Ball valves are one type of quarter turn valve. A ball valve consists of a handle outside the valve that is attached to a ball inside the valve with a port (hole) through it. When the handle is perpendicular to the two ends of the valve, so is the port. This is the closed position. Turning the handle moves the ball so the port is in line with the two open ends of the valve, allowing flow.
The advantages ball valves over other types (like globe or gate) is that they are durable and effectively shut off flow even when used infrequently. They are also simple to repair and come in a wide range of sizes (1/4-12"). Throttle control in ball valves is not as fine as some other types, but they are still often preferred for their other benefits.
There are a number of differentiations between ball valves:
1. A ball valve may be split body, single body, welded or top entry.
2. Full, standard, reduced and v-port ball valves restrict flow differently.
3. Besides straight through ball valves, there are also two- and three-way.
4. Ball valves are stainless, brass, titanium or plastic.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Shop multiple retailers for the best ball valve price
Quality comes first, but there are a number of places to make your valve purchase. So, do some comparisons to find the best ball valve price before making your valve purchase.
I recommend: Start with
Grainger; they have well over 200 ball valves, including steel and brass ball valves, and their ball valve prices are competitive.
SMC also has a wide selection, including a nice selection of plastic ball valves.
Review ball valve technical information
Pay close attention to the type (i.e. two or three way), pressure and temperature ratings, and the composition (i.e. steel, brass or plastic) of various ball valves. Paying attention to this type of ball valve information will prevent composition mismatches, like a brass valve in a galvanized system, valve failures due to excess pressure on a low rated valve, and seat failures due to high temperatures.
I recommend: Know the specification of your application and check the ball valve information on the website from which you make your ball valve purchase. When you get your order, take a look at the manufacturer's information that comes with the ball valve. The stainless steel motorized valves from
KZ Valve come in a variety of metals, but you'll also note that they have a variety of types and pressure ratings.
Maintain and repair your valve purchase
Ball valves hold up well, but it is still a good idea to give infrequently used valves a turn once in a while. This will prevent corrosion from locking them up. When a ball valve fails to turn or, though it is rare, leaks, then there are options for refurbishing the valve, rather than replacing it.
I recommend: Some valves come apart rather easily. Sometimes moving the parts and/or lubricating them is all that is necessary. Other times, you'll have to consider if replacing parts is cost efficient.
Schutte & Koerting provides support for a number of valve problems. Also,
Boig and Hill, Inc. provides online maintenance manuals along with their product listings.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- For large, high pressure situations, use trunnion ball valve, in which the ball is mechanically anchored at the top and the bottom of the valve.
The official source of Ball Valves is the Ball Valves page at Business.com
Related Resources from Business.com
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