Construction:
- Ball valves feature a spherical ball with a bore through its centre.
- The ball is supported by two seals, and the stem rotates the ball within the valve body.
Operation:
- The stem rotates the ball 90 degrees between the open and closed positions.
- In the open position, the bore aligns with the flow path.
- In the closed position, the bore is perpendicular to the flow path, stopping the flow.
Here are concise examples of Ball valve applications in industry:
Power Generation: Used in cooling systems and steam lines for reliable shut-off and flow control.
Example: Controlling cooling water flow in power plant heat exchangers.
Pharmaceuticals: Applied in sanitary applications where cleanliness and ease of cleaning are crucial.
Example: Managing fluid flow in pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.
Food and Beverage: Used for hygienic applications due to their ease of cleaning and maintenance.
Example: Controlling the flow of liquids in beverage production lines.
Summary
Both valve types rely on a 90-degree rotation to open or close the valve, thus regulating fluid flow. The primary difference is the shape of the obstructer (plug vs. ball). These valves are commonly used for shut-off and isolation in various industrial applications.
