At BU-Lok Valves & Fitting India Pvt Ltd, a leading manufacturer of ball valves, we recognize the pivotal role these valves play in fluid control systems. Ball valves are essential components for regulating the flow of liquids and gases in industrial processes. We understand the significance of selecting and installing the right ball valve to ensure seamless operations.
Choosing the correct ball valve involves considering specifications and adhering to industry standards. Ball valves have a wide array of applications across various industries. Whether in the oil and gas sector, chemical processing plants, water treatment facilities, or other industries requiring fluid control, ball valves are crucial for efficient operations, leak prevention, and contamination risk mitigation.
At BU-Lok Valves & Fitting India Pvt Ltd, we're dedicated to providing high-quality ball valves that meet industry standards, ensuring reliable performance and safety in fluid control systems.
Ball valves are mechanical devices used in fluid control systems to regulate the flow of liquids or gases. They are named for the spherical or ball-shaped closure element inside the valve body. This ball has a hole or port through which the fluid can pass. By rotating the ball a quarter turn (90 degrees), the valve can be opened or closed, allowing for precise control of flow.
Ball valves are known for their simple and reliable operation, making them a popular choice in a wide range of industries and applications. They are available in various sizes, materials, and designs to accommodate different fluid types, pressures, and temperatures.
The body of a ball valve serves as the outer casing that encloses all the internal components. It provides the structural framework of the valve and forms the connection points for piping. The body is designed to withstand the pressure and temperature conditions of the fluid system it's installed in. It can be made from a variety of materials, including stainless steel, brass, PVC, or other alloys, depending on the application's requirements.
The ball is the central component of a ball valve and gives the valve its name. It is typically a spherical or cylindrical element with a central hole or port through which the fluid flows. By rotating the ball a quarter turn (90 degrees), the passage can be either aligned with the valve body's inlet and outlet (open position) or perpendicular to them (closed position), effectively starting or stopping the flow of fluid.
The stem is a shaft that connects to the ball and extends outside the valve body. It provides a means for manual or automated actuation of the valve. When the stem is rotated or moved, it causes the ball to turn, thereby controlling the flow of fluid. Manual stems are often equipped with handles for easy hand operation, while automated stems can be connected to actuators for remote and automated control.
The seats are seals or gaskets located on either side of the ball within the valve body. They create a tight seal between the ball and the valve body to prevent leakage when the valve is in the closed position. Seats are typically made from materials like elastomers (rubber) or PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) to provide an effective and reliable seal.
While not present in all ball valves, an actuator is an optional component that can be attached to the valve stem. Actuators are used to control the valve remotely and can be manually operated (handwheel, lever) or automated (electric, pneumatic, hydraulic). Automation allows for precise and efficient control of the valve in situations where manual operation may be impractical or require constant adjustments.
Quick On/Off: One of the key advantages of ball valves is their ability to provide rapid and reliable shutoff. By simply turning the handle or actuator, the valve can be opened or closed swiftly, making them ideal for applications where immediate flow control is necessary.
Versatility: Ball valves are known for their versatility. They can handle a wide range of fluids, including liquids and gases, and are suitable for various industries due to their compatibility with different materials and conditions.
Low Maintenance: Ball valves are designed for durability and require minimal maintenance. Their simple construction and reliable sealing mechanisms make them cost-effective over the long term, reducing the need for frequent repairs or replacements.
Precise Flow Control: Ball valves offer precise flow control capabilities. By adjusting the position of the ball, the flow rate of the fluid can be accurately regulated, which is valuable in processes where precise control is crucial.
Durability: Ball valves are highly durable and resistant to contamination. They can endure high-pressure and high-temperature conditions, making them suitable for demanding industrial applications.
|
Specification |
Details |
|
Valve Size |
1/8" To 2" / 6 Mm To 50 Mm |
|
Thread |
Npt, Bspp, Bspt, Jic, Metric, Unf |
|
Connection |
Threaded, Tube End, Butt Weld, Socket Weld, Weld Nipple, Flanged, Sae |
|
Function |
2 Way, 3 Way, 4 Way, 5 Way |
|
Pressure Rating |
1500 Psi, 3000 Psi, 6000 Psi, 10000 Psi, 15000 Psi, 20000 Psi |
|
Seal Ring Material |
Ptfe, Pvdf, Delrin, Peek, Graphite |
|
Standard |
Iso, Din, Ansi, Api, Asme, Awwa, Mss |
|
Media |
Hydraulic Oil, Air, Water, Gas, Steam, Hot Water, Cold Water, Sea Water, Chemical |
|
Media Temperature |
(-120°c To 500°c) Range As Per Pressure |
|
Body Type |
Bar Stock |
|
Packing Details |
Box Packing, Wooden Pallet |
|
Grade |
% in 50mm Elongation minimum |
0.2% Proof Yield Strength (MPa) minimum |
Strength of Tensile (MPa) minimum |
Hardness Brinell (HB) max |
Rockwell B (HR B) max |
|
304 |
40 |
205 |
515 |
201 |
92 |
|
304L |
40 |
170 |
485 |
201 |
92 |
|
304H |
40 |
205 |
515 |
201 |
92 |
|
Grade |
Mn (minimum) |
Mn (maximum) |
C (minimum) |
C (maximum) |
Si (minimum) |
Si (maximum) |
S (minimum) |
S (maximum) |
Cr (minimum) |
Cr (maximum) |
P (minimum) |
P (maximum) |
N (minimum) |
N (maximum) |
Mo (minimum) |
Mo (maximum) |
|
304 |
- |
2.0 |
- |
0.08 |
- |
0.75 |
- |
0.030 |
18.0 |
20.0 |
- |
0.045 |
- |
0.10 |
- |
- |
|
304L |
- |
2.0 |
- |
0.030 |
- |
0.75 |
- |
0.030 |
18.0 |
20.0 |
- |
0.045 |
- |
0.10 |
- |
- |
|
304H |
- |
2.0 |
0.04 |
0.10 |
- |
0.75 |
- |
0.030 |
18.0 |
20.0 |
- |
0.045 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Grade |
British Standards |
Euronorm |
UNS No. |
SS |
JIS |
European Standards |
British Standards Name |
DIN No. |
|
304 |
58E |
304S31 |
X5CrNi18-10 |
1.4301 |
S30400 |
2332 |
SUS 304 |
|
|
304L |
- |
304S11 |
X2CrNi19-11 |
1.4306 |
S30403 |
2352 |
SUS 304L |
|
|
304H |
- |
304S51 |
X6CrNi18-11 |
1.4948 |
S30409 |
- |
- |
To ensure the reliability and safety of ball valves, various standards and certifications exist. Some of the commonly recognized standards include:
API 608: This standard specifies requirements for ball valves used in general service applications.
API 6D: It outlines specifications for pipeline ball valves suitable for the oil and gas industry.
ISO 17292: This international standard defines ball valve design and materials for use in critical applications.
- Full Port (Full Bore): In full port ball valves, the ball has a large hole that allows for unrestricted flow, making them suitable for applications where minimal flow restriction is critical. These valves offer low-pressure drops and are commonly used in pipelines and applications requiring high flow rates.
- Reduced Port (Reduced Bore): In reduced port ball valves, the ball has a smaller hole compared to the pipe size. While they offer some flow restriction, they are often chosen for applications where space constraints or cost considerations are essential.
- Three-way ball valves have three openings in the ball and are used to control flow among three pipes or ports. They are commonly used for diverting or mixing flows in various directions. Three common configurations are:
- L-Port: In the L-port configuration, flow can be directed from one inlet to either of two outlets, allowing for two different flow paths.
- T-Port: T-port valves have a "T"-shaped ball that can control flow between an inlet and one of two outlets, allowing for mixing or selecting between two different fluids.
- Double L-Port: This configuration allows for multiple flow paths and is often used in more complex systems.
- Multi-port ball valves have more than three ports and are designed for applications requiring complex flow control, such as diverting, mixing, or distributing flows among multiple pipes. They offer flexibility in managing fluid paths.
- In top-entry ball valves, the valve body can be disassembled from the top, providing easy access for maintenance, repair, or replacement of internal components. These valves are suitable for large or high-pressure applications where maintenance is crucial.
- Cavity filler ball valves have an additional cavity filled with a sealing material, which prevents the accumulation of fluid in the cavity when the valve is in the closed position. This design is useful in applications where fluid entrapment could lead to contamination or freezing.
- Trunnion-mounted ball valves are designed for high-pressure and high-temperature applications. The ball is supported by trunnions (fixed pins), which reduce the load on the valve seats, resulting in lower operating torque and improved performance under extreme conditions.
- Floating ball valves are the most common type of ball valve. In these valves, the ball is not fixed to the stem. Instead, the ball is free to move within the valve body, allowing it to pivot slightly to create a tight seal with the valve seats. Floating ball valves are suitable for general-purpose applications.
- Metal-seated ball valves have metal seats, which provide excellent durability and resistance to high temperatures and abrasive fluids. They are commonly used in applications where soft seats may degrade quickly.
- Soft-seated ball valves have seats made of materials like PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) or elastomers (rubber). They offer good sealing properties and are often chosen for applications where bubble-tight shut-off is required and where the fluid is not highly abrasive or at extreme temperatures.
- V-Port ball valves have a V-shaped ball or seat, which allows for precise control of flow rates. They are often used in applications where accurate modulation of flow is essential, such as in control valve applications.
- Ball valves are primarily used for isolation and shutoff applications. They provide a reliable means to completely stop the flow of fluids in pipelines or systems. This is particularly important in emergency situations or routine maintenance when it's necessary to isolate a section of a pipeline or system for repairs or inspection.
- Ball valves are adept at regulating the flow of fluids. By adjusting the position of the ball within the valve body, the flow rate can be precisely controlled. This feature is valuable in processes where maintaining specific flow rates is critical, such as in industrial manufacturing or chemical processes.
- Ball valves are versatile and can handle a wide range of fluids, including liquids, gases, and slurries. They are used in industries where different types of fluids must be controlled, such as oil and gas, water treatment, chemical processing, and more.
- Ball valves are suitable for high-pressure applications, making them ideal for use in oil and gas pipelines, power generation plants, and industrial processes where fluid pressures can be substantial. Trunnion-mounted ball valves, in particular, are designed to withstand extreme pressures.
- Ball valves are capable of operating in high-temperature environments, including those found in industrial processes and power plants. They are often chosen for applications involving hot water, steam, or other high-temperature fluids.
- In industries dealing with corrosive or abrasive fluids, ball valves are selected for their durability. Specialized materials and coatings can be used to make ball valves resistant to corrosion and erosion, making them suitable for chemical processing, mining, and offshore applications.
- Ball valves are employed in the food and beverage industry to control the flow of ingredients, additives, and processing fluids. Their smooth and easy-to-clean surfaces make them suitable for applications where hygiene is essential.
- Ball valves are utilized in pharmaceutical manufacturing processes to handle and control the flow of various pharmaceutical products and chemicals. Their design ensures that no contaminants enter the process.
Selecting the right ball valve for your specific application is crucial. Consider factors like the fluid type, temperature, pressure, and flow requirements. Consulting with our knowledgeable team at BU-Lok Valves & Fitting India Pvt Ltd can help you make an informed choice.
Ball valves are versatile and essential components in fluid control systems, offering benefits such as reliability, low maintenance, and precise flow control. With various types and specifications available, choosing the right ball valve is vital to ensure the efficiency and safety of your operations. At BU-Lok Valves & Fitting India Pvt Ltd, as a manufacturer of valves & fittings, we are committed to providing top-quality products and expert guidance to meet your unique requirements. Contact us today to explore our range of ball valves and discover how we can assist you in achieving optimal fluid control in your applications.
