Ball valves are essential components used in various industries for controlling the flow of fluids and gases. They offer reliable and efficient operation, making them widely used in plumbing, oil and gas, chemical, and manufacturing industries.
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This article comprehensively introduces ball valves, including their classification characteristics, practical uses, installation guidelines, maintenance tips, precautions, and the advantages of choosing butterfly valves from Dombor.
What is a Ball Valve?
A ball valve is a type of valve that uses a spherical disc, known as the ball, to control the flow of fluids or gases. The ball has a hole or port through its center, which allows or restricts the flow when it is rotated. By rotating the ball either 90 degrees or 180 degrees, the flow can be turned on or off, or the degree of flow can be adjusted.
Classification Characteristics of Ball Valves:
Floating ball valves: The fluid or gas can pass around the ball since it is not fastened and can move freely between the seats.
Trunnion ball valves: The trunnions or stems that support the ball provide greater stability and lessen the possibility of ball blowout.
Two-Way Ball Valves: These valves have one inlet and one outlet port, allowing for simple on/off flow control.
Three-Way Ball Valves: These valves have two inlet ports and one outlet port or vice versa, enabling diversion or mixing of flow.
Metal Ball Valves: These valves, which can be used in high-pressure and high-temperature applications, have a metal ball made of materials like stainless steel, brass, or bronze.
Plastic ball valves are excellent for corrosive or low-pressure applications because they have a plastic ball manufactured of PVC or CPVC.
Functional Uses of Ball Valves:
Ball valves have a variety of uses across numerous sectors. Ball valves are frequently used for the following purposes:
Flow Control: Ball valves are frequently used in pipelines to initiate, stop, and regulate the flow of liquids or gases.
Shutoff applications: help isolate parts of pipelines for maintenance or repair.
Throttling Applications: Ball valves control fine flow by partially opening or closing the valve.
High-Pressure Applications: Ball valves are excellent for high-pressure systems because they produce a tight seal and can sustain pressure.
Low-Pressure Applications: They are also employed in low-pressure systems because of their low torque needs.
How to Install the Ball Valve Correctly:
Correctly installing a ball valve ensures optimal performance and prevents leaks. The following are the measures to take for proper installation:
1. Select the right size and type of ball valve for your application.
2. Pipe ends should be prepared by cutting them correctly and eliminating burrs.
3. Apply a suitable sealer or thread tape to the pipe threads.
4. Attach the ball valve to the pipes, ensuring a tight fit.
5. Tighten the connection using a pipe wrench or other suitable instrument, taking care not to overtighten.
6. Inspect the valve and connections for leaks. Turn on the fluid or gas flow.
7. make any necessary changes or repairs to ensure a tight seal.
How to Maintain the Ball Valve Daily:
Regular maintenance extends the life of ball valves and maintains their efficient operation. For everyday maintenance, follow these steps:
1. Examine the valve for evidence of leaking, corrosion, or damage.
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2. Remove any dirt, debris, or accumulation from the valve and its components.
3. Use an appropriate lubricant to lubricate the valve stem and other moving parts.
4. To ensure smooth and unfettered movement, turn the valve a few times.
5. Check the seals and gaskets on the valve and replace them if worn or broken.
6. Maintain a record of maintenance actions for future use.
Precautions for Ball Valves:
When working with ball valves, take the following steps to guarantee safe and effective operation:
1. Do not exceed the manufacturer's maximum pressure and temperature ratings.
2. avoid exerting too much force when operating the valve to prevent damage.
3. Inspect the valve and its components regularly for symptoms of wear or deterioration.
4. follow proper installation and maintenance methods to avoid leaks and malfunctions.
5. use safety equipment such as gloves and eye protection when handling valves and associated materials.
Why Choosing Butterfly Valves from Dombor:
While ball valves have various advantages, butterfly valves, particularly those manufactured by Dombor, are preferred in some situations. Dombor butterfly valves offer the following benefits:
1. Butterfly valves from Dombor are frequently less expensive than ball valves, making them a cost-effective solution for specific applications.
2. Compact Design: Because these valves have a small profile, they require less space for installation, which is helpful in tight or limited places.
3. Butterfly valves usually require less torque, resulting in smoother and easier actuation.
4. Dombor butterfly valves are noted for their long-lasting performance and durability, enabling constant and reliable operation.
5. Because of their compatibility with various fluids and gases, they can be employed in various industries, including water treatment, HVAC, and food processing.
Final Words
Finally, ball valves are critical components utilized for flow control in various sectors. Understanding their classification features, functional purposes, correct installation and maintenance, and precautions are critical for obtaining the best performance and lifetime.
While ball valves are commonly utilized, there are times when butterfly valves, such as those offered by Dombor, might give unique benefits. Consider your application's requirements while deciding between ball valves and butterfly valves.
If you are looking for quality valves that do not depreciate over time, Dombor offers only the best quality and especially made for your business! Talk to our experts today.
Valve actuators can bring many benefits to an operation, including reduced maintenance costs, increased uptime and better safety. There are many more benefits and reasons why you should use an actuated valve, so continue reading our helpful guide to discover the top five reasons to invest.
The primary objective for an actuated valve is to move a valve into an open or closed position. It attaches to and works in conjunction with two parts: the valve pilot and the valve body.
As manufacturers crave for more productivity and efficiency, the need for actuated valves has become more important. Here are five reasons why you should use an actuated valve for your application:
Actuated valves allow for greater control and visibility of a system. If using a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) or Distributed Control System (DCS) type system, it’s easy to communicate with valves and get a feedback signal to confirm that they’re in the position needed. When valves are manual, the door to operator error is left open.
The ability to remotely control a valve allows operators to stay safe. An actuated valve lets operators keep away from extreme hot and cold temperatures. It also allows them to stay clear of hostile environments, such as those with noxious gases.
In an emergency situation, an actuated valve goes into fail safe positions, whether that’s fail open or fail close. Pneumatic actuator valves will use a spring return, while an electric actuator valve has a back-up battery to allow for fail safe positioning.
A valve actuator takes one more thing off the mind of an operator when an emergency occurs.
When an actuator valve is involved, there are a great deal of cost-savings to be had for manufacturers. The operator is always in contact with the valve actuator. This ensures that the valve is open to just the right percentage, avoiding any wastage that would lead to an increase in costs.
When a valve is manually operated, there is a risk not only of wasted materials but of potentially ruined product due to manual operational errors.
Actuated valves are brilliant when valves can’t be easily reached manually. Whether that valve is located high above or down too low, if it’s actuated it can be remotely controlled.
This is another aspect of the safety that actuated valves can bring. It gives operators easier control of the valves and stops them from potentially risking injury by trying to control hard-to-reach valves.
Large valves can be difficult to close with a manual wheel, while fluid viscosity and velocity can have an impact on how much torque is needed to close the valve. Requiring operators to close large valves with manual wheels against rushing water is going to cost a lot of man hours and cause a decrease in productivity. It may also increase the risk of injury.
Setting up a valve with the appropriate valve actuators can make sure you have the right amount of force to turn or lift the valve every time.
Automation in the process industry is increasingly commonplace these days because actuators enable valves to operate with ease and reliability.
BM Engineering stocks quarter-turn actuators, which suit (but are not limited to) our ball valves and butterfly valves. We have the ability to add control and indication features, such as position feedback and Namur solenoid valves.
We also have in-house testing facilities for AS-i, Exi and 4-20mA control valves. Various other types of actuated valves are also available on request, such as angle seat valves, globe valves, diaphragm valves, 3-way valves, and electric actuated valves.
If you’d like to know more about the actuated valves we have at BM Engineering, don’t hesitate to contact us on 0141 762 0657 or email us at sales@bmengineering.co.uk.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of wafer ball valves supplier. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.