Do you want to know which mechanical device is common in your refrigerator and in the pipelines of nuclear industries? Do you want to know which mechanical device is used to control the flow of water in vehicle wash system?

Yes?

That mechanical device is Ball Valve!

In this article, I will tell you what a ball valve is, its characteristics, the scope of application, the working principle, and what precautions to take while using them. This information will help you in using this device safely and correctly.

What is a Ball Valve?

A ball valve is a mechanical device that can control, obstruct and allow the flow of liquid, gases, and vapors in the piping systems. The valve uses a ball that is present between two valve seats. A wrench handle can change the position of the ball.

You can use the wrench handle or stem to allow, obstruct or minimize the fluid movement. You can turn the wrench handle 90 degrees clockwise to start the flow. And, when you turn the handle 90 degrees anti-clockwise, the flow will stop. The wrench handle is operated pneumatically, manually, or automatically.

Ball valves are highly resistant to harmful fluids. They have a long service life and reliable sealing in case of dirty fluids. 
The material used in them is steel, brass, bronze, polyvinyl chloride, or iron.

What are the characteristics of Ball Valves？

What makes ball valves different from other valves? Why should you choose ball valves and not other valves? 

There are certain characteristics of these ball valves which make them superior to other valves.

• They are small and lightweight.
• Cost-effective.
• Easy to repair.
• Have a long life, and their seal can’t be easily damaged.
• Have a high flow rate.
• They can endure high pressure, high temperature, and volume. 
• They are easy to use.
• We can swiftly open and close it.
• They are suitable for a variety of environments across a variety of industries.

Under what circumstances should we choose the ball valve?

You can use ball valves when you want to complete the work swiftly. In it, you have to turn the handle to start or stop the fluid movement, so you can use it in those applications or circumstances in which you want quick results.

For example, you want water to flow into the pipelines of your house. In this case, you can turn the wrench handle of the ball valve and water will start flowing in the pipelines.

Let’s discuss the list of industries and home appliances where you can use them. 

Home Appliances

• Washing machines
• Hoses
• Kitchen appliances (fryer, dishwasher)

Industries

• Gas and Oil
• Automotive Vehicle Wash Systems
• Pharmaceutical
• Irrigation Equipment
• Chemical Industries
• Power Processing
• Manufacturing Industries
• Cryogenic
• Ship flowing systems
• Fire-safe systems
• Chlorine Manufacturing

After using the ball valve, I became curious about how it works. I observed a lot of ball valves and came to know some interesting points about their working principles. I am eager to share the details with you so that you can have an idea about the types of ball valves and how they will benefit you.

So, let’s discuss the working principle:

How does Ball Valve work?

This valve has a ball with a bore and is present between two valve seats. The ball is linked to the stem which can be turned around manually or automatically. When it turns around, the ball will move. Its movement either allows or obstructs fluid movements.

The working principle includes circuit function, housing assembly, ball design, and types of ball valve operations. Let’s discuss them in detail.

Circuit Function

The ball valve can have two-way, three-way, or four-way flow directions. 

A two-way ball valve will have two ports and is the most commonly used ball valve. You can turn it on and off manually.

Three- or four-way ball valves can move the fluid in different directions. The 3-way valves have either T-shaped or L-shaped bore. You can choose the shape of the valve according to your pipe. These valves either distribute flows or mix them.

Valve Housing Assembly

Ball Valves are present in one-piece, two-piece, and three-piece designs. These designs decide the working principles of the ball valve.

In One-Piece, two parts that cover the ball are compressed together through welding. It is inexpensive, but we can’t open it for cleaning purposes,

In Two-Piece, parts are linked through a threaded connection. We can dissemble them for cleaning and inspection. You can remove the valve from the pipe for maintenance purposes.

In Three-Piece, parts are connected through bolts. It is the most expensive and can easily be cleaned and maintained without removing it completely from the pipeline.

Ball Design

Two types of ball designs serve different purposes. One is the Floating ball design, and the other is Trunnion. 

In the floating Ball Design, the ball suspends on the stem with no support at the bottom. When the valve closes, upstream pressure pushes the ball down toward the cupped seat. It ensures that the valve remains tightened and sealed. The cupped downstream seat sustains the internal pressure when the valve is closed. This ball design is present in most of the valves.

The other ball design is Trunnion which is present in high-quality valves. This ball design also sustains the internal pressure when the valve is closed. The difference is that the floating ball valve takes care of the upstream port, while the Trunnion takes care of both the upstream and downstream ports.

In it, when the valve closes, spring-loaded seats press the ball. The springs push the downstream seat tightly to the ball, sustaining internal pressure. We use it when downstream pressure is low.

Ball Bore

There are also different types of ball bores that work differently. These types are:

• Reduced Bore 
• Full Bore 
• V-shaped

Many ball valves have a reduced bore which introduces friction losses in the system. They are present in one-piece ball valves.

Full bore sizes introduce no friction losses and are relatively easier to clean. It has the same diameter as the pipe and is slightly more expensive than the reduced bore. 

In a V-shaped bore, the hole shape is V which helps to control the desired flow rate. A linear flow comes out through this bore.

Valve Handle

The valve handle or stem is a crucial part of the valve as it controls the ball movement. You can turn the handle parallel to the pipe to open the valve. Similarly, you can turn it perpendicular to the pipe to close the valve. If you have any issue with your handle, you can buy its replacement too.

Automatic Ball Valve

In manual ball valves, you will need a handle. But in the case of an automatic ball valve, you will need an actuator. They are directly connected to the stem and need a controller. It will help you to control the ball valves remotely. You can control the actuator through a controller or control wires. 

A spring-actuated ball valve will use the spring to control the valve. The spring will open and close the valve, and the actuator will keep it in that position. You can use one control wire to operate the valve. When the wire is powered, the valve will open. And when the wire is unenergized, the valve will close.

You have to use two control wires in some automatic ball valves. One can turn the ball clockwise, and the other can turn it anti-clockwise.

What should be paid attention to when using ball valves?

There are certain precautions to keep in mind while using ball valves.

• Take care of the medium while selecting ball valves. If it is liquid, soft or hard seal valves can be used according to the liquid. If the medium is gas, the soft seal valves can be used.
• Ball valves should remain in a completely open or closed position. 
• Slowly open and close the ball valves to avoid pressure.
• You should inspect and service them at regular intervals. If a valve is present in high-temperature and pressure settings, you should replace them frequently.
• Cleaning the valve will lengthen its life. So, you should use a towel and a wire brush to clean the valve.
• Installing your valve properly is crucial.
• Make sure that there is not any solid material in your medium. Valves are only for gases and liquids, and solids can destroy them.
• Lubricating your valves will make their working smooth. Make sure to use oil-based lubricants on valves.

Summary

In a nutshell, ball valves are mechanical devices used to control the fluids and gases in residential and industrial appliances. It is highly resistant to the high-temperature and pressure.

They have a longer life but demand proper care. You should keep your valve clean and inspect its nuts and bolts frequently. Moreover, keep the solid medium and lubricants away from it as they can damage it. With its care and proper installation, you can enjoy its smooth working. 

I hope after knowing about the ball valves, you can now make intelligent decisions about whether the ball valve is suitable for your needs or not. You may have known how this device makes my life easy and how you can utilize it for your benefit.