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Trunnion type ball valve |
The basic design of a ball valve is similar to that of a plug valve. Instead of a plug though, a ball valve uses a spherical ball sandwiched between two sealing rings in a the valve body. This ball has a hole to allow the fluid to flow through. When the valve is closed, isolation is provided by the sealing rings and the solid side of the ball.
Ball valves are manufactured in different body configurations and the most common are:
The following are some typical applications of ball valves:
Ball valves provide a very good leak-tight service. They can be quickly opened or closed, with low torque requirements. They are smaller and lighter compared to other valves for isolation. Soft seated ball valves can be used for clean applications whereas metallic seated valves can be used for slurry applications. Ball valve design is flexible with several varieties. Multiport ball valves offer special design options that are not possible with other valves.
Ball valves are manufactured in different body configurations and the most common are:
- Top entry ball valves allow access to valve internals for maintenance by removal of the valve bonnet-cover. It is not required to be removed valve from the pipe system.
- Split body ball valves consist of two parts, where one part is smaller than the other. The ball is inserted in the larger body part, and the smaller body part is assembled by a bolted connection.
The following are some typical applications of ball valves:
- Air, gaseous, and liquid applications
- Drains and vents in liquid, gaseous, and other fluid services
- Isolation valves for liquid and gaseous services needing leak tight valves
- Emergency shutdown valves
- Low differential pressure control valves
- Control and shutdown valves for steam service
Ball valves provide a very good leak-tight service. They can be quickly opened or closed, with low torque requirements. They are smaller and lighter compared to other valves for isolation. Soft seated ball valves can be used for clean applications whereas metallic seated valves can be used for slurry applications. Ball valve design is flexible with several varieties. Multiport ball valves offer special design options that are not possible with other valves.