Ball Valves

A ball valve is a rotational motion (quarter turn) valve that uses a ball-shaped disk to stop or start fluid flow. The ball performs the same function as the disk in the gate and globe valves. In addition to quick, quarter turn on-off operation, ball valves are compact, require no lubrication, and give tight sealing with low torque.

Conventional ball valves have relatively poor throttling characteristics. In a throttling position, the partially exposed seat rapidly erodes because of the impingement of high velocity flow.

Ball valves are available in the venturi, reduced, and full port pattern. The full port pattern has a ball with a bore equal to the inside diameter of the pipe.

Ball valves and gate valves both are mostly applied for on-off control, each have their own advantages, depending on the application. Here are some key advantages of ball valves over gate valves:

Quick Operation: Ball valves can be opened and closed quickly with a simple 90-degree turn, making them ideal for applications requiring rapid shutoff.

Tight Sealing: Ball valves provide excellent shut-off capabilities due to their tight sealing mechanism, which helps prevent leaks. Specially soft seated ball valves are literally zero Leakage.

Durability: Ball valves generally have a longer lifespan and a lower rate of failure compared to gate valves.

Versatility: They are suitable for a wide range of applications, including high-pressure and high-temperature environments.

Ease of Use: The simple design and operation of ball valves make them easier to use and maintain.