Stainless Steel Ball Valves And Their Industrial Applications

Functionality Of A Stainless Steel Ball Valve

Just like the name, stainless steel ball valves utilize a rotating hollow ball to allow/block fluid flow. These valves are opened/closed by moving the external handle around a 90 degree axis. When the valve’s external handle is parallel to the fluid flow and valve itself, the ball rotates, opening the valve and allowing fluids to pass through. 

Shifting the external handle perpendicular to the valve and fluid flow closes the valve. The 90 degree opening/closing axis is why they are also termed as quarter turn valves. The rotating ball that we mentioned is generally hollow with a hole bored in it. Once the external handle moves, the ball rotates and the hole falls in line with the fluids, allowing them to flow through. This is then reversed once the handle is moved back.

Types Of Ball Valves

Full Port Ball Valve

A full port ball valve is made to match the diameter of pipes. These allow for unrestricted optimal fluid flow. For pipes with a certain diameter, the best full port ball valve to go for is one with the same diameter.

Reduced Port Ball Valve

A reduced port ball valve is also termed as a standard port ball valve. Unlike the full port ball valve, these come with a smaller diameter. Hence, they tend to restrict fluid flow. These valves are used for industrial operations as they are cheaper. Mostly, a 6 inch diameter pipe can be fitted with an 8 inch reduced port ball valve to get the same effect as that of a full port ball valve.

2-Piece Ball Valve

Just like the name, a 2-piece ball valve comes with two main sections. The larger section allows the utilization of a larger ball. In turn, this means that full port flow/unrestricted flow is possible with these valves.

3-Piece Ball Valve

A 3-piece ball valve comes with a separate middle section which holds the main internal components such as the ball and seat. Two opposite sides of the middle section are kept to connect valves to pipes. The addition of a third section allows for simpler installation and lower maintenance. These valves are more expensive but durable, hence having more long term advantages.

Flanged Ball Valve

To put it simply, a flanged ball valve is a type of ball valve that connects to pipes through flanged ends. These valves feature a lifted front or ring-esque flange that is joined to pipes.

Threaded Ball Valve

A threaded ball valve includes female NPT threads which can be connected to pipes that have male NPT threads. The remaining structure is identical to that of a normal ball valve.

Trunnion Mounted Ball Valve

A trunnion mounted ball valve is better suited for higher pressure operations. These valves include a solid ball that is helped by a trunnion from above and below. The trunnion provides support by lowering the effects of torque. This extra support is what makes these valves ideal for higher pressure use. 

Floating Ball Valve

A floating ball valve is better suited to low pressure situations. In this case, the opening/closing of the valve is controlled by a ball floating on top of the fluid. When the valve is opened, the ball starts to float and fluid flows through. The opposite happens when the valve is closed.

Specialized Ball Valves

Ball valves also come in different specialized forms such as the cryogenic ball valve, high pressure ball valve, sanitary ball valve, multi-port ball valve, and v-port ball valve. These ball valves differ by the shape of the hole that’s drilled in the ball. The V-port ball valve has a V shaped hole. This hole comes in differentiable sizes determined by the angle. The most common bore openings are 15, 30, 45 or 60 degrees.

Advantages And Limitations

The advantages and limitations of each kind of ball valve are as follows:

• Full Port Ball Valve: Allows optimal unrestricted fluid flow. Larger bore width prevents drops in pressure levels. But they are larger and more expensive.
• Reduced Port Ball Valve: Cheaper and smaller. Better suited for low pressure fluid flow. Smaller bore width makes them more susceptible to fluid blockage and pressure drops.
• 2-Piece Ball Valve: Good balance between longevity and low level of maintenance. Full port flow available. However, cannot be fixed unless completely uninstalled.
• 3-Piece Ball Valve: Cheaper in the long run. Most durable type of ball valve. However, it has a much higher initial cost.
• Flanged Ball Valve: Full port flow available. Can withstand higher pressure and allow for easy replacement. Installation requires more labor than other valves. More expensive.
• Threaded Ball Valve: Cheaper valve. Takes up less space and is easily disassembled. Generally weaker valves and not suited for high pressure operations.
• Trunnion Mounted Ball Valve: Can withstand higher pressures. More durable than other valves. Expensive and difficult to repair.
• Floating Ball Valve: Low Maintenance and Cheaper. Not suitable with all fluid types or high pressure operations.
• V Port Ball Valve: Provide better flow control and have low drops in pressure. More expensive and very difficult to repair. May have to be replaced if damaged.

Applicational Use Of Ball Valves

Ball valves are most often found in these industries:

• Chemical Industry: Used to move around chemical solutions.
• Food & Beverage Factory: Used for pipes that transport ingredients.
• Pharmaceutical Factory: Prevent product contamination by allowing unidirectional flow in pipes.
• HVAC Industry: Responsible for distributing fluids in water cooling systems.
• Oil/Gas Plants: Used as wellheads.

Considerations Before Selecting A Stainless Steel Ball Valve

Industry Certifications

Ball valves should only be bought if they are compliant with industry standards. Make sure that each product comes with ASME, API, ISO or CE certifications.

Pressure & Temperature Ratings

Different kinds of ball valves are suited to different pressure/temperature ratings. These can be confirmed by cross checking data with pressure/temperature standards or certifications.

Connection Types

Ball valves come in different connection types such as flanged or threaded valves. Choose the one which fits your setup.

Maintaining Stainless Steel Ball Valves

All kinds of ball valves require the same regular maintenance routines in order to prolong their use. A general maintenance routine can be seen below:

• Sticking To The Manual: Each valve comes with its own specifications. Follow the general maintenance tips given with each valve product.
• Regular Checkouts: Valves should be inspected from time to time. This helps detect problems early, preventing large scale system failures. Check for leaks or any sort of damage to the valves.
• Seal Replacement: Over time seals are worn out, increasing chances of leaks. Seals should be replaced if there are any signs of damage, leaks or if fluid control is weakened.
• Lubrication: Valves can corrode and become difficult to operate if left unchecked. If valves become harder to operate, lubricate them to prevent the valve from tightening up.
• Cleaning: Always remember to clean valves. Build up of debris can restrict fluid flow and also cause large scale problems. Reach out to your valve’s manufacturer to confirm which cleaning tools to use.

Buying Your Stainless Steel Ball Valves From Lianke Valve

Founded in 1982, Lianke Valve is one of China’s best valve suppliers. Here, customers will find an endless variety of valve products all of which are compliant with top notch industry standards. Our valve designs combine efficiency with high performance making sure that your fluid flow control needs are always met.

Each ball valve comes with a detailed description telling you about all the different types that are available. Looking to get a quote? Request one and get a reply in just 24 hours!

FAQs

How Do Ball Valves Work?

Ball valves work by the movement of a rotating ball with a bore. This ball is connected to an external handle. When the handle is parallel to fluid flow, the valve is opened. When it’s moved back to its original position, the bore no longer faces the fluid, blocking flow.

What To Consider Before Buying A Stainless Steel Ball Valve?

To select the right stainless steel ball valve, ensure that it is compliant with API, ISO or CE industry standards. Additionally, check whether the API pressure standards and type of ball valve are suitable for your system.

Resources:

V-Port Ball Valves and Their Uses | Tameson.com

Full Port Ball Valve vs. Standard Port: Which One to Choose? (dombor.com)

Flanged vs. Threaded Ball Valves: Choosing the Right End Connection (xintaivalves.com)

Understanding Flanged Ball Valves: Versatility, Functionality, and Applications | Xintai Valve (xintaivalves.com)

Types of Ball Valves – ValveMan.com