Valves seem to have been around forever but were only invented in 1814. Valves have come a long way since then, and many different types have come about. There are ball valves, gate valves, check valves, butterfly valves, and wellhead valves.

Valves are provided in cast steel, forged steel, and other alloys.

One of the most important is a ball valve. But what is a ball valve? How does it differ from other types, and is it better?

How does a ball valve work? Keep reading and learn more about this unique device below.

What You Need to Know About Ball Valves

The exciting thing about ball valves, also known as quarter-turn valves, is that they get used for all sorts of industries. You will find them at chemical processing plants, home water lines, and fast food restaurants. This shows the diversity of this simple valve.

Ball valves may not seem very complex, but they consist of several parts that must work together in a specific way. This allows liquid or gas to flow through the pipes and the valve. The ball valve gets its name from the ball that rests in the center of the device.

When you look at a ball valve, the ball is not immediately noticeable because it is hidden in the center of the valve body. The ball can rotate in several directions to control the flow of whatever media is flowing through the valve. The ball is professionally known as a rotary ball.

While it is very sturdy, it has a hole in it. This hole is significant as it allows for the flow of whatever is in the valve. The hole is known as a bore.

When the bore gets turned toward the valve’s exit opening, whatever is in the pipes can flow out of the valve. This may cause the contents to exit the outside world or lead the contents into another set of pipes.

It depends on the setup and what the valve is connected to. The top of the rotary ball has a stem attached to the handle that turns the ball. This gives you control over the valve.

The Details

The lever or handle used to control the valve can differ depending on what valve you’re dealing with. Some are manual; you’ll have to use your muscle power to turn them. Others are automatic and much easier to turn.

Automated operated controls are much better for huge valves that are hard to turn. Ball valve parts can be made of a variety of different materials. The best material will depend on what substance flows through the valve.

If the media is not corrosive, you can use many different materials without worrying that the media will eat through the valve. If the media is harsh, you may want to choose a material suited to the service requirement.

Standard material options include metal, steel, iron, or brass. Brass and iron are widespread since they are more affordable than steel. The main downside of iron is that it may rust if exposed to water or similar liquids.

This is why choosing the ball valve material is essential based on what contents flow through the valve. You can also get ball valves made of bronze or PVC. PVC is becoming a more common choice since it is very durable, lightweight, and affordable.

It also isn’t subject to the same wear and tear that metal valves receive. You may need to try several different valves before finding one perfect for your project. Once you do that, the ball valve will help you do whatever you need.

How Does a Ball Valve Work?

A ball valve may seem simple, but there is more to it than you’d expect. The opening of a ball valve is called a port. This type of valve can have many ports, depending on the valve’s design.

Two-way ball valves are some of the most common. They have two ports and work much like you would expect any valve to work. When you turn the valve one way, it turns on.

When you turn it the other way, it will shut off. This is an effortless valve to operate. There are also ball valves that may have three or four ports.

These valves are essential if the valve deals with more than one media to direct. Moving the same material in different directions is vital if you need the valve. If the ball valve is manual, you can operate the valve with a handle to control the media when required.

Handles or levers are distinctive of manual valves. If the valve is automated and controlled through actuation, there is no need for a human operator. There may not be handles or levers on this valve.

This is true of many electric, pneumatic, and hydraulic valves. But why would these valves be automatic instead of manual?

Manual vs. Automatic Valves

Automatic valves are more complex than manual valves.

The valves may need to be turned at such precise times and acute angles that a human operator could not accomplish these tasks. These valves may also be situated in places a human operator could not reach.

The valve may be in a very deep shaft or a narrow space without room for a person to fit. This renders automation the only answer. You will find both automatic and manual ball valves in various environments.

These valves have commercial, industrial, and residential uses. Heavy-duty valves are more commonly found in industrial environments, such as refineries, processing plants, and factories. Commercial settings may need these valves to control cooking equipment, cleaning equipment, and so on.

Residential settings may need these valves for water control systems, gas systems, and more. Most complex physical systems can’t function efficiently without ball valves.

What Are the Benefits of Ball Valves?

Ball valves have many benefits compared to more traditional types of valves. The significant advantage is that they are easy to operate, can be utilized in all applications, and don’t take up much space. This is not to say that all ball valves are small.

Some industrial valves are enormous to accommodate large quantities of media. But ball valves get designed to be as compact as possible, regardless of the size. This ensures that they don’t take up any more space than necessary.

It lets you fit other equipment near the valve, like pipes or wiring. The compact nature of this valve is essential if it gets stored in a small, remote space. Another benefit is that this valve has very fast shutoff speeds.

This cannot be said of all valves. Some valves may take an extra second or two to shut off. This may not sound very substantial, but it is when you must be precise when controlling the media flowing through the valve. It may not be possible to have even a few extra drops escape the valve.

This is especially important when you’re dealing with caustic substances or gas. You won’t have this problem when you have ball valves. When the valve shuts off, it will shut off immediately.

This ensures there won’t be any leakage that may ruin what you’re trying to accomplish. These valves are also very durable. They are more durable than most other valves due to their compact nature.

They are incredibly resistant to high pressure. This is important if whatever flows through the pipes through the valve is under much pressure. This is often true with gas and compact liquids.

It is also true of substances traveling at high speeds.

Other Advantages

Ball valves are also resistant to very hot or cold substances. This is substantial if you deal with molten materials, boiling water, and other extreme substances.

The valves also have excellent resistance to high-volume substances. High-volume substances are often very heavy and complex for most valves to handle. But ball valves won’t have a problem, especially if you get a heavy-duty one.

Another benefit is that these valves are very resistant to corrosion. This is important because the main weakness that most valves have is corrosion. Corrosion is inevitable for all valves, including ball valves.

However, ball valves provide a variety of designs that provide high resistance to corrosion.

This is because they get built to be more resistant and compact. They are also made of high-quality materials, like varied steel alloys or PVC. They are less vulnerable to physical damage as well.

This ensures that these valves will last a long time. It will also save you time and money since you won’t have to replace the valves as often. Most ball valves are famous for having very long service lives.

Another great thing about these valves is that they are super diverse. This is because they can be built with many different ports, different types of controls, etc. This ensures you won’t have difficulty choosing the perfect valve for your project.

What Are the Applications of Ball Valves?

You already know that ball valves get used in a variety of settings, but exactly what kind of applications are these valves used for? Let’s start in the residential realm. While ball valves are usually used for industrial purposes, you can find many small and simple examples in most houses.

Consider your outdoor hose. This is one of the most common residential examples of a ball valve. Once you turn the handle, the ball inside the valve will allow water to flow out of the hose.

This is one of the most direct examples of a ball valve you can interact with at home. Other examples include dishwashers and washing machines. But you will not directly interact with these valves since they are automatic.

All you need to do to activate these machines is press a button. There are many more uses for these valves in the industrial sphere. They are prevalent in the oil and gas industry.

What to Know

Oil and gas are volatile substances that must be controlled with absolute precision. If oil or gas is allowed to leak out due to a subpar valve, the result could be perilous. You will also find these valves at chemical processing plants.

Many factories use caustic chemicals for pesticides, fertilizer, etc. These chemicals can be hazardous if they aren’t controlled. This is why ball valves are so standard in this industry.

They are known for their precision and durability. This ensures that the chemicals go where they need to go. You will also find these valves at water treatment plants and other locations.

Water treatment is a delicate business. If a bit of contaminated water goes where it’s not supposed to, it could be a disaster. The precision of ball valves keeps this under control.

This helps separate clean water from dirty water. You will also find these valves in the food manufacturing industry, automotive factories, and more.

What Is a Ball Valve?

There are many types of valves out there, but what is a ball valve? This device is very durable and can handle a variety of materials. Ball valves use a rotary ball to control fluid or gas movement.

This valve may have many ports to send its contents in different directions. They get used in many industries and are known for being reliable and durable. Are you ready to get some ball valves?

DHV Industries may have precisely what you need. Check out the options we have available.