High Pressure Ball Valve

Product Overview

A ball valve is a robust quarter-turn shut-off device that utilizes a rotating, perforated sphere (the ball) to control the flow of liquids or gases. At its core, the mechanism is brilliantly simple: when the handle or actuator is aligned with the pipe, the ball's internal bore (hole) faces the flow path, allowing the medium to pass through with minimal resistance. Conversely, a 90-degree turn of the handle rotates the ball so that its solid face blocks the passage, creating a bubble-tight seal. This 'on/off' design makes them exceptionally reliable for applications where immediate shut-off is critical, though they are generally less suited for precise throttling, which can cause uneven wear on the internal seats.

The construction of a ball valve consists of five primary components: the body, which acts as the pressure vessel; the ball, which is the moveable flow-control element; the stem, which transmits torque from the handle to the ball; the seats, which provide the leak-proof seal; and the bonnet, which houses the stem and its packing. These valves are available in various body configurations, such as one-piece (economical and low-leakage), two-piece (standard and repairable), and three-piece (ideal for high-maintenance industrial lines as the center section can be removed without disturbing the surrounding pipes). Additionally, designs like Trunnion-mounted valves use an anchored ball for high-pressure systems, while Floating balls rely on fluid pressure to push the ball against the downstream seat for a tight seal.