Ball Valves
Ask us for a quote on a range of stainless-steel ball valves.
Available in 2 and 3-piece, low, medium and high pressure, BSP and NPT threads.
What is a Ball Valve?
A ball valve is a type of quarter-turn valve that utilises a hollow, perforated, and pivoting ball (often referred to as a ‘floating ball’) to control the flow of fluids. This ball is positioned in the pathway of the fluid and has a hole, or port, through it.
In the open position, the hole aligns with the flow of fluid, allowing it to pass through freely. When the valve is closed, the ball is rotated by a quarter turn such that the hole is perpendicular to the flow, effectively blocking it.
Ball valves are distinguished by their simple yet robust design, offering fast and reliable operation. The ‘quarter-turn’ aspect means that the valve is either fully open or fully closed, reducing the risk of leakage.
Constructed from a variety of materials, the most robust and resistant are those made of stainless steel, like the ones we offer at HyFit. Stainless steel ball valves are not only durable and corrosion-resistant, but they also have a long service life and broad temperature range, making them suitable for a variety of applications.
You’ll typically find ball valves in a variety of industries, including marine, oil & gas, and offshore markets. They’re used in applications where tight shutoff is required, as well as in instances where control of fluid is needed quickly. With their robust construction, easy operation, and excellent sealing capabilities, ball valves stand as a reliable solution for controlling fluid flow.
Ball Valve Benefits
Ball valves offer a plethora of advantages, making them an optimal choice for the marine, oil & gas, and offshore markets in Western Australia. Here’s a breakdown of the key benefits they bring:
Robust and Durable
Stainless steel ball valves are known for their outstanding durability. Their robust construction can withstand harsh marine conditions, high-pressure environments and extreme temperatures often encountered in offshore applications. Their resistance to rust and corrosion makes them the ideal solution for the demanding oil & gas industry.
Superior Flow Control
Ball valves offer excellent flow control. Their simple design allows for easy operation – a quarter turn is all it takes to open or close the valve, resulting in less downtime and improved operational efficiency. They also enable full flow with minimal pressure drop, making them highly efficient for large-volume applications.
Maintenance-Free
With stainless steel ball valves, maintenance is almost negligible. Thanks to their self-wiping design, ball valves prevent the accumulation of particulates, thereby reducing wear and tear. This means less frequent servicing, which contributes to lower maintenance costs and longer service life.
Versatility
Ball valves can handle a variety of fluids – gases, liquids, and semi-liquid substances – making them extremely versatile. Whether you’re controlling oil flow, managing gas lines, or regulating water in a marine environment, stainless steel ball valves provide a reliable solution.
Leak-Proof Design
Safety is of paramount importance in industries like oil & gas and offshore markets. Stainless steel ball valves come with a tight seal, ensuring a leak-proof design. This not only prevents unwanted leaks and spills but also enhances safety and contributes to environmental protection.
Cost-Effective
Despite their superior features and robust design, stainless steel ball valves are cost-effective. Their long life span, low maintenance requirements, and high performance make them valuable investments, promising a high return on investment over time.
2 and 3 Piece Ball Valves
2-piece and 3-piece ball valves are common types of ball valves that offer different configurations and specific benefits depending on your particular needs and applications. Understanding their differences can help you make an informed decision about which is best for your operational requirements.
2-Piece Ball Valves
A 2-piece ball valve consists of two parts: the body and the end piece. The body houses the ball, stem, and seats, while the end piece is attached to the body to hold everything in place. One of the key benefits of 2-piece ball valves is their straightforward assembly and disassembly.
These types of valves are cost-effective, making them an excellent choice for applications where the valve does not require regular maintenance or disassembly. They are suitable for general use in the marine, oil & gas, and offshore industries where durability and reliability are required.
3-Piece Ball Valves
3-piece ball valves, on the other hand, consist of three parts: two end pieces and a central body piece that holds the ball, stem, and seats. The three pieces are held together by bolts, allowing for easy disassembly and maintenance without removing the entire valve from its installation.
This is the key advantage of a 3-piece ball valve – it can be easily serviced or replaced without disturbing the pipeline. They also have better sealing capabilities than 2-piece valves. They’re a preferable choice for industries where the valve may need frequent cleaning or for applications dealing with corrosive or viscous media.
Both 2-piece and 3-piece ball valves, especially when made from stainless steel, offer excellent durability, robust performance, and easy control of fluid flow. The choice between them largely depends on your specific operational needs in terms of maintenance, ease of installation, and the type of fluid you are dealing with.
The Difference Between Low, Medium, and High-Pressure Ball Valves
The operational pressure of a fluid system plays a critical role in choosing the right ball valve. Based on their pressure handling capacity, ball valves are typically categorised into low, medium, and high-pressure types. Here are the differences between them:
Low-pressure ball valves are designed to handle systems with lower pressure ratings. These are typically suitable for applications where the pressure is up to 20 bar. They are commonly used in residential plumbing systems, irrigation systems, and other low-pressure industrial processes. Despite their low-pressure rating, they offer effective control of fluid flow and are known for their durability and longevity.
Medium-pressure ball valves are designed for systems operating at pressures between 20 and 50 bar. They’re often employed in commercial plumbing systems, heating systems, and some other types of industrial machinery. They provide excellent sealing capabilities and ensure the efficient control of fluid flow at moderate pressure levels.
High-pressure ball valves are constructed to withstand systems with pressure exceeding 50 bar. These heavy-duty valves are found in applications like oil and gas production, petrochemical industries, and other high-pressure hydraulic systems. High-pressure ball valves are often made of stainless steel for added strength, corrosion resistance, and durability.
It’s crucial to note that the choice between low, medium, and high-pressure ball valves is dictated by the operating pressure of your system. Using a low-pressure ball valve in a high-pressure system can lead to valve failure and potential damage to the entire system. Thus, always ensure to select a ball valve with a pressure rating that exceeds the maximum pressure of your system for optimal safety and performance.
BSP and NPT Threads
BSP (British Standard Pipe) and NPT (National Pipe Thread) are two of the most common types of thread standards used in the valve industry. They represent the method of connecting or coupling valves to pipes or other threaded components. Here’s what you need to know about each:
BSP Threads
BSP is a globally adopted standard for pipe threads, designed to facilitate a tight seal for fluids and gases. It originated in the United Kingdom but is now used worldwide except in North America.
There are two types of BSP threads: BSP Parallel (BSPP) and BSP Tapered (BSPT). BSPP, also known as G-thread, provides a mechanical seal through the use of bonded seals or washers. On the other hand, BSPT provides a pressure-tight seal through thread interference, and sealant is usually used to ensure no leakage.
BSP threads are popular in various industries, including the marine, oil & gas, and offshore markets, due to their reliability and wide acceptance.
NPT Threads
NPT, or National Pipe Thread, is a standard used primarily in North America. It’s a tapered thread designed to seal pipes and fittings for fluid conveyance. The taper on NPT threads allows them to form a seal when torqued, as the flanks of the threads compress against each other. Sealant is often applied on NPT threads to ensure a leak-free seal.
Just like BSP, NPT threads are also widely used in several industries due to their reliable sealing performance. However, it’s essential to note that NPT and BSP threads are not interchangeable due to differences in their thread forms, pitches, and diameters.
Both BSP and NPT threads are common in stainless steel ball valves. The choice between the two will depend on your geographic location, industry standards, and specific application requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A ball valve works by using a hollow, perforated, and pivoting ball to control fluid flow. When the valve is open, the holes in the ball align with the pipe, allowing the fluid to flow through. When the valve is closed, the ball is rotated so that the holes are perpendicular to the flow, blocking it. A simple quarter-turn (90 degrees) can either open or close the valve, offering easy and fast operation.
Our stainless steel ball valves come in a wide and comprehensive range of sizes to meet various application requirements. They start from smaller sizes like 1/4″ and go up to larger sizes like 4″. For more specific size requirements or for information on custom-sized ball valves, please get in touch with our sales team.
Ball valves can be made from a variety of materials, including brass, bronze, cast iron, plastic, and stainless steel. At HyFit, we specialise in stainless steel ball valves due to their high durability, corrosion resistance, and excellent performance in various harsh and demanding environments.
While both ball valves and gate valves are used to control fluid flow, they operate differently and are suited to different applications. A ball valve uses a spherical disc to control the flow and can be opened or closed quickly with a quarter-turn. They’re ideal for shutoff applications and systems requiring fast on-off throttling.
Gate valves, on the other hand, use a ‘gate’ block or wedge that moves up and down to control flow. They are better suited for applications where flow needs to be adjusted or regulated, but they operate slower than ball valves. Ball valves are typically more expensive to buy, yet work out to be more economical due to their long life and durability.
Ball valves are versatile and can be used in a wide range of applications. They are typically used in industries requiring tight shut-off capabilities, including marine, oil & gas, offshore, chemical processing, and food & beverage industries. Common uses include water, oil, and gas flow control, as well as other fluids compatible with the valve material. Please consult with our team for specific application advice.
