Ball valves can indeed be used in both high-pressure and low-pressure systems, but their suitability depends on their materials, size, and design. By selecting valves with the appropriate pressure rating for a specific application, engineers can ensure that their fluid control systems operate safely and efficiently. Whether it is a simple piping system in a residential building or a complex industrial process involving high-pressure steam and chemicals, ball valves remain a reliable and versatile choice for controlling fluid flow.
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3. Characteristics of different types of ball valves
Applicable conditions
Pressure conditions:
For low-pressure systems, ball valves made of materials such as brass, plastic, or stainless steel are usually used. These valves are lightweight, cost-effective, and easy to install. They can handle pressures from vacuum to low-pressure steam and gas, making them ideal for residential and light commercial applications such as plumbing systems, irrigation systems, and HVAC systems.
For high-pressure systems, ball valves must be designed to withstand higher forces and temperatures. To meet these requirements, manufacturers use stronger materials such as carbon steel, alloy steel, or stainless steel with special alloy components. These high-pressure ball valves usually have thicker walls, reinforced valve bodies, and advanced sealing technologies to ensure that they can handle extreme conditions without leaking or failing.
Temperature conditions:
The applicable temperature range of ball valves is relatively wide, and they can be used in high and low temperature environments of -196℃~500℃, but it is necessary to select suitable sealing materials and materials according to the specific media conditions.
Flow conditions:
Ball valves are suitable for occasions with small and medium flows and strong shut-off performance. If flow regulation is required, ball valves with regulating holes or other regulating valves can be selected.
Media conditions:
Ball valves are suitable for a variety of media, including gaseous, liquid, and corrosive media, but it is necessary to select suitable materials and sealing materials according to the characteristics of the media.
Applicable scenarios
Ball valves are mainly used to cut off or connect the media in the pipeline, and can also be used for fluid regulation and control. Hard-sealed V-type ball valves are particularly suitable for media containing fibers, tiny solid particles, etc., because there is a strong shear force between its V-shaped ball core and the metal valve seat with hard alloy overlay.
Features of different types of ball valves
Hard-sealed V-type ball valve: There is a strong shear force between its V-shaped ball core and the metal valve seat with hard alloy overlay, which is particularly suitable for media containing fibers, tiny solid particles, etc.
Multi-way ball valve: It can flexibly control the confluence, diversion and flow direction switching of the medium on the pipeline, and it can also close any channel to connect the other two channels.