Ball Valve Buying Guide (2021 Update)

It is a one-way valve opened and closed by pressure on a ball that fits into a cup-shaped opening. A ball valve is a form of a quarter-turn valve. It used a hollow, perforated, and pivoting ball to control flow through it.

Ball valves have a metal ball with a hole bored into the center, sandwiched between two seats to control the flow. Ball Valve is open when it is pivoted 90 degrees by the valve handle. The valve handle lies flat with the flow when open, and it becomes perpendicular to it during closing. This process makes it easier to confirm the valve’s status visually.

• Number of ports
• Design
• Bore size
• Ball access
• Seat type
• Body assembly etc.

We will review the most common and popular ones here in detail.

Full Port Ball Valve

The full port ball valve is one of the most expensive ball valves. In this type of ball valve, the hole is oversized, allowing unrestricted flow of material (liquid, gases, vapors, etc.). In addition, the size of the hole and pipeline are almost the same size allowing the flow of material with very little or no friction.

Full port ball valves are efficient for throttling applications in various systems with high flow coefficients and low-pressure drops.

Standard Port Ball Valve

The standard port ball valve has a smaller ball and port as compared to the full port ball valve. Therefore, it is often cheaper than other types of Ball Valves. The flow is slightly restricted due to the pipe size, but it does not restrict flow too much. Although the standard port valve is cheaper than other ball valves, it has higher pressure drops than other types.

Standard port valves are excellent for systems having a high flow coefficient. They are very common in the market and are used in almost every industry, requiring a ball valve. They can also be used as a one-size-fits-all valve. However, it has one drawback; since they have restricted flow, these types of valve can be worn out by overuse.

Reduced Port Ball Valve

A reduced port ball valve, shortly known as RB, has reduced ball valves to control the shrinkage of flow as needed. In reduced port ball valves or reduced bore, the flow area is smaller than the size of the pipe. This means that the incoming pipe is reduced by size on one side of the valve, which helps the valve create the pressure drop in the pipeline. The reduced port ball valve’s feature of restricted flow makes it useful in many industrial applications.

V Port Ball Valve

The V in the v-port ball valve represents either the shape of the seat or the shape of the ball, but most commonly, it is the shape of the ball. V port ball valve helps you to control the flow rate efficiently. It also enables you to control the opening and the closing better. It has a linear type of flow characteristic. These types of Valves face high velocities of fluids, forcing designers to develop more robust construction for them since these types of fluids quickly damage a standard valve. V port ball valve is also useful in maintaining flow characteristics.

True union (Trunnion)

A ball valve that has a mechanically anchored ball is known as a trunnion ball valve. These ball valves have a pin that secures the ball in place and stops its movement. This valve has two shafts at the opposite ends of the ball, which enable the supporting of a segmented ball by the valve and enable the system to cause less friction between different parts of the true union valve.

The trunnion valve has a high scope in systems with high velocities as they can stand higher pressure than the standard port ball valve. It allows the ball to still operate while being very efficient and long-lasting.

Trunnion ball valves can easily stand pressure even higher than 600 psi. So they are an essential part of operations where high-pressure flow is expected. They are durable and long-lasting, and one can remove them from the system if necessary.

Ball valve manufacturers are emerging everywhere due to the high demand for ball valves in almost every industry. They are the fundamental part of hydraulic and air systems. Many manufacturers of ball valves online claim that they are the best, but here we will present you with some trustworthy and professional ones. If you want to buy a valve for your needs, always buy it from a certified manufacturer and always do thorough beforehand. Ask the manufacturers about all the qualities they are offering and inquire about your desired ones. Then, contact different manufacturers and carefully choose the best for you. Here are some best and certified manufacturers from all over the world.

DBV VALVE CO. LTD is manufacturing ball valves since 2001. Over the years, they have introduced a wide range of ball valves with increased quality and automation. They move with the trends of the world in automation and valve control. This company has high customer satisfaction, and it is a multinational company. Visit their website at https://dbaovalve.com/.

Burkert fluid control system produces reliable ball valves. Their valves are highly sturdy and long-lasting. They can also specialize in any order if required. They are trustworthy in this field.

American valve, Inc. is a reliable company, and its products can bear rigorous pressure without breaking down. This manufacturer put a focus on developing cutting-edge technology. They also have excellent customer service.

Assure Automation offers different types of Valves with a complete selection of automated valves, manual valves, and accessories. They provide high-quality products with a warranty. They have been serving for more than 30 years and have exceptional customer service.

Williams valve corporation also offers many types of Valves with unique designs and impressive qualities. They also deliver valves made up of stainless steel or cast steel. They have been serving this industry since 1918.

Jordan Valve is a valve manufacturer offering sanitary valves (sanitary control valve, cavity-filled three-piece ball valve), control valves (all-purpose, high flow pneumatic), low flow valves, pressure regulators, and more. Jordan Valve is a division of Richards Industries and has been around since 1947.

Choosing a ball valve requires thorough research. You have to get your requirements straight before inquiring about different manufacturers. Following are some essential things to consider before buying a ball valve. There are various options in the market; it is essential to look at all the factors to ensure the correct valve selection for your application.

Usage

Before choosing a ball valve, you need to determine for what purpose it will be used. Do you need to regulate the flow or stop it? In which system are you going to use the valve? Do you need a high-pressure drop valve or not? Carefully consider your demands before selecting a specific one.

Media type

It is then important to verify the type of media that will circulate in the system: is it a gas or a liquid? Also, determine whether the media is corrosive, chemically neutral, a food product, or a medical fluid that requires special hygiene conditions beforehand?

The traits of the liquid or gas type for which the valve will be used will determine the material of the valve that should be used. During handling of harsh or corrosive materials, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and perfluoroalkoxy alkanes (PFA) are excellent choices, as they can withstand these unbearable conditions. Pressurized gases can be extremely harmful, so make sure to use metal valves for a relatively high level of safety. There are many materials used to manufacture a valve. Each material has its own qualities, and not every material can be used for everything. That’s why recognizing media type is necessary before buying a ball valve.

Application conditions

Finding the correct valve size is the most crucial step in selecting the right valve for your applications. If your valve is not of proper size, it will create different problems. The oversized valve can cause operation issues and within the valve or elsewhere in the system. In addition to the valve’s size, we also determine the temperature, pressure, and flow rate that your valve will have to face. For example, commonly metal valves are preferred under higher temperatures and pressures than plastic ones as they can withstand these conditions.

Valve Function

There are two types of Valves: two-way valve and 3-way valve. These valves perform well for on/off control systems, but the 3-way valve has an additional feature of diverting or mixing the media. Now you have to determine which type of valve will best fit your application. Also, determine whether your valve will be closed or often most of the time. To increase the life of the valve, order a valve that will perform well under your system’s conditions.

Actuation method

An important consideration to be made before purchasing a valve is how the valve will be operated. In the operation system, the valve will be either manually or operated or automated. In manual valves, an operator must control and operate the valve, while in the automatic valve, the valve can be controlled remotely from a control station. If your valve is automated, you have to decide whether the unit will be used with an electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic actuator.

Dimensions of valve

Once you have determined the above-mentioned elements, you can focus on the technical characteristics of your installation, the flow, pressure, and temperature that the valve can withstand.

Ball valves are used both in plumbing and piping. They are leak-resistant and very durable, but on the other hand, they can get damaged also. We will discuss the common causes of ball valve damage.

Poor material choice

Ball valves are made up of different materials; among them, the most common ones are plastic and metals. Wrong material choice for specific applications leads to the failure of the ball valve.

Poor Seat Design

Valve seat design determines the life of the valve. If the seat is poorly designed, it will lead to the leakage of media from the valve and eventually lead to the failure of the valve.

Improper operation

Manual ball valves require an operator at one end for proper functioning. Automatic valves need an appropriate system of control. If valves are not properly operated, it will lead to the failure of the valve. Moreover, routine maintenance of the valve is also required to increase the life expectancy of the valve.

Faulty Installation

Always install the specific valve which suits the particular application. For example, metal valves are for high pressure and extreme temperature environments. Installation of plastic valves there will lead to damage to the valve. Proper installation procedures are generally explained in the manuals given with the ball valves. It usually starts with arranging and lifting instructions, followed by local cleaning and assembly into the piping. For example, in the Ring Type Joint gaskets, cleaning is crucial. This type of metal-to-metal valve relies on the smooth and finished surface to achieve sealing. Such surfaces are easily damaged if proper cleaning is not performed prior to installation.

There are some other reasons for the failure of ball valves:

1. Plastic deformation
2. Corrosion
3. Cold flow
4. Friction/excessive forces

The ball valve can be repaired only if the problem is the packing washer. You can change the packing washer, and the ball valve will be repaired, but you need to replace the valve in case of other damages.

Steps to fix the ball valve

For repairing, initially, you just need an adjustable wrench and the cloth. Later you might need a screw, screwdriver, and lubricating oil depending upon the condition of the ball valve. Once you have all the tools, you need to follow the following steps.

Turn off media supply.

This step is critical. You have to make sure that the source of media ( water, any liquid, or gases in case of industrial applications) is turned off completely. If not, it will interfere with the repair process, and wasting of media will also occur.

After the supply source is cut off, drain any excess fluid and dry it with a cloth. Then remove the handle to find a ball valve. Next, use an adjustable wrench to remove the ball valve and inspect for any fault.

Removal and disassembly of the ball valve

Use an adjustable wrench to pull the valve out. Carefully disassemble the valve and look for any defect or damage. The organization is the key to success in this step. Keep all the disassembled parts organized and protected. If any part gets lost or misplaced, finding the fault will become difficult, and the repair process may cost more money than initially intended.

Every type of ball valve is made a little differently according to its applications. They have different parts for different tasks, but mainly you will inspect four different parts if you are removing a compact PVC ball valve: the parts are handle, the double stem O-ring, joint end additional O-rings, and the ball valve sphere.

Inspect ball valve parts

Inspection of all parts of the ball valve is a tedious task and requires plenty of time. But the time spent will be worth the trouble. By looking carefully at every part, you will find small tears and cracks in the faulty region that are causing the problem. Instead of the faulty part, if the remaining ball valve is fine, you just need to replace the cracked part. Replacements of spare parts are available in the market, and you can buy them from there. After replacing the part, organize and assemble the ball valve using screws and lubricating oil. Again install the ball valve back and start the media supply.

Replacement with a new ball valve

If damage occurred to the ball valve is non-repairable, then you have to replace the ball valve with a new one. You can buy a new ball valve from any manufacturer mentioned above.