A floating ball valve is a versatile and durable valving unit for different applications. Its compact structure, reliable sealing, and ease of maintenance make it a good choice for industrial applications.
A floating ball valve is an important part of your plumbing system. It’s used to control a flow of water or gas by a rotary hollow ball. The rotary motion of the ball is accomplished by a bore.
The ball can rotate either 90 degrees or quarter turns around its axis. Typically, a floating valving assembly has an elastomeric seat which helps in the movement of the ball and flow control. The material of the seat will depend on the media that you’ll be using it in.
If you want to know more about the floating ball valve, its advantages, and its limitations, follow this guide.
What Is A Floating Ball Valve and How Does It Work?
As the name goes, a floating ball valve comes with a hollow ball that floats inside the body and rotates to adjust the flow. The ball has no support, and it stays suspended in the valve. This type of ball valve is an integral part of the piping system. This type of valve is made of a floating ball that moves within the body. The ball is connected to a control mechanism through a stem. The control mechanism can be electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic.
The shaft connects to the bonnet, which protects the shaft. A hard metal cover is attached to the valve’s bonnet, and it covers the opening that’s formed when the shaft connects to the external control mechanism.
A floating ball valve is used in low-to-medium-pressure applications. They are designed to handle both gases and liquids. Because they use a bi-directional seal, they can operate reliably even at high pressures. They are lightweight and economical and are a common part of piping systems.
The floating ball valve seals a flow by rotating a ball 90 degrees. The ball rotates on a shaft connected to the operator. A slot is formed on the end of the shaft that keeps the seat perpendicular to the flow path. The seat is shaped in such a way that the ball can’t slide down the valve body.
This type of industrial valve is made of a different material. Make sure you choose a durable material. The valve should have strong and durable sealing.
Floating Ball Valve Classification
Floating ball valves are the most commonly used type of ball valve in most applications. Their simplicity and ease of installation make them ideal for high-flow rates and ease of flow changes. Several different types are available to meet different application needs. Each one is described below, along with its classification. Let’s take a closer look at each type.
One-Piece Floating Ball Valve
A One-piece floating ball valve is one that comes with a single body piece and is not detachable for cleaning. It is an excellent choice for projects that don’t require a full flow rate but still need a robust valve that is durable. These valves are typically less expensive and are best for projects where the flow rate isn’t crucial. They have blowout-proof stems and locking handles and are available with high-pressure ratings up to 1000 Psi.
Two-Piece Floating Ball Valve
This type of valve is made of two parts and can handle both high temperatures and pressures. It is designed for continuous operation and is a popular choice for many industrial applications. There are a number of benefits to this type of valve, including its durability, ease of installation, and low cost.
Three-Piece Floating Ball Valve
Three-piece floating ball valves are the most expensive of the three subtypes. It is composed of three different parts. They are the most common type in the industry. Their housings are typically large but can also be smaller for tight spaces. A three-piece floating ball valve is a standard process control device. It uses a drilled sphere that rotates around an axis perpendicular to the bore to control flow.
Advantages of Using a Floating Ball Valve
The main advantage of using a floating ball valve is its ability to handle a wide range of applications. It is suitable for complex applications that require high pressures and temperatures.
When choosing a floating ball valve, you should consider whether it is a two-piece or three-piece valve. Another factor to consider is the sealing performance. If you are planning to use a floating pump, you should choose a reliable manufacturer of the pump.
In this type of ball valve, the fluid resistance is small. On top of that, it has a simple and lightweight structure. It is tight and reliable and is widely used in different industries.
The advantages of using a floating ball valve are the simplicity of its design and operation. They are suitable for applications that require high flow rates and easy-flow changes. They are also very simple to install and maintain.
The advantages of floating ball valves cannot be overemphasized. You can use them in almost any application. Just make sure to check the specs of your project before deciding to use a floating one.
This type of ball valve is customizable and offers little flow resistance. Apart from that, the design and operation of this valve are simple. The cost-effectiveness and compact design are other advantages of this valve.
Limitations of Using a Floating Ball Valve
The most significant disadvantage of a floating ball valve is that the sealing surface can easily be damaged. It is not really suitable for a medium that contains particles.
This type of valve is not suited for cryogenic applications. However, it can be adapted to work in these conditions with the right materials. Despite these disadvantages, this type of valve is still a good choice for many industrial processes.
Incorrect fluids can cause the floating ball valve to jam. The wrong fluids will wear down the valve and may trap suspended particles. The wrong fluid can damage the valve, wear it down, and create other problems.
It can also damage or jam. It is important to know which type of fluid is suitable for the application. Once you know which type of fluid to use, you can select the right valve for your needs.
