, Ball Valves
A ball valve is one of the most frequently used types of valves in the home and industrial piping. Ball valves are a type of shutoff valve with a spherical, easily-rotatable core. This core is embedded in the valve body and is outfitted with a reinforced rod that is connected to an external knob. This knob can be used to adjust the valve to the desired position.
Ball valves are most frequently used because they are an inexpensive and efficient form of shutoff control. Because of the valve’s sphere-like shape, it can fully open or completely close with just a few turns of the knob. This is unlike many other valve designs, which require multiple turns in order to achieve the desired position. Additionally, because of its spherical shape, ball valves also have a low flow resistance and thus provide a superior flow rate.
Ball valves are best suited for liquids, as gas and vapors can easily escape around the sphere and cause leakage. In addition, the spherical design of ball valves makes them particularly good for tight spaces, as their small size allows them to easily fit into any room.
While ball valves are great in terms of economics and efficiency, there are a few drawbacks to consider. First and foremost, because these valves are only designed for liquids, they are not recommended for gas lines or applications that contain air. Additionally, the knob used to control the valve is rather small, making it somewhat difficult to open and close. As a result, many ball valves don’t close perfectly, which can result in a small amount of air or gas being allowed to escape around the sphere.
Despite these drawbacks, ball valves are still one of the most popular types of valves and are highly recommended for most standard liquid applications. In addition, they are inexpensive and easy to install, making them a great choice for pipes that don’t require complex designs or advanced technologies. Many homeowners have found these valves to be an excellent cost-effective option that provides the shutoff control they need.
