Ball Valve Manufacturing Process

In the market, ball valves are in different accessibility and applications. Due to the high demand, the manufacturers who make and engineer the valve’s designs put effort into quality and production.

In this article, I will explain the significance of the ball valve and its process of manufacturing. Read the complete article to know the whole process.

What does a ball valve do?

The media flow is controlled by spherical-shaped closure units called ball valves. Along with butterfly valves, they are a member of the quarter-turn valve family.

The most frequently used valve in the industry is the two-way ball valve. It helps the fluid to flow in a straight line from the inlet to the exit. The ball’s hole is closed when perpendicular to the flow; meanwhile when it is open, it is aligned.

Ball valves are well-known sealants that work well. It is durable for any use because its body is made of metal. It is often used as a switch that can control and direct the flow of fluids like oil, gas, air, and water. Therefore, it is the best option for industries with gas applications.

Significance of Ball Valve in the Manufacturing Industry

A few applications in the market and industry utilize ball valves. The majority of ball valves are used by industries that deal with gas. Their dependability is suitable for transporting, processing and storing gas.

Ball valves have a leakproof protection ability that benefits gas industries. Additionally, ball valves are required in numerous other applications.

Bubble-tight seal ball valves can handle highly corrosive materials used in chemical industries. Throughout the mixing process, it can take chemicals. The fitting of the ball valves makes the assembling process more reasonable and practical.

Ball valves are securely tightened and closed. There is no risk of exposure to harmful gases and fluids. Because of this reason, operators are not worried about the risk of any threat.

In addition to bubble-tight valves, the chemical manufacturing industries also use double block and bleed valves (DBB) and double isolation and bleed valves (DIB). The way the valve seal handles the pressure is different between the two. DIB valves can only seal from one side against pressure, while DBB valves can seal pressure from both sides. However, in extreme circumstances, both valves can provide isolation in upstream and downstream directions.

It is an advantage to use ball valves in any manufacturing industry. Due to their longer life span, they work efficiently. Furthermore, ball valves require little maintenance.

Process of Manufacturing Ball Valve

Ball valves produced in stable and high quality are maintained and controlled by the process details. Regarding quality control of their production processes, manufacturers give all their effort.

1. Ball Valve Engineering and Plan

Some products need adjustments, so the manufacturers have to plan and engineer them. Operators can guarantee that the products ensure with the requirements and standards.

2. Basic Materials

Manufacturers need to use raw materials following the requirements. The materials are stored separately to prevent misuse because Some products vary from the materials it needs.

3. Forging and Cutting

Depending on the application, ball valves are in different sizes. The valve is heated at a high temperature for its perfect shape to forge and cut it. Forged ball valves are robust and tight and prevent leaks, making them preferable for most industries.

4. Trimming

To make ball valves in the right shape, trimming moulds are used by manufacturers to remove the flashes and burr of its rough body.

5. Sandblast

the roughness on the valve bodies can be washed out with the help of sandblasting machines. It gives the valves a clean and smooth surface.

6. CNC Machining

CNC and multi-axis machines obtain the correct thread and dimensions from the technical drawing for ball valves. It’s a crucial step in ensuring better quality products. It checks to see if the product meets the standards.

7. Treatment for the Surface

Producers need to follow environmental rules and regulations from the government. As a result, treatments are applied to the products to ensure it does not harm the environment.

8. Assembling

Then comes the assembling step. You must assemble the valve’s spare parts into its body on the production line. They are manually created and fitted as a whole valve.

9. Qualitative Test

Each ball valve will undergo quality testing to ensure no leakage. For this purpose, the valve is introduced to 6 to 8-bar pressure air for 24 hours.

The testing period depends upon the size of the valve. If the valve size is large enough, the testing period will be longer; if the size is small, the testing period will be shorter. Always check the valves for leaks after the test.

10. Transport and packaging 

Operators inspect the finished ball valves before packaging. Henceforward, the products are now ready for delivery.

The steps mentioned above are the general process for manufacturing a ball valve. To modify and produce better versions, different manufacturers may have an additional step in their approach. Asking the manufacturers for further questions would be the best option.

Conclusion

So far, I have discussed the manufacturing process of the ball valve. Ball valves need excellent attention during manufacturing to maintain reliability and quality in the industry. Since valves control the application process, they greatly help the sector.

Therefore, they are in high demand. Because of this reason, peers recommend a ball valve that satisfies the standard and requirements. To better understand the manufacturing process of ball valves, read this article. If you have any questions about this article, share them with us.