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HOW TO WORK THE BALL VALVES
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What is a Ball Valve?
Ball valves are quarter-turn on/off devices. A pivoting ball in the center of the valve controls the flow of liquid or gas media.
The pivoting ball is known as a rotary ball, and it is designed with a hole (a bore) in the center. A stem on the top of the ball rotates the ball to open or close the valve. The stem can be turned using manual levers or automation.
Ball valves are most commonly made of materials including steel, iron, brass, bronze or PVC.
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How Does a Ball Valve Work?
Ball valves can have multiple ports, which are the openings in the valve. Two-way ball valves have two ports and are used for traditional on/off control. Multi-port valves (3-way, 4-way, etc.) are used in applications that require more than one source of media or that need to divert media in different directions.
The port of a ball valve can be opened or closed to control media either manually or through actuation. The manual option requires handles or levers and an operator to control the valve. Electric, hydraulic and pneumatic actuation don’t require an operator to control the valve. Actuation is ideal for complex control systems or those that are in remote areas that an operator cannot easily access.
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Benefits of Ball Valves
Compared to other types of valves, ball valve offer several notable advantages:
- Compact, economical designs
- Fast shut-off speeds
- Durable in high-pressure, high-volume and high-temperature applications
- Less prone to corrosion or damage
- Long service life
- Versatile and ideal for a range of industrial applications
Applications That Use Ball Valves
Ball valves are used everywhere from around the home to specialized industries. Here’s a look at a few examples:
Home applications:
- Washing Machines
- Outdoor Hoses
- Dishwashers
Specialized industries:
- Oil & Gas
- Food & Beverage Equipment
- Automotive
- Vehicle Wash Systems
- Power Processing
- Pharmaceutical
- Chemical Admixtures & Treatment
- Irrigation & Water Treatment Equipment
- Manufacturing Facilities
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