A ball valve is an industrial fitting that can shut off and open the volume flow within a pipeline. Flow control is possible but very limited. In contrast to valves, this can be closed completely after a 90° turn. A flexible combination of materials, seals and other materials makes it possible to use a wide range of media, such as water, oil, air or gas.
The common connection to the pipeline is normally an internal thread, an external thread or a combination of both. However, ball valves can also be designed as intermediate flange versions with holes according to ISO 5211, DIN EN 1092-1 or ASME. Ball valves are usually available in two flow variants. Either these ensure full flow or reduced flow. At full flow, the hole in the shut-off ball has the same diameter as the pipeline. The shut-off ball in a reduced-pass ball valve has a smaller hole than the inside diameter of the pipeline. As a result of the taper, greater flow losses occur, which have a negative influence on the Kvs value. Kvs values are the pressure loss of valves in the open state. Ball valves close the flow with a floating or a guided ball. The pressure of the medium creates a high tightness. Ball valves with a floating ball are the most widely used ball valves. The shut-off ball is loosely mounted between sealing rings arranged on both sides and thus "floats" in the liquid. In ball valves with a guided ball, the shut-off ball is mounted on two opposite sides with pivots, which are mounted in the housing. This design means that only one sealing ring is required. Normally, the seals of ball valves are made of plastics such as PTFE and can therefore be used at temperatures up to approx. 200 °C. If higher temperatures are necessary, metal-sealing ball valves are used. Common body materials include brass, cast steel, spheroidal graphite iron and stainless steel. Duplex or full duplex special designs are also possible.
Should it be necessary that two pipelines have to be controlled alternately. For instance, there is a ball valve with T-bore or L-bore. Depending on the design, these allow the flow to be flexibly controlled or distributed. Ball valves do not only have to be for liquids. They can also be used for compressed air or gas. In pneumatic systems, ball valves with venting valves are often installed, which vent the system when closed and thus depressurize everything. It may also be necessary to drain liquid-operated systems. Ball valves with drain connection are suitable for this purpose.
Pneumatic or electric actuators are possible or necessary for large nominal diameters or to automate the operation.
We supply hand-operated ball valves in high quality for your application. Whether with thread, ISO / DIN EN / ANSI flange or weld end connection. We also offer solutions for automatic ball valves and actuators for the automation of industrial ball valves. Positioners for precise control, electric solenoid valves for actuators, limit switches for position feedback and other accessories are also part of our delivery options. Even cryogenic ball valves are available on request.
We will be happy to help you select the right ball valve for your process. Feel free to contact us!
