Are you considering ball valves for your plumbing, heating, air conditioning, or industrial system? There are many reasons to consider this type of valve: they are robust and durable, can handle high pressure and temperatures, have low flow resistance which makes them extremely efficient to use in a variety of applications. Yet there is more to consider than just the positives when making your decision – learning the advantages and disadvantages of ball valves can help ensure that you select the best option for your unique needs. Read on to learn about 5 key advantages and disadvantages that should be taken into account before purchasing ball valves.
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What is Ball Valve?
A ball valve is cylindrical in shape and has a hollow and pivoting ball as the flow control element. The hole through the ball faces the flow when the ball is open, allowing fluid to pass through. The ball closes and the flow of fluid through the valve stops when the valve handle is turned 90 degrees. When the valve is open, the handle (or lever) is perpendicular to the flow direction, making a visual indication of the valve’s status simple. The most significant advantage of ball valves is their long service life and dependable sealing capabilities.
Advantages of Ball Valves
The following are the main advantages of using a ball valve:
High Efficiency
Due to the size of the opening in the ball, ball valves are considered high recovery valves since they have a low-pressure drop and high flow capacity. There is little turbulence or resistance to fluid flow when the valve is fully open.
Convenient usage
Ball valves are efficient and simple to use due to their simple quarter-turn (90-degree) operation. Because the valve is lightweight and small, it is also simple to install and remove.
Low maintenance
Ball valves are simpler and require less maintenance than other types of valves. The packing seal on the valve stem does not easily wear or fail because the ball valve stem rotates without axial movement. Ball valves are simple to disassemble and repair, and worn parts are inexpensive to replace.
Cost-efficient
Ball valves are less expensive than more complex valve types. They are also less expensive to maintain due to their low maintenance requirements. Long-term implementation
Robust
Ball valves are among the most robust valve types because of their ability to withstand high pressures. Their wide range of materials enables them to be used in a variety of environments across a variety of industries.
Disadvantages of Ball Valves
The main disadvantages of ball valves are listed below:
Prone to blockages
As a result of the cavities around the ball and seats, they are not suitable for slurry applications. Slurries or other thick liquids tend to solidify or clog inside of the valve cavities, causing a significant increase in the operating torque and, in some cases, rendering the valve inoperable.
Suffer from long-lasting throttling
Ball valves should only be used in one of two positions: fully open or fully closed, and they should not be used for long-term throttling. In addition to having limited accuracy in controlling the flow rate, operating in a partially open position for extended periods can cause the soft seats of the valve to deform around the edge of the hole in the ball, potentially locking it in place. Modern ball valves have a special “V” port-shaped ball that provides precise flow control characteristics.