Ball valves are critical parts that regulate the flow of gases or liquids and are widely used in several industries, from manufacturing to the oil and gas industry.
When choosing a ball valve for your application, consider several parameters to ensure optimum performance and efficiency.
With this in mind, we are discussing some key parameters in detail today.
Construction Material
The material used in construction is essential to consider as it dictates the durability and suitability of the ball valve for its intended application.
There are several material options, with brass, SS (stainless steel), and PVC (polyvinyl chloride) being the most popular. Brass valves are used for general purposes, while stainless steel provides excellent corrosion resistance and can, therefore, be used in harsh conditions. PVC valves are lightweight and chemically resistant, so they can be installed where there is a high chance of corrosion.
Size and Pressure Rating
It is imperative to decide on the correct size and pressure rating. This is because it caters to flow capacity and system pressure. Typical sizes range from ¼ inch up to several inches in diameter. The pressure ratings indicate the maximum allowed pressures by the valve without any safety issues.
It’s a no-brainer that you choose a valve size and pressure rating that match your system’s requirements to avoid leakage or failure during operation.
Valve Type: Floating or Trunnion-Mounted
Floating and trunnion-mounted are the two main types of ball valves.
A floating ball valve’s floating design allows the ball to move slightly off the stem, creating a tight seal when pressed.
Trunnion-mounted ball valves, however, have balls that are rigidly attached to their stems, supported by trunnion bearings for stability and durability. Hence, they are ideal for high-pressure or large-bore applications.
Make sure you consider your system’s requirements when selecting between these options.
End Connections
The end connections indicate how the valve shall be installed and linked to a piping system.
Common end connections include threaded, flanged, and welded.
Threaded connections can be easily made but may not fit high-pressure application requirements. Flanged connections guarantee an unyielding seal that suits high-pressure systems. Welded connections are permanent and leak-free, but they require skilled labor during installation.
You may choose the end connection type based on either system requirements or installation preferences.
Flow Control and Actuation
Think about the flow control and actuation methods needed for your system.
Humans operate manual ball valves, which are cheap and dependable. However, they may not be appropriate for remote or automated systems. In contrast, automatic ball valves feature electric or pneumatic actuators to allow for inclusion in automated frameworks and permit distant operation.
Depending on your system’s unique needs, choose an ideal flow control mechanism and an actuator.
Environmental and Regulatory Compliance
It is necessary to check the ball valve for compliance with environmental requirements for a particular industrial sector.
Certain factors, such as temperature range, safety considerations, and chemical com patibility, must be taken into account to ensure that the valve meets all relevant standards and guidelines.
Find High-Quality Ball Valves at Obaid Masood
Look no further than Obaid Masood Building Materials Trading L.L.C. for high-quality ball valves for your industrial needs.
Being one of the leading suppliers of ball valves, our organization provides a range of options to meet your particular requirements. We take great care in manufacturing our valves to guarantee their effectiveness and safety in every setting.