FACTS ABOUT BALL VALVES

Posted on Actuated Valves July 12, 2018 by Vittorio Bonomi

2-way brass ball valve with iso top flange Enolgas USA

Ball valves with Teflon seals have some unique characteristics that you cannot find in other types of traditional valves, such as butterfly valves, plug valves, gate valves, solenoids valves, etc. Ball valves have the best ratio among pressure, flow rate and price.

The specific characteristics of ball valves are:

THE SECURITY OF SEAL

The seal is hermetic under normal conditions. Teflon seals can adapt to the relevant surface due to the precise loading, which can be obtained. Once operative the seal remains constant and the wear is limited, due to self-lubricating properties of the material. Teflon seal is elastic and can re-adapt to its original shape, provided expansion or contraction of the valve keeps the deformation within acceptable limits. Unlike most valves, the ball valve obtains a secure seal due to the inlet pressure of the fluid, compressing the ball against the opposite seal proportional to the actual inlet pressure.

VARIETY OF APPLICATIONS

Ball valves with Teflon seals are suitable to most fluids, which are compatible with brass, e.g.:

Gases: Methane, Ethane, Propane, Butane, Argon, Freon, Oxygen, etc.
Oils: vegetable, mineral, synthetic, hydrocarbons in general and all carbon fuel derivations such as Diesel, Petrol, Kerosene, etc.
Sundry: air, cold and hot water, low-pressure steam to a maximum of +248°F (+120°C)

VERSATILITY

Ball valves are suitable for low and medium pressures as well as vacuum conditions. They are ideal for both low and high temperature from -4°F +302°F (20°C to + 150°C) respectively.

PORT CAPACITY

Ball valves have a port with a circular section equal to the tube; therefore there is no turbulence in the flow, and this, in turn, reduces the loss of pressure head.

FUNCTION

Ball valves give the operator an immediate visual position of the valve status even at a distance. When the handle is parallel, to the valve and pipe, the valve is open. When the handle is at a right angle, (perpendicular) to the valve and pipe the valve is closed. The on/off operation is quickly and positively achieved by a ¼ turn of the handle, and therefore confusion and mistakes are minimized. Rotation of the ball in operation continually cleans the surface and therefore eliminates contaminants, which could cause a leak in conventional valves.

MAINTENANCE-FREE

Ball valves eliminate the need for lubricating materials due to the self (dry) lubricating properties of Teflon. Therefore a contaminant-free environment exists, and possible causes of leakage are reduced to a minimum. Because the valve and seals are constructed to close tolerances, it is unnecessary to carry out adjustments (or maintenance) during the life of the valve.

DESIGN

Ball valves are designed and constructed to fit comfortably into a pipeline, with a minimum of bulk, while retaining strength and durability for the life of the valve. The handle operation of a ball valve can be made left or right hand, while the flat handle can be replaced with a tee-handle the clearance is a problem in cramped spaces.

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