Classification with Images for Better Understanding
By Structural Principle
Floating Ball Valve:
- The ball is floating and can move under medium pressure to press against the outlet seat for sealing. Suitable for low-pressure, small-diameter pipelines. E.g. Q41F-16C heavy-duty carbon steel cast floating ball soft-seal handle flange ball valve
- Fixed Ball Valve: The ball is fixed by bearings at both ends and does not displace under medium pressure. Ideal for high-pressure, large-diameter pipelines, such as fully welded fixed through-type ball valves for high-pressure natural gas transmission.
- Orbital Ball Valve: The ball opens/closes via orbital movement, offering excellent sealing and long service life.
- V-Port Ball Valve: Features a V-shaped core with a shearing effect on the seat, suitable for media with fibers or small solid particles (e.g., QV347/QV647/QV947 V-port control ball valves).
By Sealing Type
Soft-Seal Ball Valve: Sealing pairs consist of metal and non-metal materials (e.g., rubber, PTFE), providing good sealing and low friction but lower temperature/pressure resistance. E.g. Q41F fully welded flange ball valves with soft-seal structures (search for images of soft-seal designs).
Metal-Seal Ball Valve: Sealing pairs are made of metal materials (e.g., stainless steel, alloy steel), offering higher temperature/pressure resistance but slightly less sealing than soft-seal types. E.g. High-pressure hard-seal ball valves for high-temperature, high-pressure, and clean media.
By Connection Type
- Flange Ball Valve: Connected via flanges, ensuring firm installation and good sealing for all pressure/temperature systems. E.g. Q41F fully welded flange ball valves in various materials/pressure classes (view flange connection diagrams in product manuals).
- Wafer Ball Valve: Installed between two flanges with bolts, compact and lightweight but with slightly lower sealing than flange types.
- All Welded Ball Valve: Fully welded connections (e.g., Q61F buried fully welded ball valves) for high sealing and corrosion resistance, suitable for underground pipelines.
- Threaded Ball Valve: Connected via internal threads, ideal for small-diameter pipes with easy installation but lower pressure resistance (e.g., Q11F brass threaded ball valves).
By Actuation Method
Pneumatic Ball Valve: Driven by compressed air for fast operation, suitable for automated control systems (e.g., Q641F pneumatic flange ball valves for remote control).
Electric Ball Valve: Driven by an electric motor for precise control, ideal for remote and automated regulation (e.g., Q941F electric flange ball valves with electric control systems).
Hand lever Ball Valve: Operated by a hand lever, simple and cost-effective for infrequent use (e.g., common handle-type ball valves).
Worm Gear Ball Valve: Driven by a worm gear for high torque, suitable for large-diameter and high-pressure valves (e.g., Q361F worm gear high-pressure welded ball valves).
By Material
Stainless Steel Ball Valve: Including 304/316 types, corrosion-resistant for aggressive media and high temperatures (e.g., 304 two-piece ball valves, 316 three-piece ball valves).
Cast iron Ball Valve: Made of cast steel for medium-low pressure systems (e.g., Q41F-16C carbon steel cast floating ball valves).
Forged Steel Ball Valve: Forged for higher strength/toughness, suitable for high-pressure, high-temperature, and flammable environments.
Fluorine-Lined Ball Valve: Inner surface lined with PTFE for excellent corrosion resistance in aggressive media
By Pressure Rating
ANSI Ball Valves: Rated in Class 150/300/600/900/1500/2500 (e.g., Class 150 for low pressure, Class 2500 for high pressure).
GB Standard Ball Valves: Designed to Chinese national standards with various pressure ratings.
By Special Applications
Cryogenic Ball Valve: For low-temperature environments (e.g., LNG), with excellent cold resistance and sealing
Natural Gas Ball Valve: Specifically designed for gas transmission, with high sealing and corrosion resistance.
Explosion-Proof electric Ball Valve: For flammable/explosive environments, preventing sparks and static discharge.
Three-Way/Two-Way Ball Valve: Three-way valves direct media flow (one inlet, two outlets or vice versa); two-way valves are standard on/off types.
Full Welded Ball Valve: What is it
A full welded ball valve is a tough, leak - proof valve for handling gas, liquid, or slurry, especially in high - pressure jobs. Its whole body, including end parts, is welded together. This means no leaky flanged joints like other valves. The welded design makes it super strong and able to handle extreme conditions. The ball inside rotates to control flow, and the solid welded build keeps it sealing well for a long time.
Design Standards? Here’s the deal:
ASME: B16.34 sets rules for how it’s designed, sized, and tested. It makes sure the valve can handle different pressures and temperatures safely. B31.3, for process piping, matters when it’s used in chemical plants or oil refineries. It ensures the valve fits right into the piping system.
ISO: ISO 14313 is key for oil and gas. It says how the valve should be made for pipeline use. ISO 5211 standardizes actuator mounting, so swapping actuators later is a breeze.
API: API 6D is a big one for oil and gas pipelines. It covers everything from design to testing, making sure the valve works reliably in rough pipeline conditions.
You’ll often find these valves in oil and gas pipelines, power plants, and petrochemical factories. In pipelines, they keep hydrocarbons flowing safely over long distances. In power plants, they handle high - temp, high - pressure steam without breaking a sweat.
Stainless Ball Valve: What is it
A stainless ball valve is a versatile and corrosion - resistant valve used to control the flow of various fluids. Made primarily from stainless steel, like 304 or 316 grades, it’s built to handle different environments without rusting or corroding easily. The ball inside rotates to open or close the flow path, and with stainless steel’s smooth surface, it provides a tight seal and easy operation.
Design Standards? Let’s break it down:
ASME: B16.34 lays out the rules for how the valve is designed, sized, and tested. It ensures the valve can handle different pressures and temperatures safely. B31.3 matters when the valve is used in process piping, like in chemical plants, making sure it fits right into the system.
ISO: ISO 5211 standardizes the mounting of actuators, so if you need to change them later, it’s no big deal. ISO 9001 is a quality certification that shows the manufacturer makes reliable valves.
API: API 607 focuses on fire - safe requirements, important for valves used in oil and gas where fire risks are high. API 6D sets the bar for pipeline valves, ensuring they work well in tough oil and gas pipeline conditions.
These valves are everywhere! You’ll spot them in the food and beverage industry, controlling the flow of ingredients or drinks while keeping things hygienic. In the chemical industry, they handle corrosive chemicals thanks to their stainless - steel build. And in water treatment plants, they manage the flow of water and treatment chemicals, lasting a long time without getting damaged.
Pneumatic Ball Valve: What is it
A pneumatic ball valve is a practical and efficient valve that uses compressed air to control fluid flow. Instead of manual operation, it has a pneumatic actuator that opens and closes the ball inside by using air pressure. This makes it super quick to operate and perfect for automation. The valve body can be made from materials like cast iron, stainless steel, or brass, depending on the application, and the ball and seats are designed for a tight seal.
Design Standards? Here’s the scoop:
- ASME: B16.34 sets the rules for its design, dimensions, and testing. It ensures the valve can handle different pressures and temperatures safely. B31.3 is important when it’s used in process piping systems, making sure it fits right in with the rest of the setup.
- ISO: ISO 5211 standardizes the mounting of actuators. So, if you need to swap out the pneumatic actuator, it’s easy to do. ISO 9001 is a quality certification that shows the manufacturer produces reliable valves.
- API: API 6D matters a lot when these valves are used in oil and gas pipelines. It covers design, materials, and testing to make sure they work well under tough pipeline conditions.
You’ll find pneumatic ball valves in all sorts of places. In chemical plants, they quickly control the flow of all kinds of chemicals. In the food and beverage industry, they handle ingredients and drinks while keeping things clean. In oil and gas, they’re used in wellhead controls and pipelines to manage the flow of oil and gas. And in water treatment plants, they regulate the flow of water and treatment chemicals, helping to keep the process running smoothly.
Electric Ball Valves: What is it
An electric ball valve is a convenient and automated valve that uses electric power to control fluid flow. Instead of manual operation, it’s equipped with an electric actuator. Just flip a switch or send an electrical signal, and the actuator makes the ball inside rotate to open or close the flow path. This allows for precise control and easy integration into automated systems. The valve body can be made from materials like cast iron, stainless steel, or bronze, depending on the application, while the ball and seats are designed to ensure a tight seal.
Design Standards? Here’s the lowdown:
ASME: B16.34 defines how the valve is designed, sized, and tested, ensuring it can handle various pressures and temperatures safely. B31.3 is crucial when the valve is used in process piping, making sure it fits well within the overall system.
ISO: ISO 5211 standardizes the mounting of actuators, so swapping out the electric actuator later is a piece of cake. ISO 9001 is a quality certification that proves the manufacturer turns out reliable valves.
API: API 6D sets the requirements for electric ball valves used in oil and gas pipelines, covering design, materials, and testing to ensure they perform well in harsh pipeline conditions.
These valves are all over the place! In chemical plants, they precisely control the flow of different chemicals, reacting quickly to process changes. In the food and beverage industry, they handle ingredients and drinks while maintaining hygiene standards. In oil and gas operations, they’re used for wellhead controls and pipeline flow regulation, often controlled remotely for safety. And in HVAC systems, they adjust the flow of hot or cold water to keep indoor temperatures just right.
Fluorine-lined Ball Valve: What is it
A fluorine-lined ball valve is a heavy-duty solution for handling super corrosive fluids. Its secret weapon? A lining made of fluorine-based materials like PTFE, FEP, or PFA that coats the inside of the valve. This lining acts as a shield, protecting the valve body from getting eaten away by strong acids, alkalis, or other aggressive chemicals. The ball and seats also get the fluorine treatment, ensuring the whole wetted surface can stand up to harsh substances. When the valve opens or closes, that tough fluorine lining keeps things sealed tight.
Design Standards? Check this out:
- ASME: B16.34 sets the rules for how the valve is designed and tested, making sure it can handle different pressures and temperatures without breaking down. B31.3 matters when it’s used in process piping, ensuring it fits properly in chemical plants or other industrial setups.
- ISO: ISO 5211 standardizes the actuator mounting, so swapping parts later is hassle-free. ISO 9001 is a quality stamp that shows the manufacturer makes reliable valves.
- Chemical Industry Standards: In China, HG/T 20592 - 20635 specifically covers fluorine-lined valves. It details everything from design to inspection, ensuring these valves are up to snuff for chemical industry use.
You’ll spot fluorine-lined ball valves in chemical plants, where they handle all kinds of gnarly chemicals. In pharmaceutical factories, they’re used to control the flow of solvents and ingredients while keeping things sterile. They’re also key in wastewater treatment plants, dealing with acidic or alkaline wastewater, and in the electronics industry, handling highly pure chemicals without any contamination risk.
