2024-09-10
A ball valve operates on the principle of a hollow ball that rotates within a bore. The ball has a hole through it, which allows the flow of liquid or gas through the valve when the hole is aligned with the inlet and outlet ports of the valve. The ball can be rotated 90 degrees in either direction using a handle, which will cause the hole to become perpendicular to the ports and block the flow of fluid.
One of the key advantages of a ball valve is its ability to provide a tight shutoff, as the ball is pressed firmly against the seal when in the closed position. This makes them a popular choice for applications where leakage could have serious consequences, such as chemical processing, oil and gas refining, and power generation.
There are several different types of ball valves, with variations in design depending on factors such as the pressure and temperature of the fluid, the flow rate, and the desired level of control. Some common types include floating ball valves, trunnion-mounted ball valves, and multi-port ball valves.