Ball valves
Ball valves are a type of quarter-turn valve used to control the flow of fluids (liquids, gases, or slurries) within a pipeline. They are named for the ball-shaped closing mechanism that rotates within the valve body to control the flow. Ball Valves are one of the most used fluid shutoff valves and are popular in various industries due to their durability, reliability, and ease of operation.
Ball valves are operated by hand lever, gear, or actuator.
Ramén Valves produce its own line of Engelsberg ball valves in Fagersta, Sweden. We also offer ball valves from the Danish manufacturer Uni-Valve.
Different types of ball valves
Floating Ball Valve: In a floating ball valve, the ball is held in place by the pressure of the fluid. Sealing is achieved by the compression of the ball against the valve seats.
Trunnion Ball Valve: Trunnion ball valves have a stem that passes through the ball and is anchored at the top and bottom. This design reduces the operating torque and provides better sealing performance, making them suitable for high-pressure applications.
How does a ball valve operate?
A ball valve consists of a spherical ball with a hole or bore through the center. The ball rotates within the valve body, allowing the bore to align with the pipeline to permit flow or to be perpendicular to the pipeline to block the flow.
Ball valves offer quick and easy operation. Turning the handle or lever 90 degrees turns the ball from fully closed to fully open or vice versa. The quarter-turn operation makes them efficient for on/off control.
Advantages of the ball valve
There are many advantages of using ball valves, to name a few it has a quick quarter turn on/off operation, it is smaller in size than most valves and it has a tight sealing with low torque.
Quick and Easy Operation: Ball valves offer fast quarter-turn operation for efficient on/off control.
Positive Shut-Off: When fully closed, ball valves provide a tight seal, minimizing leakage.
Low Pressure Drop: When fully open, ball valves create minimal obstruction to flow, resulting in low pressure drop across the valve.
Durability: Ball valves are known for their robust construction and resistance to wear and corrosion.
Ball valves for the industry
Ball valves are critical components in industrial applications due to their robust design, durability, and reliable performance. They consist of a spherical ball with a hole through its center, which, when rotated, either allows or blocks the flow of fluids or gases. This simple yet effective mechanism makes ball valves ideal for a wide range of industrial processes. Their ability to handle high pressures and temperatures, along with their ease of operation and maintenance, makes them an indispensable tool in various industrial applications. By choosing the right materials and configurations, ball valves can be optimized for specific uses, ensuring long-lasting performance and safety in demanding environments.
Common applications
Ball valves are versatile and are used in various industries, including oil and gas, petrochemical, water treatment, HVAC, pharmaceuticals, and more. They are suitable for both high-pressure and low-pressure applications.
