Ball valves are reliable instruments in flow control applications applied in various industries because of their extreme durability, reliability, and accuracy. Their capacity to withstand high pressure, temperature and flow rates makes them the choice of action for industrial applications. In this blog, we will explore the ball valve types and denote their primary industrial applications.

What is a Ball Valve?

A ball valve is a shut-off valve that controls the flow of a gas or liquid by turning a bore (hole) by a ball. Open when the ball’s bore is aligned in the direction of flow and closed if rotated 90 degrees, the design provides a tight seal for long idleness and a low pressure drop upon opening.

Ball valves have been known to be easy to operate, to quickly close and to last long. All these make them ideal for many ball valve industrial applications, ranging from oil and gas pipelines to water treatment facilities and HVAC systems.

Working Principle of Ball Valves

The function of a ball valve relies on the turning of a hollow, perforated and rotating ball which is contained within the valve body. This is how it works:

• Open Position: When the handle is turned, the ball will rotate in a manner that the hole has the similar direction as the flow. 
• Closed Position: 90° turning of the handle turns the ball so that the solid side closes the flow. The close seal is not leaky even at high pressure.
• Quarter-Turn Mechanism: Quarter-turn operation is standard ball valve operation and allows easy quick closing or opening.
• Seating Material: Seats and seals are typically fabricated from soft materials such as PTFE to provide low torque and bubble-tight sealing.

This simple action causes hardly any friction and less wear, which is a major reason why industrial ball valve manufacturers keep this form for mission-critical applications.

Major Ball Valve Types

Understanding different ball valve types is much required for selecting the best valve that suits for specific applications. Each configuration offers distinct advantages based on the operating environment and functional requirements.

Full Port Ball Valve

This type of valve features a ball with an internal diameter equal to that of the pipe, allowing for minimal pressure drop across the valve. It is ideal for systems that require unobstructed flow and low resistance, ensuring maximum efficiency in fluid movement.

Reduced Port Ball Valve

This standard port valve does restrict some flow, but it sacrifices on its size and cost. Such valves are typically used in water and gas systems.

V-Port Ball Valve

A V-port ball valve is a “V” shaped notch that enables effective throttling and is frequently used in industries such as chemical processing, where accuracy is critical.

Trunnion-Mounted Ball Valve

Engineered for high-pressure applications, the trunnion-mounted valve supports the ball with upper and lower trunnions. This design minimizes the load on the valve seats, thereby improving sealing performance and operational durability under pressure.

Floating Ball Valve

In this configuration, the ball is held in place by the valve seats but is allowed a small amount of lateral movement. It is well-suited for low to medium pressure systems and delivers a tight shutoff as the pressure pushes the ball against the downstream seat for an effective seal.

Three-Way and Four-Way Ball Valves

These multi-port valves are designed for diverting or mixing flows in complex piping systems. Available in T-port and L-port configurations, they are versatile components commonly used in applications where fluid direction or blending is required.

Types of Ball Valves Manufactured by V-Tork Controls

As a specialized ball valve manufacturer, V-Tork Controls is dedicated to engineering performance-driven solutions that meet the demanding requirements of various industries. Among the core offerings are screwed end ball valves and floating ball valves, each designed with specific operational advantages.

Screwed end ball valves are popular for their features like excellent surface hardness, stress tolerance, and high corrosion resistance, making them ideal to use for aggressive environments. These valves come in different sizes and configurations to make them usable in the different systems. Considered economical and compact, they feature a low torque design along with an actuator pad arrangement for ease of automation. Whether in full or reduced port form, these valves promise a long durability, especially in compact industrial setups where reliability is crucial.

On the other hand, floating ball valves feature a design where the ball is suspended within the valve body and is free to move slightly in a closed position. The ball is seated between two sealing rings that ensure optimal leak prevention. Simple in construction and easy to maintain, these valves are particularly well-suited for controlling both gases and liquids in low to medium pressure applications. Their ability to provide a tight shutoff with minimal effort makes them a reliable choice across many sectors.

With both types, V-Tork Controls, a trusted name among ball valve manufacturers in India, ensures not only superior quality and performance but also customization flexibility to meet the unique needs of each industrial client.

Applications of Ball Valves in Industries

Ball valves are widely used across sectors, thanks to their robust design and reliable performance. Some key ball valve industrial applications include:

• Oil and Gas: Managing high-pressure flow in upstream and downstream systems.
• Pharmaceuticals: Ensuring sterile and contamination-free operation.
• Power Generation: Handling steam and coolant systems.
• Chemical Plants: Withstanding corrosive fluids and aggressive media.
• Water Treatment: Flow control in filtration and distribution lines.
• Food and Beverage: Managing sanitary processing lines with hygienic valve designs.

Why V-Tork Controls?

The most famous ball valve manufacturers in India are V-Tork because it has the aim to innovate, produce good quality products, and provide customer-engineered solutions. These are therefore choices to be made:

• Product-specific valves designed for a very particular application.

• ISO-approved manufacturing processes that guarantee durability for a long period of time.

• Continuous innovation in updating the changing industry standards and technology.

• Complete technical support and service even after installation with expertise.

Final Thought

To conclude, ball valves play a major role in fluid control systems due to their ease, reliability, and efficiency. Whether it is a high-pressure fuel line or a clean water system, valve choice is paramount. By getting to know the ball valve working principles and various ball valve types, you can reach out to the leading industrial ball valve manufacturer like V-Tork Controls to make informed decisions.