Ball Valves
Learning objectives
- Describe the operation of a ball valve
- Identify the ball valve’s advantages and disadvantages
- List the four common ball valve port designs
- List the four general ball valve body styles
- Explain the significance of valve handle positions on a ball valve
Course overview
The ball valve, like the butterfly valve, belongs to the valve family called quarter turn valves. To operate it, you turn a handle attached to a ball inside the valve. The ball has a hold, or port, through the middle. When the port is in line with both ends of the valve, flow occurs. When the hold is perpendicular to the valve ends, flow is blocked.
Ball valves are excellent for shut-off applications. They don't offer the fine control necessary for throttling applications, but are sometimes used for this purpose. Ball valves can be made from materials that withstand corrosion and caustics. They are low cost and easy to install, so they are dominant in chemical uses with low pressure.
The Ball Valves training course explains the use, selection, and design of ball valves found in industrial applications. This online course focuses on:
- Ball valve operation
- Ball valve design
- Ball valve, body, ball, and seat construction
- Ball valve stem and bonnet design
Ball Valves is part of the Valve Selection and Maintenance training series.
- Training Type: Online Interactive
- 45 Minutes
- English