Ball Valve Manufacturer

#1 Size

The size or the diameter of a ball valve matters. There are ball valves that supply only the full port valve. This means they have the same diameter as the pipe. Sizing matters because it affects the flow of the gas or liquid. Diameters can vary from a ¼ ball valve to as large as a 2” ball valve.

#2 WOG

Another term for water, oil or gas, WOG refers to the material passing through the valve and pipes. Each of these has different pressure ratings, which, in turn, can carry or affect various pressure ratings.

Understanding these two, as well as how valve sizes and materials interact, are determining factors in vaulting in valve efficiency.

#3 Body Material

The common one is the steel ball type, but industries also use brass or bronze with nickel plating. Most of the time, 316-grade steel is the preferred material. But, take note, this depends on the type of media flow and other conditions. Non-corrosive media should use electroless nickel plated carbon steel balls. Avoid chrome-plated ball valves because these are much more prone to corrosion.

#4 Ports

Ports are the entry and exit points of valves, which can either be full or standard. They can restrict fluid or gas flow.

#5 The Type of Flow Media

Flow media refers to the component that passes through the valve. Similarly, the type of fluid or gas plays a role in choosing the right kind of valve. In relation to this, it can produce reactions when in contact with the valve.

#6 The Entire Piping System

Ball valves are just part of the equation. Considerations should include the requirements of the entire system. For instance, the purpose of the piping system is relative to the suitability of the valve.

#7 Industry Standards

Valves should meet the criteria provided by the industry. Studies back up the standards followed by industries. By knowing what the industry requires and following this ensures minimal errors, accidents, and the likes.

#8 Seat Material

Valves using soft seats often have limited pressure threshold. However, softer materials are great sealers.

Ball valve seats often use a type of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) as a rule of thumb. One example is Teflon. One catch here, though, low-pressure applications should only use virgin PTFE.

Another soft material often used in ball valves is neoprene or fluorocarbon elastomer. Generally ideal for pulp and paper applications, this material is highly resistant to oil and moderate chemicals. However, this material is not great for highly corrosive acids such as hydraulic fluids.

Mid-range pressure applications use filled PTFE. On the contrary, high-pressure applications utilize polyether ether ketone (PEEK). Pure liquid or gas media applications use soft seats while abrasive medium uses metal seat ball valves. Meanwhile, low-pressure systems employ tungsten carbide as the coating.

Soft seat materials do not react well in high temperatures. Therefore, use a seat made from graphite. What determines the type of seating to use are the ball valve pressure rating and the materials.