8 Questions To Ask Before Choosing Industrial Ball Valve ...

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Apr. 29, 2024

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8 Questions To Ask Before Choosing Industrial Ball Valve ...

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Implementing ball valves within industrial processes is an inextricable part of the fluid constraint. These valves have earned a reputation for their uncomplicated nature, user-friendly operation, and dependability. However, if you’re not familiar with the determinants that dictate their output, choosing the appropriate industrial ball valve China can be an overwhelming and arduous task.

Fluid management can be a complex process, and it involves the use of valves that play a crucial role in regulating the flow of fluids. This object can function as a full port or reduced port, which allows it to reach its maximum capacity. Port valves with full-size dimensions are designed to match the inner diameters of nearby pipelines. Standard port valves are also known as reduced port valves. They have a width of one-half of the pipe’s internal dimensions.

A reduced port ball valve with a nominal width of 1 inch can be used as an example. This valve can be operated using a ball with a diameter of 3/4 inches. This demonstrates the level of precision needed for effective fluid flow management. In this blog, we will discuss the eight questions that you need to ask to make the right choice when buying an industrial ball valve in China.

Ball Valves: Advantages and Categories

The usage of ball valves is quite everywhere in industrial applications, owing to their popularity in various fields like petrochemicals, water treatment, and many other areas. They are deemed preferable over other valve categories, presenting numerous perks that are too advantageous to overlook. The ensuing discourse scrutinizes the merits of ball valves and their assorted groupings.

Advantages of Ball Valves:

  1. Leak-tight seals:

    Ball valves offer a leak tight seal, which guarantees that no fluid or gas can escape through the valve.

     

  2. Quick opening and closing:

    When compared to other industrial valves, ball valves have a distinct advantage due to their ability to open and close quickly and precisely. This feature makes them highly suitable for applications.

  3. Durability:

    The durability and long-term life expectancy of ball valves are a hallmark that sets them apart from other types of industrial valves. This type of valve is capable of enduring severe temperatures and pressures, thus making it appropriate for challenging and rigorous environments.

Categories of Industrial Ball Valve China

There exist multiple criteria to categorize ball valves, each with the distinct features that set it apart from others. Below are the most frequently used classifications:

Valve design is based on the movement of a ball.

  1. Floating valves:

    Floating valves are designed with a structure that allows the ball inside the valve body to move freely without any restriction. The seat rings are accountable for securing the ball’s position while simultaneously maintaining the valve’s hermeticity upon ball closure.

  2. Trunnion-mounted valves

    :

    The implementation of fixed support or trunnion at the height and depths of the sphere ensures that its stationary position is sustained. This engineering approach affords supplementary reinforcement to the orb, rendering it apt for employment in contexts of heightened pressure.

Body style

There are various types of ball valves, each with its own set of distinctive features.

  • Single-body ball valves can either be made from one piece or two pieces.

  • Maintenance is easy with top-entry ball valves

  • To form a 3-piece valve, three sections are bolted together.

  • Ball valves with welded bodies offer a tight seal against leakage.

It is important to choose the correct design when choosing a ball valve.

Industrial engineers must make several crucial inquiries before buying ball valves. These questions will help you navigate the complex process of choosing the right valve for your piping system.

Here are eight questions to assist in making the appropriate choice:

  1. What Is the Material of the Valve Body?

  2. What is the valve’s size and pressure rating?

  3. What Is the Type of Connection?

  4. What type of valve actuator do I need?

  5. What is the valve’s temperature range?

  6. What is the valve’s flow coefficient (Cv)?

  7. What are the valve’s end connections?

  8. What certifications should the valve have?

What Is the Material of the Valve Body?

When it comes to selecting an industrial ball valve, the material of the valve body is an indispensable aspect that must be taken into account. The primary component of a valve is its valve body. It houses the ball and controls fluid flow. Valve bodies are made of common materials such as stainless steel, brass, and bronze.

Stainless steel is the most commonly used material for valve bodies in industrial applications. It is highly durable, resistant to corrosion, and can withstand high temperatures and high pressures. However, stainless steel can be expensive, especially if it has to be used for large valves.

Valve bodies are often made from brass and bronze. They are less expensive than stainless steel and can be used in low pressure applications. They are less durable than stainless steel, and they are more susceptible to corrosion.

Cast iron is another material that can be used for valve bodies. It is strong and durable, but it is not suitable for applications that involve high temperatures or corrosive fluids.

What Is the Size of the Valve?

It is important to take into account the size of the industrial ball valve when choosing one. There are many sizes of ball valves, from tiny 1/4 inch valves to larger 24 inch ones. The valve size will depend on the size and flow rate of the fluid.
The pipe’s size and fluid velocity are directly related to the flow rate of fluid through pipes. Although a larger valve allows for a higher flow rate, it can lead to greater pressure drops and energy losses. Selecting the appropriate valve size is crucial for maintaining fluid flow in your application. Additionally, the valve’s pressure rating is equally vital, as it must stand up to the pressures of any process it encounters.

What Is the Type of Connection?

The variety of connection is also a significant factor to consider when choosing an industrial ball valve. Ball valves can be connected using different methods, such as threaded, socket weld, or flanged connections. The type of pipe and pressure requirements of your system will determine the type of connection that you make.

Threaded connections are suitable for low-pressure applications and are easy to install. Socket weld connections are ideal for high-pressure applications and can stand up to high temperatures. Flanged connections are also suitable for high-pressure applications and are easy to install and maintain.

What type of valve actuator do I need?

The valve actuator serves as the pivotal element that controls the opening and closing mechanism of a valve. This vital component comes in various forms, such as manual, electric, pneumatic, and hydraulic, each providing a unique set of advantages and limitations depending on the operational requirements.The type of actuator you choose will depend on several factors, such as the valve size, operating pressure, and frequency of use.

Manual valve actuators are simple to operate and require no outer power source. 

They are ideal for smaller valves or applications where the valve is rarely used. Electric valve actuators, on the other hand, are powered by electricity and are suitable for applications where the valve needs to be frequently operated or remotely controlled.

They are ideal for applications where a compressed air source is readily available and are often used in industrial settings. On the other hand, hydraulic valve actuators employ hydraulic fluid to run the valve and are fitting for high-pressure applications that call for precise regulation.

What is the valve’s temperature range?

The temperature range of the valve stands as another pivotal aspect to inspect when making a choice of the industrial ball valve. Different valves are designed to operate within specific temperature ranges, and exceeding these limits can cause significant damage to the valve and potentially harm the surrounding equipment.

For instance, if the valve will be employed in a high-temperature application, it is vital to opt for a valve that can withstand extreme temperatures. 

The valve’s temperature range is specified by the manufacturer and can be found in the valve’s technical specifications.

What is the valve’s flow coefficient (Cv)?

The flow coefficient (Cv), a standard measure of a valve’s ability to control fluid flow, is known as the flow coefficient. It can be used to compare different valves’ flow capacities and is important when choosing an industrial ball valve. The Cv value can be determined by the size and shape of the valve and the internal design of the valve. It is the flow rate of water through the valve at a pressure drop equal to one pound per square inch (psi).

It is important to select a valve that has the correct Cv value in order to achieve optimal performance and avoid issues like excessive pressure drop. So, The manufacturer will usually specify the Cv value, and it can be found in the technical specifications.

What are the valve’s end connections?

The end connections of the valve refer to the way the valve is connected to the covering piping system. The type of end connection used will depend on the specific application and the piping system requirements. Common types of end connections include threaded, flanged, and welded connections.

Threaded connections are commonly used in smaller valves and low-pressure applications. Welded connections are often used in applications where a permanent connection is required and are commonly founded in industrial settings.

It is important to choose the right type of connection when selecting an industrial ball valve in China. This will ensure that it is appropriate for covering piping systems. The manufacturer will usually specify the end connections and these details can be found in scientific data.

What certifications should the valve have?

Selecting the appropriate ball valve for a specific application requires a complete ranking of their certifications. Different industries have their own set of regulations and standards to ensure that their products meet health and safety requirements. Therefore, it is crucial to determine the suitable certifications that a ball valve should have.

  • ANSI certifications:

    When you choose ball valves, it is important to consider the pressure and temperature ratings of the pipe flanges, which are determined by ANSI certifications.

  • NEMA certifications

    are the standards that define the design describes ball valves that can be electrically actuated.

  • NSF certifications

    are crucial guidelines for choosing ball valves in production services that produce food, drinks, and drugs.

It is important to verify that the ball valves selected have the required certifications for the fluid applications used in your facility. In this blog, we’ll explore in depth the importance of certifications in valve selection and the specific certifications required for different industries.

Conclusion:

Selecting the appropriate industrial ball valve is of utmost importance in verifying that your system operates efficiently and safely. By asking the right questions and considering factors such as material, size, connection type, pressure rating, temperature rating, flow rate, and type of ball valve, you can make an informed decision when choosing an industrial ball valve in China. It is crucial to select a well-respected supplier, such as EG Valves when you choose industrial ball valves. EG Valves is a respectable and well-known manufacturer and also supplier in this industry. They are also known for their high-quality products, reliable services, and reputation.

EG Valves is a well-respected manufacturer of high-quality ball valves that are durable, reliable, and efficient. So, The company offers a wide range of ball valve types, including floating ball valves, trunnion-mounted ball valves, top entry ball valves, and fully welded ball valves. Their valves are constructed using diverse materials like carbon steel, stainless steel, and alloy steel. 

Industrial Ball Valves - 9 Questions To Make The Right ...

Ball valves are versatile flow control devices suitable for extensive industrial applications. They are available in different sizes and designs, making them adaptable to diverse sanitary, petrochemical, and cryogenic applications.

These valves control the flow of fluids through a hollow, pivoting ball that is either a full or reduced port. The dimensions of full port valves are equal to the internal diameters of the adjacent pipelines. The dimension of a reduced port (standard port) valve diameter is one pipe size less than the internal size of the adjacent pipe. For example, a 1” reduced port valve will actually use a ball with a ¾” port diameter.

Ball valves have several advantages over other industrial valves, with the most notable being:

There are several ways to categorize valves. Each category or design determines the performance characteristics of the valve. The categories include:

There are a few questions that industrial engineers must ask before choosing ball valves. Finding answers to these questions guides the experts through the challenging valve selection process and helps select reliable ball valves that satisfy the requirements of the piping system. What are these questions?

1. What type of media will flow through the ball valve?

The first question that the engineers must address is the type of fluid that passes through the pipeline. Is it a liquid, gas or semi-solid (slurry)? Understanding the physical and chemical characteristics of the fluid helps analyze its behavior as it flows past the valve. Understanding the nature of the service fluid is vital for making decisions about valve materials, port designs and valve sizes. For example, when choosing a gas ball valve we must take into account its performance and reliability issues when working with combustible gases, like hydrocarbons, liquified natural gas or chemical vapors.

2. Which actuation methods will you use?

Pipeline designers must specify the type of valve actuation that will complement flow control operations. There are piping systems that require frequent valve operation and high precision levels. Other flow operations require a one-off activation of the ball valve. When choosing ball valves, the designer needs to quantify the frequency of valve operations. They also need to evaluate the energy requirements and complexity of actuation technologies. The available actuation methods for ball valves include:

Evaluate additional actuation options like spring return or double-acting actuators as well. Understand the impact of add-ons like limit switches or pilot valves on the reliability of valves.

In processes that demand fast cycle times, pneumatic actuation for ball valves seems to be the most suitable choice. Engineers can install manually-operated ball valves in strategic pipe locations to facilitate pipeline isolation for maintenance or inspection. These low-cycle valves require operation a few times a year.

3. What are the temperature and pressure ratings of the pipeline?

Specifying the pressure and temperature conditions of the service fluid and the working environment is critical when selecting ball valves. The temperature ranges of the service fluid can alter the mechanical strength of the valve. If the temperature fluctuations are too high, the valve experiences non-uniform expansion and contraction that may lead to surface fractures with time.

Ball valves should sustain the pressure of the service fluid. Exceeding the designed pressure limits affects sealing quality and can cause premature wear. Select a ball valve with temperature and pressure ratings equal or higher to the ratings of the pipeline.

4. What are the estimated annual cycles?

The frequency of valve cycling affects the durability of a ball valve. Engineers should estimate annual operating cycles to determine the durability of different ball valves in the piping system. Other factors like maintenance and media abrasion affect the reliability of valves throughout their lifecycle.

The designers should estimate life expectancy of ball valves before choosing the actuation mechanism. If properly specified, ball valves can survive several tens of thousands of operations without failure. After understanding the cycling requirements, the engineers may settle on pneumatically actuated valves that guarantee better durability and reliability than electrically actuated counterparts.

5. How do you intend to use the ball valve?

While there are different types and brands of ball valves in the market, each has a definite application area. For instance, a steel ball valve for a chemical processing facility may not meet the specifications for use in a sanitary application. Ball valves provide shut-off for pipelines and can also provide directional control of fluids. When making selections for application-specific valves, the designer should understand whether:

  • The valve exclusively shuts off the flow.

  • The valve switches flow between sources.

  • Splits flow from one source to two different destinations (applies to 3-way ball valves).

Industrial applications operate under different pressure and temperature conditions. There are strict emission and leakage control requirements attached to diverse classes of ball valves. When selecting the ball valve, ensure that it meets minimum system requirements and regulatory specifications.

7. Which materials are used to manufacture the valve?

The type of valve materials comes down to the properties of the service fluid. When evaluating valve materials, engineers should verify:

  • Compatibility with the service media

  • Resistance to corrosion

  • Cost

The most common materials for ball valve bodies are brass, stainless steel, plastic, Monel, Inconel, Molybdenum, Chromium alloys, nickel alloys or copper. Severe service ball valves require materials with better strength and corrosion resistance values like Monel or Inconel.

When examining valve materials, the designers should pay attention to the composition of seal materials. Soft-seated ball valves may use rubber seals or PTFE seals. For extreme fluid service, the ball valves feature metal-to-metal seats.

Which testing and quality assurance procedures does your valve vendor use?

When working with vendors or manufacturers, the company should request information about testing protocols and quality assurance measures that they use. Testing procedures analyze the performances of different ball valves, leak and emission tests and pressure tests to ensure valves are safe for specific applications.

Do not purchase ball valves because they are the cheapest in the market. Take an extra step to evaluate the quality assurance criteria and standardization marks on the valve body or packaging. There is no point in purchasing ball valves in bulk, only for them to fail after a few working cycles.

8. What certifications should the valve have?

The application of ball valves spans different industries. In each sector, appointed organizations certify products to verify compliance with health and safety regulations. Depending on the type of application, ball valves and their actuators are subject to the following certifications:

  • ANSI certifications: Determines the pressure and temperature ratings for pipe flanges.

  • NEMA certifications: Sets the standards for the design of electrically actuated ball valves.

  • NSF certifications: Provide guidelines for selecting ball valves in food, beverage and drug production facilities.

Ball valves should have certifications relevant to the fluid applications you are running within the facility.

9. What are the maintenance requirements for ball valves?

Ball valves do not typically require a high volume of maintenance interventions. They have simple flow control mechanisms and are less likely to fail. However, that does not preempt the fact that industrial valves, at times, will require maintenance. When selecting valves, establish a plan for inspection and maintenance. Maintain a lean inventory of repair and replacement parts like seals for valves and consumables for actuators. Manual ball valves may require fewer maintenance interventions than actuated valves.

Conclusion

Selecting ball valves for different industrial applications is not a simple process. It requires a careful review of the technical specifications of the pipeline, a balanced selection of manufacturing materials, and research on the different valve industry codes and standards. By answering the above questions, engineers and pipeline designers can make informed decisions and select reliable ball valves that provide long-term service.

Gilbert Welsford

Valve industry

Engineering

Business operations and leadership

Sales and customer service

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Project management

Innovation and industry trends

Gilbert Welsford, a renowned valve industry expert and third-generation owner of FS Welsford Company, is the visionary behind ValveMan.com, a leading platform for valve-related products. Gilbert's profound understanding of fluid dynamics and precision engineering plays a pivotal role in designing and applying various valve types. Known for his collaborative approach and outstanding communication skills, he builds strong relationships across multiple sectors and consistently ensures successful project outcomes. Committed to innovation and excellence, Gilbert remains at the forefront of industry advancements, consistently delivering solutions that exceed expectations.

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