If you’ve ever wondered what a floating ball valve is, you’re not alone. It is one of the most common types of valves used in the piping industry. 

First of all, this type of valve is great for slurries and solid-liquid mixtures. They don’t create a seal, so water doesn’t leak through them.

Floating ball valves are connected to the stem on one end so that the ball can float freely inside the valve. There are two seats in a floating ball valve, and they contain elastomeric sealing rings. 

These seal rings provide tight shutoff when the valve is closed but protect the seats from high pressure when the valve is turned on. 

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

What Is A Floating Ball Valve?

A floating ball valve has a hollow floating ball that controls the flow. Unlike a traditional sluice valve, this valve utilizes a ball as its structure. Instead of blocking the flow of fluid, the floating, hollow ball remains suspended in a liquid. It is secured in place by a sealing mechanism and floats in the sluice fluid.

This type of valve uses a hollow ball that floats in a liquid to regulate its flow. It is made of a metal stem and two flexible seats that are arranged to make a seal. Floating ball valves are designed to allow water and other media to flow in both directions. 

A floating ball valve has two pieces. The body contains all the moving parts of the valve. The stem connects to the ball’s top surface. This lateral movement is the load on the ball and enhances the leak-tightness of the valve.

A floating ball valve is the most common type of ball valve. In its closed position, the floating-ball design allows the ball to move in a lateral direction freely. The valve has two seats that connect the ball to a shaft in a slot on one end. This connection prevents the moving of the floater when the valve is in the open position. It’s also used in the process industry to control liquid-liquid slurries.

How Does A Floating Ball Valve Work?

A floating ball valve works with a simple hollow ball to close and open. It is connected to a stem that moves the ball slightly in an upstream direction. This mechanism creates a seal, which prevents water from entering the valve body. Floating balls are designed to float in liquid, so the water in the upstream direction does not get in through the downstream seat. 

These valves work on the principle of equalizing pressure. When the ball passes through an open valve, the hole in the ball is in the path of the flow. The valve seat is deformed by this pressure and then pivots 90 degrees to close. When the valve is closed, the handle moves away from the valve and opens it. As the ball moves, the handle also moves away from the valve. 

A floating ball valve is available in sizes. The float is held in place by friction between the seat and the floating ball. If the float is out of the way of the flow, the valve will not open. An open valve will have a hole parallel to the handle, while a closed one will have a hole perpendicular to the handle. Whether the handle is parallel to the valve or perpendicular to it will determine whether the valve is open or closed.

Floating ball valves can be used for both on- and off-line fluids. On-stream pressure will push the upstream seat down, stopping the water flow. The ball valve’s bidirectional nature will allow the medium to flow in either direction without the valve being closed. This makes it an excellent choice for various industrial applications. Its advantages are numerous. A floating ball valve can also be used to convey liquid with suspended solid grains.

A floating ball valve is a type of valve with a hollow, ball-like sphere at its core. It has two flexible seats on either side of the stem and floats in a fluid slightly downstream. When pressure increases on the upstream side of the fluid, the ball is pushed against the downstream seat. This results in a tight seal. These valves are typically used in high-pressure and low-temperature applications.

This ball valve has several applications, and it is more flexible than a trunnion-mounted one. It can be made from steel, iron, bronze, PVC, and other materials. The floating ball valve has an actuator, which can be a lever, gear, pneumatic/hydraulic device, or a combination of these. It has a very small volume and is ideal for narrow spaces or limited-flow areas. This type of ball valve is often used in the industrial piping system. 

A floating ball valve is an excellent option for any application where high-pressure fluids need to be controlled. Floating ball valves are available in a variety of sizes, with a one-piece option being the smallest. They also have a one-piece stem, making them compact and affordable. They are often used in smaller pipelines where cleaning is not a major concern. These types of floating balls valves are easy to install and maintain.

Why Should You Use A Floating Ball Valve?

The floating ball valve is an efficient way to control flow in most liquids and gases. Its flexible design allows for many different applications, but the biggest advantage of this type of valve is that it can be used anywhere. Its small size and high flexibility make it a good choice for a variety of applications. However, there are some drawbacks to using this type of valve. You need to know the specifics of the application to determine the best option for you.

Floating ball valves are able to handle high pressures and temperatures. Because of their unique design, they can adapt to varying pressures. The valves that use these valves tend to leak more often than other types, so you should make sure the floating balls are large enough to withstand the flow. Also, if the ball is too large, it tends to settle on the seal ring. When this happens, it compromises the seal ring’s function.

Floating ball valves are often used in pipeline systems because of their high-pressure capabilities and the ability to adapt to changing temperatures. The valves that use floating balls can also handle high temperatures, which is important for systems handling volatile materials. The quick and easy operation of floating ball valves makes them ideal for this type of application.