A ball valve is a form of valve that utilizes a pivoting and hollow ball to control the flow of a fluid through itself.
The primary purpose of a ball valve is to isolate components of a piping system by adjusting, stopping, or starting the flow of fluid between pipes, ducts, and chambers.
One thing to keep in mind is that there are various forms of ball valves. So, if you’re planning to buy one, you might be wondering what’s the best type of ball valve. Here are some things you should know.
When Should You Use Ball Valves?
Ball valves are ideal for having control over the flow of a pipeline. They can easily open, limit, and facilitate the operation of any pipe while offering the option to increase or decrease pressure.
Trunnion Ball Valve
One of the most common ball valve types is the trunnion ball valve. It’s a form of valve that will actually anchor the valve at the bottom and top via a certain mechanism.
Usually, this type of ball valve is ideal for high-pressure and bigger applications. Though this form of valve is not going to fit every manufacturer’s needs, it can be extremely useful for high-pressure applications.
The V Port Ball Valve
As the name suggests, the V Port ball valve is a type of valve that has a V-shaped seat. This means that the orifice through which the fluid flows can be more easily closed and opened to change its direction.
Though a lot of manufacturers love this concept, the construction of a V Port ball valve means that you cannot utilize it everywhere.
It is usually required to be used in a more secure application. When a person opens the valve, it is typically opened at the “small end” first. This helps stabilize the control of the flow.
Standard Port Valves
As the name implies, this type of port valve is the standard ball valve that is used around the world. Since they’re the standard form, they are more affordable compared to other types.
That is why you’ll notice that the valve itself is also small. This makes it more restricted.
Usually, you will find this type of ball valve in every reliable and high-quality medical plastic manufacturer since their application requires the use of standard port ball valves.
Full Port Ball Valves
This is perhaps the most popular type of ball valve out there. This type of ball valve is defined by the fact that it has a huge ball.
Of course, there’s a reason why the ball of this ball valve is oversized. It’s the same size as the pipeline. This means that there will be less possibility for friction compared to if the ball was not the same size as the pipeline.
In addition to that, the valve is bigger as well, and the flow involved isn’t restricted.
Choosing The Best Ball Valve For Your Needs
There are a lot of ball valve manufacturers and suppliers in the world. Aside from that, there are also different types of ball valves.
Choose The Best Temperature Rating
Temperature rating tells you how much cold or heat a ball valve can withstand before it hampers its operation. That is why every high-quality automotive parts supplier uses them.
Choose The Ideal Pressure Rating
It’s vital to consider pressure rating since it tells you how much pressure the ball valve can handle. You might require a high-pressure ball valve if you want to control fluids.
On the other hand, you might need a low-pressure ball valve if you have to control the flow of slurry materials. Not only does this ensure the entire system is functioning correctly, but this is also a great way to ensure safety.
Choose The Right Ball Valve Size And Weight
Always keep in mind that ball valves are available in several sizes. You’ve got to pick one that is the ideal size for your application and pipeline.
For instance, you might need a full-bore hydraulic ball valve to control the flow of fluid in your hydro-power plant.
On the other hand, you might need a reduced-bore pneumatic ball valve to guarantee the proper flow of air in your bulk milk jars factory.
In either case, the size of the ball valve and the bore will vary depending on the application and how you want to control the flow of material through the valve.
Conclusion
As you can see, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to the best type of ball valve. It all depends on the application and usage.
If you’re having a hard time choosing a ball valve for your factory, consider asking for help from a professional.
Usually, ball valve manufacturers are more than willing to answer your questions when it comes to choosing the right type of ball valve.