Ball valves are flow valves with a spherical disc, the part which controls the flow that runs through it. Also, in the middle of the sphere, there is a port, through which flow occurs when the port is in line with each end of the valve. The flow stops when the ball is rotated and the hole no longer aligns, but flows freely through the valve when it is aligned.
Ball valves are very useful in industrial applications because of how many different things they can do. In addition, they can stop and start flow, moderate throttling and create flow diversion. Ball valves are often used to control the flow of water, gasoline, or oil, and can support pressures of up to 1000 bar and temperatures of nearly 500°F. They are a part of the “quarter-turn valve” family, along with plug valves and butterfly valves.
Easy to fix and operate, ball valves typically range in size from 0.2 inches to about 11.82 inches. Also, the right ball valve for your job may be a one-piece, two-piece, three-piece, full port, or conventional port.
Ball valves are made of many different materials, including:
Built very sturdy and able to sustain a long service life, ball valves are also advantageous because of their low cost. Finally, if you’re wondering if ball valves are right for your application, contact Detroit Nipple Works today and we’ll let you know!