How does ball valves work?

Ball valves are a type of quarter-turn valve used to control the flow of fluids in a pipeline. They operate by using a spherical disc, often called a "ball," with a hole through its center. The ball is positioned inside the valve body, and the position of the ball controls the flow of the fluid. Here's how ball valves work:

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Open Position: When the valve is in the open position, the ball's bore (the hole through the center) is aligned with the flow of the pipeline. This allows the fluid to pass through the valve, creating an unobstructed flow path. In the open position, the valve is fully open, and there is minimal resistance to the flow of the fluid.

Closed Position: To close the valve, the operator (either manual or automated) rotates the handle or actuator by 90 degrees. This causes the ball to turn and position itself perpendicular to the flow of the pipeline. In the closed position, the bore of the ball is completely blocked, preventing the fluid from passing through. The valve is now fully closed, and no flow is possible.

The key components of a ball valve that enable this operation include:

Ball: The spherical disc inside the valve with a hole through its center. The ball can be made of various materials, and the size of the bore can vary to accommodate different flow rates and pressure requirements.

Valve Body: The outer shell of the valve that houses the ball. The body contains the inlet and outlet ports and provides support for the ball and seals.

Seat Rings: Soft or hard seat rings surround the bore of the ball and create a tight seal when the valve is closed. Soft seats are typically made of materials like PTFE (Teflon), while hard seats are made of materials like metal or ceramic. The choice of seat material depends on the specific application.

Stem and Handle/Actuator: The stem is a shaft connected to the ball that extends outside the valve body. When the handle or actuator is turned, it rotates the stem, which, in turn, controls the position of the ball. The handle or actuator can be manual (hand-operated) or automated (motorized or pneumatic), depending on the application.

Ports: The inlet and outlet ports are where the fluid enters and exits the valve. The ports are connected to the pipeline.

Ball valves are known for their quick operation, ease of use, and reliability in applications that require on/off control or frequent opening and closing. They are commonly used in a wide range of industries, including water distribution, petrochemical, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, and more, due to their ability to provide tight shutoff and minimal pressure drop when fully open.