Exploring the Different Types of Ball Valves

Generally, a valve is used to control the flow of fluids such as liquids, gases, solids or slurries. The regulation of these substances by a valve is done by opening, closing or incompletely blocking various passageways; these devices are technically pipe fittings. A ball valve specifically, is a valve that has a spherical disc which controls the flow through it; they are used for shutoff applications. This type of valve functions perfectly in shutoff applications but may also be used for throttling applications (but it not a perfect valve type for throttling application).

The body styles of ball valves are five in general while the types according to bore are three.

Full Port Ball Valve

This type composes of oversized ball which makes the hole in the ball equal size as the pipeline leading to lower friction loss; there is unrestricted flow, however, the valve is larger. These types are not ideal for general industrial applications, the valve types used in industries such as the butterfly and plug valves do not give room for full flow since they have restrictions across the flow.

Trunnion Ball Valve

In this case, the ball at the top and bottom are anchored by mechanical means. The design is often used on larger and higher pressure valves – more than 10cm and 40 bars. The trunnion design is among the higher-pressure rated and points to the fact that the face of each ball valve is not together but separately sealed.

Reduced Port Ball Valves

In this type of valve, flow passing through the valve is smaller by one pipe size than the pipe size of the valve; this causes the flow to become smaller than pipe. However, the steadiness of the flow discharge is maintained since the flow discharge’s multiplier factor, is equal to area of flow into velocity.

V Port Ball Valve
This usually has either a ball that is v-shaped or a seat that is v-shaped. This design gives room for a controlled opening and closing of the orifice with a closer to linear flow attribute. If opening is commenced when the valve is in closed position, the small end of the V is the first to be opened to achieve constant flow control of flow during this stage.

For manually operated ball valves, they can be quickly closed which leads to risk of water hammer. Some of these valve types come with actuator which may be motor or pneumatic operated; they can serve as flow control or for on/off.

Generally, ball valves are seen as superior types of valves; they basically function to regulate high pressure, high volume and also high flow of temperature and they are generally cost effective. Their regulating elements are designed in such way that are not affected by side loads and their seats can be fixed easily when problem occurs. Lastly, remember that they are the perfect valves for shutoff applications in comparison with other types of valves that are in use.

By: Baz Herose

Article Source: http://www.directorys.uniquearticles.info

Herose Ltd is author of this article on globe valves. Find more information about ball valves here.

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