What is a Ball Valve
A ball valve is a quarter-turn valve that uses a hollow, perforated, and pivoting ball to control fluid flow. When the ball’s hole aligns with the flow path, the valve opens. Rotating the ball 90 degrees blocks the flow completely. Known for durability and tight sealing, ball valves are widely used in industrial and residential applications.
How Does a Ball Valve Work
The operation relies on a rotating ball with a bore:
- Open Position: The bore aligns with the pipeline, allowing fluid to pass.
- Closed Position: The ball rotates 90°, blocking the flow.
The actuator (manual lever or automated system) controls rotation. Their simple design ensures minimal pressure drop and quick shut-off.
Components of a Ball Valve
A ball valve regulates fluid flow using a rotating sphere with a bore. Its robust design ensures reliable shut-off and flow control across industries. Below are its critical components:
1. Valve Body
The valve body acts as the structural framework, connecting to pipelines and housing internal components. Key features:
Materials: Cast steel, forged steel, stainless steel, or engineered plastics (e.g., PVC).
Pressure Ratings: 1.6MPa (232 psi) to 42.0MPa (6,091 psi).
Temperature Range: -20℃ to 650℃ (-4°F to 1,202°F).
Designs vary for low-pressure residential systems versus high-pressure oil/gas pipelines.
2. Ball (Rotating Sphere)
The perforated ball is the valve’s heart. When rotated 90°, it aligns or blocks the flow path. Types include:
Floating Ball Design:Relies on fluid pressure to seal against downstream seats.
- Ideal for small diameters (≤DN200) and low-pressure systems.
Trunnion-Mounted Ball Design:Mechanically anchored via upper/lower stems.
- Handles high-pressure (≥Class 600) and large-diameter pipelines.
Balls are often metal (SS316) or ceramic-coated for abrasion resistance.
3. Valve Seat
Seats ensure leak-proof sealing between the ball and body. Two primary types:
Soft Seats:Materials: PTFE, NBR, or elastomers.
Offer bubble-tight sealing for low-temp/pressure applications.
Metal Seats (Hard Sealing):Materials: Stainless steel, carbide alloys.
Withstand high temps/pressures and shear solid particles.
Spring-loaded seats maintain contact even during pressure fluctuations.
4. Stem
The stem transmits rotational force from the actuator to the ball. Requirements:
Corrosion-resistant (matched to valve body material).
High torsional strength to prevent shear failure.
Anti-blowout design for safety in high-pressure systems.
5. Actuators
Drive mechanisms enable precise ball rotation:
Manual Actuation:
Hand lever: For small valves (DN≤50).
Worm gear: Reduces torque for large valves (DN≥300).
Automated Actuation:
Electric actuators: Programmable for remote control.
Pneumatic actuators: Fast response for process automation.
Hydraulic systems: High torque for offshore/industrial uses.
Types of Ball Valves
1. Floating Ball Valve
The ball is suspended by the valve body, ideal for low-pressure systems.
2. Trunnion-Mounted Ball Valve
Features mechanical anchoring (trunnions) for high-pressure applications like oil and gas.
3. Multi-Port Ball Valve
3-way or 4-way designs enable flow diversion in complex systems.
4. Full Bore vs. Reduced Bore
Full bore valves match pipeline diameter for minimal restriction; reduced bore valves limit flow for control.
5. Specialized Ball Valve Designs
Insulated Jacketed Ball Valves
Feature a thermal jacket to prevent media crystallization (e.g., molten sulfur).
V-Port Ball Valves
Equipped with a V-shaped bore for precise flow modulation in control systems.
Advantages of Ball Valves
- Bubble-tight sealing
- Quick 90° operation
- Low maintenance
- Versatility (liquids, gases, slurries)
- Long service life
Ball Valve Applications
Used in:
Oil & gas pipelines
Chemical processing
Water treatment
HVAC systems
Pressure ranges: Up to 1,000 bar
Temperature ranges: -200°C to 500°C
Ball Valve vs. Gate Valve
Ball Valve: Quarter-turn operation, better sealing, lower leakage risk.
Gate Valve: Linear motion, slower operation, prone to corrosion.
Ball Valve vs. Butterfly Valve
Ball Valve: Full-bore design, higher pressure tolerance.
Butterfly Valve: Compact, lower cost, reduced flow control.
Ball Valve vs. Plug Valve
Ball Valve: Lower torque, better for frequent use.
Plug Valve: Tapered plug design, higher maintenance.
Ball Valve vs. Check Valve
Ball Valve: Manual/automated flow control.
Check Valve: Automatic backflow prevention.
Why Choose China Ball Valve Manufacturers
Advanced CNC machining ensures ±0.01mm precision.
Compliance with API 6D, ASME B16.34, and ISO 17292.
Cost-effective solutions without compromising on ANSI/API performance.
NSW Ball Valve Manufacturers
The ball valve manufacturer “NSW” is one of the top ten Chinese valve brand offering:
Cost-effective solutions
ISO-certified quality
PED-CE valve certificate
API Certificate
Custom designs for extreme conditions
Leading manufacturers combine CNC machining with advanced materials like stainless steel and PTFE seals.
Post time: Apr-10-2025