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A ball valve is a type of valve used to control the flow of fluids, primarily in pipelines and plumbing systems. It gets its name from the spherical-shaped closure element inside the valve, known as the “”ball.”” The ball has a hole or passage through its center, which allows fluids to flow through when the hole is aligned with the valve’s inlet and outlet ports. When the ball is rotated by the valve handle, the hole can be positioned perpendicular to the flow, stopping the fluid’s passage and effectively closing the valve.
Ball valves are known for their reliable sealing capabilities and their ability to provide a full-flow or zero-flow condition. They are generally considered easy to operate and offer quick shutoff with a 90-degree turn of the handle. The ball within the valve is typically made of different materials, such as stainless steel, brass, or plastic, depending on the application and the fluid being controlled.
There are two main types of ball valves:
Floating Ball Valve: In this design, the ball is not held in place by a trunnion, but instead, it floats in the valve body and is moved by the pressure of the fluid.
Trunnion Ball Valve: This type has a fixed ball supported by trunnions (axle-like pins), which reduces the operating torque and makes it suitable for larger-sized valves and higher pressure applications.
Ball valves are commonly used in a wide range of industries, including oil and gas, water supply, chemical processing, pharmaceuticals, and many others. They are available in various sizes and configurations to meet specific flow and pressure requirements. Additionally, ball valves come in various end connections, such as threaded, flanged, or welded, to accommodate different piping systems.”