The ball valve is a rotary valve with a ball with a circular through hole as the opening and closing part. Its core functions and application characteristics are as follows:
1. Core function
Cut off the fluid (full open/full closed)
By rotating 90° to align the ball through hole with the pipeline (open) or vertical (closed), the medium can be completely conducted or cut off, with reliable sealing and convenient operation.
Distribution and flow direction switching
Multi-way ball valve (such as three-way, four-way): can control the flow diversion, confluence or flow direction switching of the medium between multiple pipelines;
For example: a three-way ball valve can achieve T-type (diversion) or L-type (reversing) flow path control.
Change flow direction
The single-way ball valve changes the inlet/outlet direction of the medium by rotation to meet the needs of pipeline layout adjustment.
2. Function expansion (special type)
Flow regulation (V-type ball valve)
The V-shaped cut ball cooperates with the valve seat to achieve linear flow control through the rotation angle, which is suitable for working conditions that require precise adjustment.
Handling of impure media (hard seal ball valve)
The metal hard seal valve seat design can effectively shear fibers and solid particles (such as ash and slurry) to prevent clogging.
3. Advantages
| Features | illustrate | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Low flow resistance | The full-bore design makes the fluid resistance close to that of a straight pipe (resistance coefficient ≈ 0.05) | Reduce pumping energy consumption, suitable for large flow systems |
| Quick opening and closing | The switch can be completed by rotating 90°, and the response speed is better than gate valve/stop valve | Emergency shutdown scenarios (such as security systems) |
| High sealing | Soft seal (PTFE) leakage rate ≤10⁻⁶ mbar·L/s, hard seal resistant to high pressure flushing | Harsh media (corrosive, toxic gases) |
4. Applications
Basic industries: petroleum refining, chemical pipelines (cutting off and distribution);
Energy systems: cooling water control of power stations, natural gas transmission cutoff;
Municipal engineering: opening and closing of water supply and drainage networks, switching of flow direction of heating systems;
Special working conditions: food and medicine sterile pipelines (copper ball valves), slurries containing particles (hard seal ball valves).
