.
What does a float do to a water valve?
When the water level rises, the float pushes the arm of the valve upwards. This pushes the piston and its washer onto the valve seat, stopping the flow of water. The brass housing of the valve has an unscrewable cap on the end. This is usually made out of brass too, but is plastic in some valves.
Why are ball valves obsolete?
This is because a ball valve with an arm that must be distorted in order to adjust the water level is no longer permitted by water byelaws, and that should the water level in the cistern reach the critical level , i.e., level with the centre line of the supply pipe, the risk of siphonage back into the mains is much greater due to the position of the outlet.
How do cisterns adjust water level?
Firstly, they have a specific mechanism for adjusting the water level in a cistern. This is done via a small nut which secures the float to the valve arm. The nut can be unscrewed and moved up or down. Secondly, they offer a much greater air gap between the outlet on the valve and the water level in the cistern.
Why do water cisterns need air gaps?
An air gap between the water level and the outlet point on the valve must always be present. This is in order to prevent a siphon effect, which would draw water from the cistern back into the mains. For this reason, rigid plastic ‘silencer’ tubes which dip into the body of water in the cistern are prohibited.
