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This blog provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and using ball valve operations, installation, maintenance, and repair. If you are interested in ball valves and use them daily, then continue reading.
Ball valve operation
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Ball valves and gate valves are two types of valves that are used in industrial applications. Ball valves are typically used for water systems, while gate valves are used for liquids and gases. Butterfly valves and ball valves are both types of valves that can be used in plumbing systems, but they have key differences. The two valves regulate the flow of liquids, gases, and steam through a pipe or channel.
The operation of a ball valve is simple and straightforward: you twist the handle until it reaches the desired position – fully open or closed. The mechanism is reliable and sturdy, which makes ball valves reliable devices for all sorts of applications.
How does ball valve work (Video Explained)
Ball valves have main components that help operate the valve. The ball valve stem connects the ball to the actuator. As the actuator is turned, the stem moves, causing the ball to rotate. When the ball is rotated, it moves from one position to another. When it does so, it opens or closes the flow of liquid through the valve.
There are many different types of ball valves but they all work on the same principle: opening and closing when pressure is applied in one direction or another. When choosing a ball valve, you should consider what kind of material it’s made out of.
Ball valve selection
In order to select the best ball valve for your needs, you will need to know some basic facts about this product. There are many types of ball valves that you can choose from: trunnion ball valve, floating ball valve, pneumatic ball valve, electric ball valve, and more.
Both pneumatic and electric ball valves are used to control the flow of liquid or gas in a system. The main difference between them is that pneumatic ball valves use compressed air to operate, while electric ball valves use electricity.
Other types of ball valves are the trunnion ball valves and the floating ball valves. The main difference between a trunnion ball valve and a floating ball valve is that in the former, the sealing element is mounted on an extension of a body, known as a trunnion, which moves along with the stem.
how to measure ball valve size
Alt-text: A video explaining on how to measure ball valve size
Ball valve sizing factors
In some cases, the size of the ball valve required must be specified based on the existing fittings on site. To determine the proper valve size, you’ll need one of the following:
- The Internal Diameter of the hose (ID)
The internal diameter of the hose (ID) is one of the most important factors when sizing a ball valve. This is because it will determine how much pressure can be applied to your system without exceeding its maximum operating pressure rating.
- The External measurement of the male thread on the fittings
This is an important consideration when choosing a valve because it determines how much room there will be between the fitting and the pipe threads inside your equipment.
Flow rate : what it is and how it impact on ball valve sizes
Flow rate is a term used to describe the amount of material that flows through a pipe or channel in a given amount of time. Flow rates are typically measured in gallons per minute (GPM) or gallons per hour (GPH).
Flow rate is directly related to the size of your ball valve and its opening. The larger the opening, the more material can flow through it in a given period of time. The smaller the opening, the less material can flow through it during that same period.
So, how does this impact ball valves? If you have a small pipe and want to increase your flow rate, then you need to increase your size or opening of your ball valve. If you have large pipes and want to slow down their flow rates, then you need to decrease their sizes or openings.
Ball valve installation
Installing a ball valve is an important part of any plumbing job. It is one of the most widely used valves in residential homes and commercial buildings.
Ball valve open or closed: how to tell
Alt-text: A video on how to tell if the ball valve is close or open
When you open a ball valve, it will rotate freely until it reaches its maximum angle (usually about 90 degrees), at which point it stops moving further and seals off the passage completely. If you try to open it past this point, it will either jam or break apart.
Ball valve open
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There are two common types of ball valves: quarter-turn and full-turn. A quarter turn ball valve has a handle that turns 90 degrees, or a quarter of a circle. This type of valve is commonly used on faucets. A full-turn ball valve requires turning the handle 360 degrees to fully open or close it. This type of valve can be used for larger industrial applications, such as water supply lines for buildings or for controlling large amounts of water.
Closed ball valve
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When a ball valve is closed, it does not allow any flow through it. The ball is in the center of the valve, blocking flow in either direction. This is why you will often see a ball valve referred to as an “on-off” valve. To close the ball valve, rotate the handle clockwise until it stops at its fully closed position.
This will stop all flow through the valve underneath your sink or wherever else you’re working on it. You’ll know when it’s fully closed because there will be no more water coming out from under your sink or leaky pipe joint.
Ball valve replacement
Replacing an existing ball valve with something new can be a relatively simple process if you know what you’re doing, but it can also be challenging if you don’t know exactly what you’re doing. This is why it’s important to understand how to replace a ball valve before attempting the task yourself. You can select the ball valve you need from one of the leading China ball valve manufacturers.
Replacing ball valve
Tools
- adjustable wrench
- a cloth
- Screwdriver
- Screws
- lubricating oil
Things to know or precautions on ball valve installation
Ball valves are commonly used in industrial applications and are typically installed in the process piping of chemical plants, refineries and other industrial facilities.
The valves are designed to move fluid flow from one pipe or line to another or shut off fluid flow completely. Before you install a ball valve, there are several things you should know about installing this type of valve.
How to replace ball valve (Video Explained)
Alt-text: A video on how to replace ball valve
When replacing a ball valve, the first thing you need to do is shut off the water. Once the water has been turned off, the next step is to remove the old ball valve. The easiest way to do this is to use a wrench and unscrew it from its place.
When installing a new ball valve, you should make sure that it will fit in place before you start to work on it. If there is any uncertainty about whether or not it will fit, then take your time measuring before you begin installing it.
To install a new ball valve, simply screw it into place with a wrench and turn on your water supply again when finished.
Ball valve maintenance
There are many reasons why it is important to know about ball valve maintenance. The biggest reason is that it will help you in saving money. If you don’t have a good maintenance plan then chances are high that your ball valve will break down, which means that you will have to replace it.
Soldering a ball valve
Soldering a ball valve is a task that can be done by almost anyone with the right tools and some basic knowledge of what you are doing. The process of soldering a ball valve is not difficult, but it does require some patience and practice.
How to solder ball valve
Alt-text: A video on how to solder ball valve
Step 1: Inspect the valve to make sure it is clean and free of damage or debris.
Step 2: Ensure the copper tube ends have been cut square and deburred.
Step 3: In preparation for soldering, the tube ends and solder cups must be cleaned thoroughly with a fitting brush, Scrotch Brite, or emery cloth.
Step 4: Apply a coating of paste flux to the inside walls of the cup and the outside surface of the tube and that is to be inserted.
Step 5: Apollo valves may be soldered with the lever and ball in either the fully open or fully closed position.
Step 6: Insert the copper tube fully into the solder cup of the valve.
Step 7: Select a torch tip size appropriate for the size of the tube to be soldered and the fuel gas being used.
Step 8: Apollo EZ-Solder lead free bronze alloys have been specifically formulated to solder the same as standard bronze alloys.
Step 9: Use soft solders with melting temperatures less than 500 degrees fahrenheit.
Step 10: Depending on the fuel selected and the orientation of the installation it may be necessary to wrap the valve body with a wet rag.
Step 11: Begin the soldering process by concentrating the heat on the tube first, always directing the flame away from the body joint.
Step 12: Allow completed joints to cool naturally.
Step 13: After soldering it may be necessary to tighten the stem packing nut.
Step 14: The same basic soldering process is used to solder lead free brass valves.
Step 15: Test it out.
Lubricating ball valve
The main purpose of lubricating ball valves is to reduce friction between the stem and its seat. This reduces wear and tear on both parts, which will ultimately extend their life expectancy. In addition, the lubricating ball valve keeps them from corroding or rusting over time.
How to lubricate ball valve
Alt-text: A video on how to lubricate ball valve
If your ball valve is squeaking or sticking while being opened or closed, then it’s likely that it needs some type of lubrication. The most common cause of this is because the surface of the ball has become dried out due to lack of use or exposure to sunlight over time. The process of lubricating ball valve is:
- Clean the ball valve, the outer surface and inner surface are washed with water and degreasing agent;
- Apply lubricant to the surface of the ball valve;
- Use a brush to polish the surface of the ball valve until it becomes bright;
- Use compressed air to blow off any excess oil on the surface of the ball valve;
- The lubricating process should be completed within 30 minutes after starting to avoid damage to the parts of the equipment.
Ball valve repair
ball valve problems
leaking ball valves
Leaking Ball Valves are a common problem in industrial processes. They are made of metal, and they can be susceptible to corrosion and leaks. When a ball valve is leaking, it may not be able to control the flow of liquids or gasses properly. The problem can cause damage and disruption to your production process if it isn’t addressed quickly.
Ball valve leaking from handle
There can be several reasons why the ball valve is leaking from the handle. The most common cause of this problem is the worn out O-ring. The O-ring seal is a small, rubber ring that sits between the handle and body of the valve. Over time, this rubber ring loses its elasticity and reduces its ability to seal properly against the handle.
Ball valve leaking internally
In some cases, ball valves can leak internally. This type of leakage occurs when there is an imbalance between the pressure inside the valve and outside pressure. It can also occur if there is an imbalance between two or more ports on the same valve.
Ball valve repair kit & tools
A ball valve repair kit for float inlet valves made of brass. It includes all of the washers, pins, seats, and pistons needed for a quick and easy repair.
How to fix a leaking ball valve
Video Source: YouTube
Alt-text: A video on how to fix a leaking ball valve
The problem with most ball valves is that they have rubber washers that can wear out over time. When this happens, water will leak out of the hole where the handle connects to the valve body. This is especially common when the water pressure is high (such as in commercial areas).
There are two different ways to fix this type of leak: replace the rubber washers or replace the entire handle assembly. Replacing the entire assembly is more expensive than replacing just the rubber washers, but it can be done by anyone who has basic plumbing skills and access to tools such as pliers and screwdrivers.
Conclusion
Learning Ball Valve Operations, Installation, Maintenance & Repair(All-In-One Solution) will certainly help you in many ways. It can give you a clear understanding of how things work. You will be able to see how things are connected together in order for them to function properly. When looking for valves, purchasing from the right manufacturer is essential. Xvhal has the right valves that you need.
Xvhal specializes in producing valves that are made to last. We have been in this business for years and have been providing quality China industrial valves to our customers. Our products include ball valves, gate valves, butterfly valves, check valves and many more.