A industrial ball valve is a valve that controls a flow of a fluid!

It is one of the most common types of valves used in industries for flow control. 

In this type of valve, the stem connects the ball to an external control mechanism. This stem is connected to a handle or lever to close the valve. A seat, which provides a seal between the body and the ball, supports the valve and prevents the ball from coming out of the body. 

A ball valve has many different uses. It is used to control the flow of fluids and gases in a variety of different situations. It can be manually operated or can be controlled through actuation. 

Both methods are advantageous in some situations, but there are some important differences between the two types. Regardless of the type of flow control you need, a ball valve will help you control the flow of liquids and gases.

If you want to know more about industrial ball valve and how it works, follow this article. 

What Are Industrial Ball Valves?

A ball valve is a device used in the industrial process. Industrial ball valves are used to switch between on and off services for fluids. In simple terms, it’s a flow control device that uses a hollow, perforated ball that pivots to control the flow of liquid. Their applications span across industries, from mining to oil and gas to agriculture and consumer goods. 

Aside from manufacturing, they are also used in agriculture, heating and cooling, water, and oil and gas. The best thing about these valves is that they can be customized for a specific application. With the latest advancements in computer programming and CNC machining, they have become more advanced. 

Another benefit of these valves is that they are widely available with throttling capabilities, which will allow operators to pass a variable amount of fluid through the valve.

The four main parts of industrial ball valves are a body, shaft, inner ball, and handle. The body is attached to the pipe structure and keeps the valve safe from external threats. 

The inner part is called the ball. A quarter-turn force transferred from the handle to the hidden part activates the ball. These four parts make up a complete ball valve. There are many other types of industrial ball valves available.

There are manual and automated ball valves. Manual ones are operated by wrenches and levers. Electric actuators and pneumatic air compressors are also used to control the flow. Moreover, they are available as self-contained or stand-alone units. 

The materials used to make these devices vary. Various applications are available for these products. Due to their affordability and ease of operation, they are among the most popular type of shutoff valves.

How Do Industrial Ball Valves Work?

Industrial ball valves are used for handling fluids that contain solids in suspension or fibrous materials. These types of valves are versatile and used in various industries for flow control. 

A ball valve works by using a hollow perforated pivoting ball to control the flow of a liquid. When the hole in the ball is parallel to the direction of flow, it is open. When the handle is turned 90 degrees, the valve closes. When it is closed, the ball is aligned with the direction of flow. The open and closed positions can be shifted clockwise or counterclockwise. This enables the user to control the flow of liquid with ease.

The working principle of a ball valve is relatively simple. The ball disc is attached to the stem, which is movable. When the stem is turned, the ball enters the bore and rotates by 90 degrees. The stem rotates the disc to open or close the valve. This causes the ball to close or open the pipe. A good seal is necessary to prevent the passage of media through the valve. 

A ball valve has a body that serves as its foundation. It acts as a barrier against the pressure of the media. Its handle pivots 90 degrees to close. The ball disc is attached to a lever or handles that allow the user to visually verify the state of the valve. If the handle is perpendicular to the valve, it means the valve is open. If it is perpendicular, it means that the valve is closed.

There are five main components in a ball valve, i.e., stem, ball, seat, handle, and body. A ball valve’s seat is connected to the stem through the valve’s stem. When you move the handle, the stem moves, and the ball rotates to either close or open the port for water to flow. This is how industrial ball valves work. 

What Are The Common Types of Industrial Ball Valve?

Ball valves are strong and durable and are often used in a wide variety of applications. Here are some of the common types of ball valves used in industries. 

Standard Ball Valve

Threaded ball valves are designed to minimize the number of fittings used in a project. They come with three or four ports, i.e., male or female valves. This valve comes with a ball, lever, seats, and housing. They are available in a variety of sizes, materials, and functions and are available in many different types. Standard ball valves have a metal stem and trim. These valves are installed through a body or packaging. The standard ball valve has a large, open port. This design makes it easy to install and requires no special maintenance. 

• Hydraulic Ball Valve

As their name implies, high-pressure ball valves are commonly used in piping systems to control fluid flow. They are commonly found with the same flange connection and pressure load. Typical applications for hydraulic b-valves include air and water pipelines. Hydraulic ball valves are a great choice for high-pressure piping systems. The ball is isolated from the medium when it is fully opened and closed, which means the medium will not erode the sealing surface. 

Flanged Ball Valve

Regardless of the liquid you’re trying to control; flanged ball valves are the right choice. These units are versatile and can handle most types of gas and fluids. They are capable of handling natural gas, propane-butane, lighting gas, biogas, and other gases. Their versatility makes them the perfect choice for most flow control applications. They also have a low-pressure drop, making them a great option for cryogenic applications. When it comes to quality and functionality, flanged ball valves are among the best products you can buy. 

Vented Ball Valve

Vented ball valves are a type of industrial valve that is used to direct the flow of fluids through a process. These valves are widely used, ranging from the plumbing of your sink to the refinery. In the pharmaceutical industry, they are used to control the flow of steam for sterilization. They are an indispensable institution across industrial and domestic landscapes. A vented ball valve has an orifice drilled into its ball that creates a flow path. When closed, this orifice allows the trapped service medium to escape.