In pipelines, a ball valve is required to regulate the passage of liquids and gases. This valve simplifies the plumbing in residential areas, companies, or chemical plants. It employs a basic design yet offers consistent performance. The rapid turn of a handle manages whether fluid flows through the system or not at all. Its durability and low maintenance make it a favourite in most industries. In this blog, we discuss what a ball valve is, how it functions, its uses, major parts, various types, and how to properly install one.
What is a Ball Valve?
A ball valve uses a hollow, perforated sphere inside its body to regulate the flow of fluid through a pipe. A ball valve operates under a quarter-turn principle, i.e., the valve opens and closes by just a 90-degree turn.
It provides a tight seal, so there is little chance of leaks. Due to its high sealing capacity, it is also applied in those systems which deal with high-pressure fluids or critical fluids.
Working Principle of Ball Valve
The operation of a ball valve is easy and effective. Within the valve body, there is a spherical ball bearing a hole down its centre. When the valve handle is rotated such that the hole faces the direction of the pipeline, the fluid passes unobstructed through the valve. The solid portion of the ball rotates to block the passage and essentially stop the flow when the handle is rotated 90 degrees. This on-off operation provides complete control over liquid or gas flow. The mechanism is simple to actuate and operates without difficulty even after prolonged use.
Application of Ball valve
Some of the applications include:
- Ball valves assist in regulating the water flow of the plumbing system in kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor faucets.
- They control fuel and gas flow within high-pressure systems in the oil and gas industry.
- In chemical plants, they safely handle corrosive or hazardous chemicals.
- In food processing units, they regulate liquid flow in sanitary and clean systems.
- In HVAC systems, ball valves regulate the flow of water or refrigerant in air conditioners and heaters.
Benefits of a Ball Valve
Ball valves are highly advantageous, which makes them a favourite across various industries:
- A quarter-turn handle provides fast action for swift opening and closing.
- The tight seal ensures that there are no leaks even in heavy-duty systems.
- The valve performs satisfactorily for years with minimal wear and tear.
- It does not require repair or service often after installation.
- The cost is economical compared to other flow control devices.
Key components of a Ball Valve
There are a few components that contribute to making a ball valve functional:
Body:
The valve body is the outer shell. It holds everything in place and connects the valve to the pipeline. It comes in different materials like brass, stainless steel, or PVC, depending on the application.
Ball:
In the middle of the valve is the ball — a circular object with a hole drilled out of it. This is the port. When the port is in the same direction as the pipeline, fluid passes easily. When it points away, the flow is shut off.
Stem:
The stem attaches the ball to the handle. It turns the ball when the handle is turned. Seals may be used in some designs to prevent leaks around the stem.
Seats:
Seats are rings that support the ball. When the valve is closed, this design guarantees a tight seal. Seats are typically constructed of plastic or rubber.
Handle:
The handle is the part turned by the user to open or close the valve. In automatic systems, this can be substituted using an actuator. Finally, gaskets and seals ensure there are no leaks between the valve body and internal components.
Types of Ball Valves
Several types of ball valves used in commercial applications are described here:
Standard (Threaded)
Threaded ball valves have screw-thread ends that directly couple into pipes. They are simple to install, compact, and well-suited for home plumbing or small-volume fluid-control systems.
Flanged
Flanged ball valves use bolts to join with other pipe flanges. They provide tight leak-free connections and are used in high-pressure or industrial applications with tight leak-free connections.
Vented
Vented ball valves possess a small opening on the pressure side for the discharge of trapped pressure upon closure. This safety feature prevents overpressure in closed systems.
Hydraulic
Hydraulic ball valves regulate high-pressure fluid circuits such as hydraulic machinery. Hydraulic ball valves are made of durable material and are resistant to extreme pressure and fluid flow at a high rate.
Installation of Ball valve
Installation of a ball valve is easy and provides effective control of fluid flow in piping systems. The step-by-step process includes:
Preparation
Start by turning off the main water supply and draining the system to avoid any leaks. Clean the pipe ends well to remove dirt and allow for a smooth fit. Check the ball valve for damage or foreign particles. Confirm that the valve’s requirements are the same as those of the system.
Installation Steps
Apply Sealant:
To threaded connections, apply Teflon tape in a clockwise direction over the male threads or use an appropriate thread sealant to obtain a leak-free union.
Position the Valve:
Place the valve on the pipe in a position where the handle will be easily accessible and, if convenient, in the flow direction. Keep in mind that ball valves usually are bi-directional, but the correct orientation facilitates maintenance.
Install the Valve:
To avoid cross-threading, begin the installation process by hand-threading the valve onto the pipe. Once in position, tighten the connection with a wrench. Avoid overtightening to reduce the damage caused to the valve or piping.
Testing
Upon installation, gradually open the water supply and verify leaks around the valve. For dependable and seamless opening and closing, gently turn the handle. Tighten the connections as required if leaks are found.
Satisfactory installation of a ball valve guarantees effective operation and prolongs the life of your plumbing system.
Conclusion
Ball valve is a convenient and dependable device that regulates fluid movement along pipelines. Its ease of design, tight sealing, and fast operation make it ideal for domestic use, industry, and all in between. Knowing its types, advantages, and installation enables you to make better choices for your projects.
Apoorva H P Achar