1. Core Principles
Reduced Channel Design
The ball channel diameter (i.e., channel inner diameter) of the reduced-diameter ball valve is smaller than the nominal diameter of the pipeline (e.g., a DN100 pipeline with a DN80 channel reduced-diameter ball valve), and the flow control or valve volume is reduced by reducing the channel cross-sectional area.
When fully open: the ball channel is aligned with the reduced-diameter channel, and the medium flows through the reduced channel; when fully closed: the ball rotates 90° to completely block the medium.
Opening and Closing Action
The ball is driven to rotate 90° by the valve stem, and the ball and the valve seat are used to achieve sealing. Due to the reduced channel diameter, the ball volume and the overall size of the valve can be significantly reduced.
2. Performance advantages
Compact structure
The reduced diameter design greatly reduces the size and weight of the valve (30%-50% lighter than the full-bore ball valve), which is suitable for pipeline layouts with limited space.
Cost optimization
Reduces the amount of materials (such as cast steel, stainless steel) and processing difficulty, and the price is 10%-20% lower than the full-bore ball valve.
Applicable to medium and low pressure scenarios
The pressure range is generally PN16-PN40 (1.6MPa-4.0MPa), which is suitable for the cut-off control of clean media such as water and gas.
3. Technical limitations
High fluid resistance
The reduced diameter flow channel causes a significant increase in local pressure drop (about 2-3 times that of the full-bore valve), and the energy consumption is high.
Limited flow
The flow coefficient (Cv value) is low, which is not suitable for working conditions requiring large flow or high flow rate.
Particle media are prone to clogging
The reduced diameter flow channel is sensitive to media containing solid particles and fibers, and is prone to jamming or wear of the sealing surface