What is a Ball Valve and How does it work in Pipelines Applications?

Ball Valve controls the flow of the liquid or the gas. It is a shut off valve with a spherical closure unit which provides an on/off control to the flow. There is a whole through the center of the sphere that is known as bore. The fluid can flow through it, when the bore is aligned in the same direction as the pipeline. When the bore is turned to 90° direction, the fluid cannot flow through it and it means the valve is closed. As Ball Valves are much reliable and bubble tight sealed, they are considered as the best choice for gas applications.

How does a Ball Valve Work?

As the name suggests, there is a ball in Ball Valve which is used to control the flow of the fluid in the pipelines. It can be turned on and off quickly by lining the bore with the pipeline and turning it perpendicular to the pipeline respectively. Generally it needs 90° rotation for on/off purpose but in some cases it might be 360° rotation. As it is very easy to operate and requires less maintenance, it is commonly used in pipelines applications.

Types of Ball Valve

The following provides a brief description of types of ball valves:

Split- Body Ball Valve

The split-body ball valve is a blender of two parts which consists a cover, ball, seat rings, stem and other internals. One part is smaller than the other part and the ball is fixed inside the bigger part. Both of the parts are joined by threaded connection.

End- Entry ball Valve

Unlike Split-body ball valve, it is a single body ball valve. These kinds of valves are commonly used for inexpensive ball valves. The ball can be inserted from one side of the valve.

Three-piece – Body Ball valve

As it is clear from the name, these kinds of valves are consists of three parts. The middle part of the valve is the bigger part and it contains all the internals. Other two parts are attached with the middle part by bolts or studs and nuts.

Double Trunnion Ball Valves

It contains two parts, top and the bottom trunnions. A shaft is used to open the valve and it is installed on the top of the ball. When the shaft is turned on, the parts of the valve rotate freely. The ball is fitted in between the two parts of the valve.

Lubricated or Non-lubricated Ball Valves

O- Rings seals and bolted packing glands are used in these valves for the stem sealing. The valve having seal system with lubricants are called Lubricated valves and which do not have the lubrication seal system are called non- lubricated ball valves.

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